In recent years, there has been a growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages as people seek out healthier and more responsible options. Heineken 0.0 is the dutch brewery’s entry into the non-alcoholic beer market. But is Heineken non-alcoholic beer actually any good?
Today, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about Heineken non-alcoholic beer, and reveal what happened when we put Heineken 0.0 to the Low Beers taste test!
In Brief: Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer Review
There are hundreds of non-alcoholic beers available and each has its own unique taste profile. Some non-alcoholic beers can taste sweet or sugary, while others can be closer to the taste of regular alcoholic beer. Heineken 0.0 has managed to strike a balance, as it is not overly sweet and still resembles the taste of standard Heineken lager.
However, Heineken 0.0 doesn’t taste exactly like regular Heineken. It is noticeably sweeter, less bitter, and has a lighter taste due to the lack of alcohol.
Overall though, Heineken 0.0 provides a refreshing and low calorie alternative that closely resembles the taste of regular Heineken. It’s perfect for Heineken fans who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol content, and with only 21 calories per 100ml, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake too.
About Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer
Heineken’s Non-Alcoholic Beer, known as Heineken 0.0, is a zero-alcohol malt beverage that has been designed to provide an enjoyable beer experience for people who prefer not to consume alcohol. With 0.05% alcohol by volume, it has been classified as alcohol-free by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
Heineken 0.0 was created using a brewing process that ensures a great beer taste without the alcohol content. The process involves brewing the beer, then removing the alcohol while retaining the beer’s distinct flavors and characteristics. This approach allows Heineken 0.0 to offer a high-quality non-alcoholic beer that many consider to have a flavor profile similar to its alcoholic counterpart.
Some possible benefits of consuming non-alcoholic beer like Heineken 0.0 include the ability to participate in social situations without consuming alcohol, reduced calorie intake compared to traditional beers, and potential positive impacts on health and well-being for those looking to limit their alcohol consumption.
Considering its taste, Heineken 0.0 has received positive feedback from beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. While it may not fully replicate the taste of regular Heineken, it does offer a refreshing alternative for those seeking a non-alcoholic beer option that still provides a satisfying beer flavor.
Making Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer
Key Ingredients and Recipe
Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer, is brewed using a similar recipe and the same key ingredients as regular Heineken. These ingredients include water, malted barley, hop extract, and Heineken’s signature A-yeast. By maintaining the original recipe, Heineken 0.0 aims to produce a similar taste and aroma to its regular counterpart while containing zero alcohol.
Brewing and Fermentation
The brewing process for Heineken 0.0 starts with mashing the malted barley to convert the starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting mash is then boiled with hop extract to add flavor and aroma to the beer. After the boiling phase, the wort is cooled down and transferred to a fermentation vessel where Heineken’s A-yeast is added.
The yeast ferments and converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In traditional beer production, the next step would be to separate the yeast and clarify the beer. However, for Heineken 0.0, a different approach is employed to remove the alcohol, as explained in the next sub-section.
De-Alcoholization
In order to create a non-alcoholic beer, Heineken uses a vacuum distillation process to remove the alcohol without compromising the beer’s taste and quality. In this process, the beer is placed under a vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of alcohol, allowing it to evaporate from the beer without heating it to high temperatures. This prevents the loss of essential flavor and aroma compounds, resulting in a beer that retains the taste characteristics of regular Heineken.
After the de-alcoholization process, the beer is carbonated and bottled, ready to be enjoyed by consumers seeking a non-alcoholic alternative to traditional beer.
Market Position and Consumer Reactions
Heineken’s non-alcoholic beer, Heineken 0.0, has been enjoying a significant growth in recent years, owing to the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beer among health-conscious consumers. The market for non-alcoholic beer is expected to surpass $25 billion globally by 2024 (fortune.com) and Heineken 0.0 is one of the leading products in the market.
Consumer reactions to Heineken’s non-alcoholic beer have been largely positive, with many appreciating the option to enjoy the taste of beer without the effects of alcohol, especially during social occasions or when they need to stay sober. In addition, Heineken’s non-alcoholic beer has also been embraced by those who wish to reduce their alcohol consumption for health reasons, further increasing its appeal among a wide range of consumers.
Environmental and Sustainability Impact
Heineken, a global beer company, is actively working to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. The company has set ambitious goals for the future, aiming to be a carbon-neutral producer of beer by 2030 and achieving a carbon-neutral supply chain by 2040. This includes focusing on areas such as agriculture, packaging, distribution, and cooling.
