Can You Get Drunk on Non-Alcoholic Beer? The Truth About Zero-Alcohol Drinks

When you hear non-alcoholic beer, a beverage labeled as having less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Also known as alcohol-free beer, it's designed to mimic the taste of regular beer without the intoxicating effects. But here’s the real question: can you actually get drunk on it? The short answer? No—not under normal circumstances. But the why behind that answer matters more than you think.

Most non-alcoholic beers contain between 0.0% and 0.5% ABV. That’s less alcohol than what’s naturally found in ripe fruit or a slice of bread. To hit the same blood alcohol level as one regular beer (5% ABV), you’d need to drink about 10 to 20 non-alcoholic beers in under an hour. Your body processes that tiny amount of alcohol faster than you can drink it. Even if you tried, your stomach would give out long before your liver got overwhelmed. So no, you won’t stumble home from a six-pack of O’Doul’s. But here’s the twist: some people feel a psychological buzz. That’s not alcohol—it’s expectation. Your brain remembers what beer does, so when you sip something that smells and tastes like it, your body reacts. That’s why many people report feeling relaxed, even if their BAC is still zero.

It’s not just about the alcohol content. ABV beer, the measurement of alcohol by volume in any drink is regulated differently across countries. In the U.S., anything under 0.5% ABV can be sold in grocery stores without age restrictions. In the UK, it’s 0.05%. That tiny difference changes who can buy it, where, and how it’s marketed. And that’s why some people—especially those in recovery or avoiding alcohol for health reasons—still worry. Is it truly safe? For most, yes. But if you’re sensitive to even trace amounts, or you’re on medication that reacts to alcohol, it’s worth checking labels and talking to your doctor.

There’s also the growing trend of sober drinking, the cultural shift toward choosing alcohol-free options without stigma. People aren’t just avoiding alcohol anymore—they’re enjoying the ritual. The fizz, the bitterness, the social moment. Non-alcoholic beer has gotten better. Brands like Athletic Brewing, Heineken 0.0, and BrewDog Nanny State now use real brewing techniques, not just flavoring. They taste like beer because they’re made like beer, just without the fermentation that creates ethanol.

So, can you get drunk on non-alcoholic beer? Not really. But you might feel like you are. And that’s okay. Whether you’re cutting back, pregnant, driving, or just curious, the real value isn’t in the alcohol—it’s in the choice. You don’t need to sacrifice flavor to stay in control. The drinks are here. The science backs them. And the people drinking them? They’re not looking for a buzz. They’re looking for a better way to enjoy the moment.

Below, you’ll find real discussions, taste tests, and breakdowns of what’s actually in your glass—no fluff, no marketing spin. Just what you need to know before you pour your next one.