If you want some energy but don’t want alcohol, you might think about drinking a non-alcoholic beer. After all, it tastes like beer but won’t make you drunk! What’s not to like?
But can non-alcoholic beer give you an energy boost? And how does the energy boost from non-alcoholic beer compare to other drinks?
Let’s find out!
Can Non-Alcoholic Beer Give You Energy?
Non-alcoholic beer does give you energy, mainly because it contains carbohydrates. However, the energy boost from non-alcoholic beer is milder than the boost you’d get from drinks like coffee or soda.
If you’re looking for a big energy kick, non-alcoholic beer might not be the top choice. But if you want a gentle lift without the jitters from caffeine, it’s an option to think about!
How Much Energy Is In Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Calories are a way to measure energy in food and drinks. Think of them like battery power for toys; the more power, the longer the toy works. Our bodies are like the toys, and we need calories to keep going.
Non-alcoholic beer does have calories, which means it does give us energy.
Most non-alcoholic beers usually have between 10 and 50 calories per can or bottle.
Different beers contain different amounts, so looking at the label is a good idea if you’re monitoring your calorie intake.
How Does Non-Alcoholic Beer Give You Energy?
The energy boost you get from non-alcoholic beer primarily comes from carbohydrates.
However, vitamins and minerals – and even the placebo effect – can play a part too.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are primary energy sources for our bodies. When ingested, carbs are broken down into simpler sugars like glucose, which is used by cells for energy.
Since non-alcoholic beer contains carbohydrates, it can offer a swift energy boost.
However, simple carbs, like those in some non-alcoholic beers, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which means you only get a fleeting burst of energy followed by a slump.
Vitamins and Minerals
While non-alcoholic beer isn’t exactly a multivitamin, the trace amounts of vitamins and minerals it contains can be linked to energy in indirect ways.
For instance, B vitamins play a role in converting food into energy and minerals like magnesium are involved in energy production within cells.
However, given their minimal presence in non-alcoholic beer, they won’t give you significant amounts of energy.
The Placebo Effect
For some, sipping on non-alcoholic beer might create a placebo effect, making them feel invigorated.
This feeling isn’t rooted in the drink’s ingredients but in individual mental links that people have with feeling energized after drinking beer.
Energy in Non-Alcoholic Beer Compared to Other Drinks
When we think about drinks that give us energy, things like coffee, energy drinks, or perhaps fruit juices come to mind.
So, how does non-alcoholic beer stack up?
Coffee and Tea
These are popular choices for a quick pick-me-up. They have caffeine, which makes you feel awake and alert.
Non-alcoholic beer doesn’t have caffeine. So, while coffee or tea can wake you up, non-alcoholic beer doesn’t work in the same way.
Energy Drinks
These drinks often have caffeine, too, and sometimes other stuff like vitamins or sugars that can make you feel more energetic.
Non-alcoholic beer doesn’t have these things. So, energy drinks might give you a bigger and quicker energy boost than non-alcoholic beer.
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices, like orange or apple juice, have natural sugars. These sugars can give you a quick burst of energy.
Non-alcoholic beer also has some sugars, but the feeling might be different. Fruit juices might give you a faster energy feel because of their sugar type.
Sodas
Like fruit juices, sodas have sugars. But they often have a lot more sugar and sometimes caffeine. This can give you a fast energy boost, but it might not last long.
Non-alcoholic beer’s energy is a bit more gentle and doesn’t spike up and down like sodas.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beer contains more calories than non-alcoholic beer due to its alcohol content.
However, the presence of alcohol can have a dampening effect on the nervous system, which may counter the energy boost.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, non-alcoholic beer can give you a bit of an energy lift, thanks to its carbs.
For a gentle perk without the caffeine buzz, non-alcoholic beer may do the trick. However, if you’re after a big boost, drinks like coffee or energy drinks are better choices.