How many non-alcoholic beers to get drunk?
Although non-alcoholic beers have low alcohol content, you could actually get drunk after taking a certain amount.
Non-alcoholic beers are popular globally due to their refreshing taste. They help you avoid the drawbacks of drinking conventional alcoholic beverages, like impaired judgment or intoxication. Studies have shown that even up to 0.5% ABV content in a drink cannot make adults legally drunk and impair their abilities like regular beer.
However, non-alcoholic beers still contain traces of alcohol. Therefore, drinking too many of these beers might get you drunk. This blog will discuss how many non-alcoholic beers it takes to feel intoxicated or buzzed. We also provide responsible alternatives if desired.
What Is Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer contains 0.5% or less alcohol by volume (ABV). As a result, they provide a low level of intoxication when consumed, allowing responsible, moderate consumption for adults.
Non-alcoholic beer is brewed from the same ingredients used for regular beer, including malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. The difference lies in the production process: For non-alcoholic beer, the alcohol is reduced to a deficient level (often close to 0%).
Brewers use physical removal methods such as reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation techniques to do this. Alternatively, some breweries employ fermentation-limiting strategies by reculturing yeasts with modified attenuation profiles.
While removing alcohol, these processes often cause collateral damage impacting aroma and flavor, mainly when done using physical removal processes.
Comparison Of Non-alcoholic Beer With Regular Beer
Non-alcoholic and regular beer differ, including their brewing process, taste, and alcohol content. The following table highlights the key differences between the two types of beer:
| Aspect | Non-Alcoholic Beer | Regular Beer |
| Alcohol Content | Up to 0.5% | Around 4%-6% or higher |
| Brewing Process | Alcohol removal methods such as vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or arrested fermentation | Entire fermentation process to produce alcohol |
| Taste | Milder and lighter taste, sometimes lacking the full flavor of regular beer | Fuller flavor and complexity due to the presence of alcohol and various brewing methods |
| Examples | Heineken 0.0, O’Doul’s, and BrewDog Nanny State | Budweiser, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and Guinness Draught |
Can You Get Drunk On Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer contains minimal alcohol, usually no more than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). This low level of alcohol means that it would be virtually impossible for an adult to become drunk from drinking non-alcoholic beer.
Therefore, you might still maintain your sobriety even after taking a few bottles of non-alcoholic beer due to its low alcohol content and how the body processes alcoholic drinks.
The amount of time it takes your body to process and metabolize the alcohol can vary depending on various factors, including gender, age, weight, metabolic rate, and any food or other drinks consumed around the same time frame.
With lower concentrations like those found in non-alcoholic beers, the absorption rate drops significantly because very little ethanol is present, which often results in minimal effect on one’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Furthermore, when taking non-alcoholic beer, there’s too much time between drinks. Therefore, the small alcohol content gets excreted before absorption occurs, reducing the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol Content In Non-Alcoholic Beers
Non-alcoholic beers contain an ABV of 0.0% to 0.5%. Many brands and varieties are available with varying levels of alcohol content.
Brand-specific Alcohol Content In Popular Non-alcoholic Beers
If you wish to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, you must understand the brand-specific alcohol content in non-alcoholic beers. This is because the alcohol content varies depending on the brewing process and brand.
Remember, consuming non-alcoholic beers with higher alcohol content may increase the risk of reaching intoxication levels.
Below is a table showcasing the alcohol content in some popular non-alcoholic beer brands:
| Brand | Alcohol Content (ABV) |
| Heineken 0.0 | 0.03% |
| O’Doul’s | 0.4% |
| Becks Non-Alcoholic | 0.3% |
| St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic | 0.5% |
| Clausthaler Dry Hopped | 0.45% |
Factors Affecting Alcohol Absorption In The Body
Body Weight And Height
Body weight and height are two main factors influencing one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) after consuming alcohol. Lighter individuals have less tissue to absorb or disperse the incoming alcohol molecules due to their smaller body mass. This results in a higher concentration of alcohol for their BAC. However, if you have more body mass/weight, you’ll need more drinks or beers to reach an intoxication level.
Additionally, women tend to become intoxicated faster than men. An average woman could need fewer non-alcoholic beers compared to a man of similar weight and height before becoming drunk.
Age And Gender
Older people tend to have less effective metabolization processes than younger individuals due to reduced liver enzyme activity and slower drug clearance rates. This means they are likely to become more impaired under the influence of even low levels of alcohol.
Women also show higher intoxication than men due to their lower concentrations of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that helps break down consumed ethanol in the bloodstream.
Metabolic Rate
The metabolic rate measures chemical processes occurring in the body to convert food and drinks into energy. It includes digestion, absorption, distribution, conversion, and excretion of nutrients and is a significant factor in determining how quickly alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream from non-alcoholic beers.