One of the key strategies Heineken is using to reach these goals is the increased utilization of renewable energy in its breweries. By transitioning to cleaner sources of power, the company continues to shrink its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.
Of course, whether Heineken meets its targets remains to be seen, and in the meantime, the company has a large carbon footprint due to its global distribution and packaging requirements.
Heineken has also shared its commitment to social responsibility. The company has made strides in promoting gender equality within its ranks, increasing the number of women in senior management positions to 25% and aiming for further growth by 2025 and 2030. Additionally, Heineken is working to close any existing pay gaps by assessing equal pay for equal work across its operating companies.
Heineken 0.0: The Taste Taste!
For this taste test, I tried the canned version of Heineken 0.0.
There isn’t much aroma to the beer, with just a subtle whiff of fruit and malt.
As I started to pour the beer, I noticed a rich golden color and a pleasing amount of carbonation, with bubbles rushing to the surface.
A thin foamy head quickly developed and remained while pouring, though the head quickly dissipated as the beer settled.
The first sip had a fruity and malty flavor and a soft mouthfeel. The taste really is very similar to regular Heineken, though a little bit sweeter. Reading other reviews, some people claim that they couldn’t even tell the difference between the taste of the two beers during a blind taste test (Insider).
I think that most Heineken drinkers would notice the difference, as Heineken 0.0 is slightly sweeter and lighter than the regular full-strength version. However, the fact that some people can’t tell the difference shows what a good job Heineken have done in replicating the original Heineken flavor without the alcohol.
The aftertaste is sweet, and perhaps a little bit too syrupy, though certainly not sickly.
Overall, if you like Heineken and you want a non-alcoholic lager, you’ll like Heineken 0.0.
Calorie-wise, Heineken 0.0 boasts a lower calorie count than its alcoholic counterpart. A 330ml bottle of regular Heineken contains 139 calories, whereas a 330ml bottle of Heineken 0.0 contains just 69 calories.
FAQs about Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer
Is Heineken 0.0 really alcohol free?
Yes, Heineken 0.0 is alcohol free. It contains a negligible amount of alcohol (0.05%) and is classified as alcohol-free by the TTB.
Can you drink Heineken 0.0 and drive?
Yes, you can drink Heineken 0.0 and drive. As it is a non-alcoholic beer with an ABV of just 0.05%, Heineken 0.0 will not make you drunk or affect your driving ability. It is therefore legal to drive after drinking Heineken 0.0 or other non-alcoholic beers.
Can you drink Heineken 0.0 when pregnant?
Yes, you can drink Heineken 0.0 when pregnant. Heineken 0.0 only contains 0.05% alcohol, which is less alcohol than you would find in a ripe banana! It is therefore completely safe to drink Heineken 0.0 and other non-alcoholic beers when pregnant.
Can minors drink Heineken 0.0?
Minors can drink Heineken 0.0. As it is a non-alcoholic beer, it is legal to drink Heineken 0.0 at any age. However, retailers may still choose not to sell non-alcoholic beer to minors in order to avoid encouraging drinking beer at a young age.
Is Heineken 0.0 gluten free?
No, Heineken 0.0 contains gluten, as it is made from malted barley. The amount of gluten in Heineken 0.0 is approximately 0.002% or 20mg/kg.
How many calories are in Heineken 0.0?
Heineken 0.0 contains 21 calories per 100ml. A 330ml bottle contains 69 calories.
Can you get drunk on Heineken 0.0?
No, you cannot get drunk on Heineken 0.0 as it contains just 0.05% alcohol. This is such a small amount that your body will metabolize the alcohol faster than you can drink it. In fact, you cannot get drunk on any non-alcoholic beer.
How much sugar is in Heineken 0.0?
Heineken 0.0 contains just 1.3g of sugar per 100ml. This means that Heineken 0.0 is classified as a low-sugar drink.
Is Heineken 0.0 vegan?
Yes, Heineken 0.0 is vegan. No animal products are used in either Heineken 0.0 non-alcoholic beer or in the alcoholic version of Heineken lager.
Does Heineken 0.0 taste like regular Heineken?
Heineken 0.0 tastes similar to regular Heineken, but not exactly the same. It is less bitter, slightly sweeter, and has a lighter taste due to the lack of alcohol.
Non alcoholic Heineken is fantastic.