The primary grounds on which a low-alcohol beer differs from your pint of usual beer is the alcohol concentration in it; it has lower alcohol content. As a result, you consume much fewer calories, are much less likely to experience a hangover, will be able to carry on with your regular routine the next day, and so on.
A Brief History
As early as in the 15th century, there was a concept of a “small beer” which was served as a safer alternative to water (which was contaminated by parasites and human waste), and was sold for less than the full strength distillations. More recently, the temperance movements of the 18th and 19th centuries led to the production and marketing of non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic versions of beer. The brewing methods have evolved since then, and modern brewing and distilling techniques allow for a range of aromas and flavours.
Types and Legal Classifications
Beers are classified into four different types according to the amount of alcohol contained in them. “ABV” (alcohol by content) is the unit of measure that you’ll find on most beer packaging, stating the percentage of alcohol in the drink. UK law classifies it into the following categories:
Non-alcoholic or alcohol-free beer: Contains less than 0.05% ABV
De-alcoholised beer: Contains less than 0.5% ABV
Low-alcohol beer: Contains less than 1.2% ABV
Alcoholic beer: Contains more than 1.2% ABV
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Alcohol-Free?
A German study had its participants consume non-alcoholic beer before taking blood tests. The results showed that they had a maximum blood alcohol concentration level of 0.0056%. To put things into perspective, this is 14 times lower than the 0.08% drink driving limit in England. Getting back to the question of whether non-alcoholic beer is alcohol-free, the answer is both, yes and no. No; because, as stated earlier, even the non-alcoholic versions contain minute traces of alcohol in them. However, for all legal purposes, yes, it is alcohol-free, as the German study proved.