The faster an individual’s metabolism rate is, the more efficiently they can break down components in non-alcoholic beer, such as water or carbohydrates, to fuel cell production.
Concerning drinking non-alcoholic beer, individuals with higher metabolic rates are likely able to metabolize small amounts of alcohol quicker than those with lower metabolic rates, which may impact their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels if drinking within tight timeframes.
Food Intake
To effectively process alcohol, the body needs time for its enzymes and organs to break down the ingested substance. During this process, food intake plays a significant role in delaying the absorption rate of alcohol into the bloodstream.
Certain foods, such as greasy or high-protein items, can help slow down how quickly your body metabolizes alcohol; therefore, keep intoxication levels lower by preventing it from entering your small intestine, where it is mainly absorbed.
For instance, snacking on nuts, cheese, and crackers has been known to delay absorption rates up to twice as much as drinking without food.
How Many Non-Alcoholic Beers To Get Drunk
The consensus is that it would take over 40 non-alcoholic beers to get the same amount of alcohol as in 4 standard alcoholic beers.
The Recommended Limit For Non-alcoholic Beer
A person’s recommended limit for non-alcoholic beer consumption will depend on their body weight, age, gender, and metabolic rate. But generally, you cannot become legally drunk (0.08% blood alcohol content) from drinking non-alcoholic beer.
Calculating Equivalent Alcohol Content
A standard drink in the US is defined as any beverage containing about 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the alcohol content or ABV (alcohol by volume) of non-alcoholic beers.
The amount of pure alcohol found in non-alcoholic beers can range from 0.0% to 0.5%. And at the Federal level, beverages with more than 0.5% ABV are considered alcoholic.
To calculate the equivalent number you would need to drink to have similar effects that result from drinking one regular alcoholic beer, divide the total ounces consumed by your average Non-Alcoholic Beer Alcohol Content percentage.
Health Effects Of Drinking Excessive Non-Alcoholic Beers
Drinking excessive amounts of non-alcoholic beer can have various health effects, although these effects are generally less severe compared to consuming alcoholic beverages. Here are some potential health implications of drinking excessive non-alcoholic beers:
- Weight gain: Non-alcoholic beers still contain calories, usually ranging from 10 to 70 calories per serving, depending on the brand. Drinking excessive amounts of non-alcoholic beer can contribute to weight gain, especially if it leads to an overall increase in calorie intake.
- Blood sugar levels: Non-alcoholic beers may contain carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are watching your blood sugar levels, excessive consumption of non-alcoholic beer can potentially impact your glycemic control.
- Dehydration: Non-alcoholic beers often have a diuretic effect due to their high water content and can contribute to increased urination. If consumed excessively, they can potentially lead to dehydration, especially if not balanced with an adequate intake of water or other hydrating fluids.
- Sodium intake: Some non-alcoholic beers may contain higher levels of sodium compared to their alcoholic counterparts. Excessive sodium intake can be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions.
It’s important to note that the health effects of non-alcoholic beer can vary depending on the individual’s overall health, lifestyle, and consumption patterns. If you have specific health concerns or questions about non-alcoholic beer, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
The Effect on Liver Health
Non-alcoholic beer generally has minimal impact on liver health compared to alcoholic beverages. However, it’s important to note that some non-alcoholic beers may still contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), due to the fermentation process or residual alcohol content.
Consuming large quantities of non-alcoholic beer can potentially lead to a cumulative intake of alcohol. However, it would still be significantly lower than what is typically found in alcoholic beverages.
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, such as alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis. However, the low alcohol content in non-alcoholic beer makes it less likely to cause liver damage when consumed in moderation.
Misconceptions About Non-Alcoholic Beers
There are a few misconceptions about non-alcoholic beer that are worth addressing:
Non-alcoholic beer is completely alcohol-free
Non-alcoholic beer is designed to have a significantly lower alcohol content compared to traditional alcoholic beers.
However, it’s important to note that some non-alcoholic beers may still contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically less than 0.5% ABV. While the alcohol content is minimal and often considered negligible, it’s inaccurate to claim that non-alcoholic beer is entirely alcohol-free.
Non-alcoholic beer is the same as alcohol-free beer
Non-alcoholic beer and alcohol-free beer are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can have different definitions depending on regional regulations.
In some countries, non-alcoholic beer may contain a small amount of alcohol (up to 0.5% ABV), while alcohol-free beer usually contains no more than 0.05% ABV. It’s essential to check the specific alcohol content on the label if you’re looking for completely alcohol-free options.
Non-alcoholic beer has the same health risks as alcoholic beer
While excessive consumption of alcoholic beer can have a range of negative health effects, including liver damage and addiction, non-alcoholic beer is generally considered to be a safer alternative due to its low alcohol content.
However, excessive consumption of non-alcoholic beer can still have other health implications, such as weight gain and potential impacts on blood sugar levels.
