Table of Contents
- What Is 0.0% Beer?
- The Difference Between 0.0% and Alcohol-Free Beer
- How Alcohol-Free Beer Is Made
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: 9 October 2026
What Is 0.0% Beer?
Yes, completely alcohol free beer exists. At the Alcohol Free Drinks Company, we've curated completely alcohol free beer with real flavour at precisely 0.0% ABV, dealcoholised or brewed to contain zero alcohol from the start.
A beer labelled "non-alcoholic" may contain trace amounts, some around 0.5% ABV, but true 0.0% beer removes every last drop. Guinness 0.0 and Smashed Alcohol Free Lager achieve this through different methods, each preserving the original taste.
The Difference Between 0.0% and Alcohol-Free Beer
Here's where the terminology gets tricky. "Alcohol-free" and "0.0%" aren't always the same thing. According to Athletic Brewing's product information, non-alcoholic beer can contain less than 0.5% ABV, meaning it technically includes trace alcohol. That's the legal threshold in many markets, products below that percentage qualify as "non-alcoholic" even though they're not completely alcohol-free. This trace amount remains a common feature across the industry, extending even to the production of non-alcoholic spirits for cocktails that rely on similar distillation methods to capture complex botanical profiles.
If you need genuinely zero alcohol, for health, pregnancy, recovery or personal choice, look for 0.0% beer with "0.0% ABV" clearly stated on the bottle or can.
We stock options like Smashed Alcohol Free Pale Ale at 0.0% ABV, removing all ambiguity. The difference matters most if you're pregnant, driving, in recovery or strictly zero-alcohol; for everyone else, taste matters more.
How Alcohol-Free Beer Is Made
The process behind completely alcohol free beer varies: some breweries remove alcohol from fully fermented beer, others brew so it never forms.
Smashed Drynks uses the UK's only Cool Vacuum Distillationation (CVD) system, gently removing alcohol in an oxygen-free vacuum chamber. This preserves malt sweetness, hop bitterness and complexity, which is why their Smashed Alcohol Free Lager tastes like a proper lager.
Smashed Alcohol Free Pale Ale 330ml →
Others use cold filtration or reverse osmosis after fermentation. Guinness 0.0 employs cold filtration, keeping its signature smooth, creamy character despite containing zero alcohol.
Modern dealcoholisation has improved dramatically, so you're no longer choosing between "real beer" and a disappointing alternative. The best 0.0% beer delivers genuine taste, and Burton Road Brewing Co The Non proves independent producers are taking this seriously.
Looking to expand your range of completely alcohol free beer, wine, spirits or other 0% drinks? Whether you're a hospitality business stocking premium independent brands or an individual building your alcohol-free collection, get in touch with us about supplying your bar, restaurant, sports club or hotel. We're based in Yorkshire and proudly support independent producers across alcohol free beers, non-alcoholic wines, alcohol free gin and beyond. Our founder Andy Mee personally curates every product we stock, bringing his experience as a judge at The World Alcohol Free Drinks Awards since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 0.0% beer contain any alcohol at all?
No. True 0.0% alcohol-free beer contains absolutely no alcohol. This differs from some products labelled 'non-alcoholic' which may contain trace amounts below 0.5% ABV. When shopping for completely alcohol-free beer, look for the 0.0% ABV label to ensure you're getting a genuinely alcohol-free product. Brands like Guinness 0.0 and Smashed use specialised production methods to remove all alcohol whilst preserving taste.
What is the difference between 0.0% and alcohol-free beer?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'alcohol-free' can technically include products with trace alcohol (under 0.5% ABV), whilst 0.0% explicitly means zero alcohol content. To be certain you're getting completely alcohol-free beer, always check the label for 0.0% ABV. This distinction matters for those avoiding alcohol entirely, such as pregnant women, designated drivers, or people in recovery.
How is completely alcohol-free beer made?
There are several methods. Smashed uses the UK's only Cool Vacuum Distillationation (CVD) system, which gently heats fully brewed beer in an oxygen-free chamber to remove alcohol without damaging flavour. Other producers use cold filtration or reverse osmosis. These techniques preserve the taste and character of the original beer whilst eliminating alcohol completely, delivering genuine taste without the alcohol content.
Which are the best alcohol-free beer brands available?
Top options include Guinness 0.0, a smooth stout with 0.0% ABV; Smashed Alcohol Free Pale Ale, brewed with English hops and made using CVD technology; Burton Road Brewing Co The Non, a light and crisp pale ale; and Smashed Alcohol Free Lager, clean and refreshing. All offer genuine taste and sophistication. The Alcohol Free Drinks Company stocks a carefully curated selection of independent alcohol-free beers chosen by founder Andy Mee, a judge at The World Alcohol Free Drinks Awards.
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