Responsible Consumption Of Non-Alcoholic Beers
Responsible consumption of non-alcoholic beers involves being mindful of your intake and considering your overall health and well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you consume non-alcoholic beers responsibly;
- Know the alcohol content: While non-alcoholic beer contains significantly less alcohol than traditional beers, it’s still essential to be aware of the alcohol content. Read the label to determine the specific alcohol percentage, typically indicated as ABV (alcohol by volume). Most non-alcoholic beers have less than 0.5% ABV, but it’s important to double-check.
- Set limits: Establish personal limits for non-alcoholic beer consumption. Just because it has lower alcohol content doesn’t mean you should consume it excessively. Consider factors such as your health, tolerance, and overall lifestyle when determining your limits. It’s recommended to follow guidelines for moderate alcohol consumption, even if you’re consuming non-alcoholic beer.
- Consider your health conditions: If you have specific health conditions or take medications that require alcohol avoidance, consult with your healthcare professional before consuming non-alcoholic beer or any alcoholic beverages. Some conditions, such as liver disease or certain medications, may require complete alcohol abstinence.
- Stay hydrated: Remember to balance your non-alcoholic beer consumption with adequate hydration. Drinking water or other hydrating fluids alongside non-alcoholic beer can help prevent dehydration and maintain overall well-being.
As always, if you have any specific health concerns or questions about non-alcoholic beer or your alcohol consumption, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Alternatives To Non-alcoholic Beer
If you’re looking for alternatives to non-alcoholic beer, various options can provide similar flavors and experiences. Here are a few alternatives you might consider:
Mocktails
Mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks that mimic the flavors and presentation of traditional cocktails. They can be made using a combination of fruit juices, soda, sparkling water, herbs, and other ingredients to create refreshing and flavorful beverages. There are countless mocktail recipes available that can cater to different preferences.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, whether plain or flavored, is an excellent option for a refreshing and hydrating alternative. It can provide a fizzy sensation like beer without alcohol or additional calories. To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of fruit juice or garnish with fresh fruits.
Herbal or Fruit Teas
Herbal teas or fruit infusions can be a flavorful and soothing option. A wide variety of herbal and fruit teas are available, ranging from mild and calming flavors to bold and aromatic blends. Experiment with different flavors and find the ones that appeal to your taste buds.
Craft Sodas
Craft sodas offer a wide range of flavors beyond traditional cola and lemon-lime options. These sodas are often made with natural ingredients and can feature flavors like ginger, root beer, cream soda, or fruit-infused varieties. Look for craft soda brands that prioritize high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles.
Infused Water
Infusing water with fruits, herbs, or vegetables is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy a refreshing beverage. Simply add slices of your favorite fruits like citrus, berries, or cucumber to a pitcher of water and let it infuse for a few hours. The result is a delicious and hydrating drink.
Remember, the key is to explore and find alternatives that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. These options provide a variety of non-alcoholic choices for you to enjoy while still maintaining a responsible approach to your beverage consumption.
FAQs on How Many Non-Alcoholic Beers To Get Drunk
Is it possible to get drunk by consuming non-alcoholic beers?
It’s highly unlikely to get drunk from consuming non-alcoholic beers due to their shallow alcohol content, typically less than 0.5% ABV. However, you can get drunk if you consume too many non-alcoholic beers with a higher alcohol content.
How much alcohol content does a typical non-alcoholic beer contain compared to alcoholic options?
A typical non-alcoholic beer contains significantly less alcohol than alcoholic options, usually with an alcohol content of less than 0.5% ABV. In comparison, alcoholic beers can range from 4% to 8% ABV or higher.
Are there any health benefits associated with drinking non-alcoholic beers?
While non-alcoholic beers may contain fewer calories and less alcohol than their alcoholic counterparts, the overall health benefits are modest. They may offer some hydration and potentially provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the brewing ingredients. However, the benefits are generally minimal, and a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are more important for overall health.
Will consuming too many non-alcoholic drinks make me sick?
Consuming too many non-alcoholic drinks, including non-alcoholic beers, can potentially lead to discomfort and adverse health effects. While the specific outcome may vary depending on the individual and the quantity consumed, excessive intake can contribute to issues such as weight gain, disrupted blood sugar levels, dehydration, and potential interactions with medications. Practicing moderation and being mindful of your overall health when consuming any beverage is important.
Final Take on How Many Non-Alcoholic Beers To Get Drunk
It is highly unlikely to get drunk from consuming non-alcoholic beers due to their shallow alcohol content, typically less than 0.5% ABV. The quantity of non-alcoholic beers required to induce intoxication is impractical and unrealistic.
However, being mindful of your overall consumption is essential, as excessive intake can still have other health implications. Always practice responsible drinking habits and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption.
