More people are raising their glasses to alcohol-free beer these days, especially those who want to cut back on drinking without sacrificing the social experience.

It’s marketed as the healthier choice—a feel-good swap that skips the hangover.

But is it really as harmless as it seems?

A recent study is stirring up a fresh round of questions about just how healthy these “booze-free” beverages actually are.

The Hidden Sugar Spike in a Supposedly Healthy Option

New research from scientists in Germany and the U.S. suggests that alcohol-free beers might not be as health-friendly as many believe.

They found that drinking just two bottles a day can significantly increase blood sugar levels, which is a red flag when it comes to developing type 2 diabetes.

Even more concerning?

These drinks were also linked to higher levels of insulin, indicating the body was working harder to process sugar.

Over time, this strain could open the door to long-term metabolic problems.

Your Heart Might Not Be Toasting Along With You

The study didn’t stop at diabetes risk.

It also uncovered that some no- or low-alcohol beers caused an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides—the types of fats in your blood that are closely tied to heart disease.

In particular, certain varieties like alcohol-free wheat beers and fruity “mixed” beers (the kind flavoured with orange or lemon soda) seemed to do the most damage.

On the slightly safer side were Pilsner-style beers with minimal alcohol (around 0.5%).

These had a smaller impact, but they weren’t completely off the hook either.

Calories Still Count—Even Without the Alcohol

Another key concern raised by researchers was the calorie content in many of these beverages.

Just because they lack alcohol doesn’t mean they’re light on calories.

Consuming them regularly could quietly increase your risk of weight gain and obesity, both of which are known contributors to diabetes and heart disease.

So while they may not cause a buzz, they could still be pushing your metabolism in the wrong direction.

The Popularity Boom Doesn’t Mean They’re Risk-Free

Sales of alcohol-free beer in the UK are hitting all-time highs.

In 2023 alone, pubs sold around 120 million pints, which is a 14% increase from the previous year and a staggering 77.8% jump since 2019.

It’s clear that more Britons are turning to non-alcoholic options in an effort to make healthier lifestyle choices.

And to be fair, these are certainly a better choice than heavy drinking.

But this study makes one thing clear: “better” doesn’t always mean “healthy.”

What Scientists Are Saying About the Trade-Off

The researchers behind this study followed 44 healthy young men over the course of four weeks, asking half to drink two 330ml bottles of alcohol-free beer daily, while the other half drank water.

Their health markers were tested regularly, and the results—published in the journal Nutrients—painted a cautious picture.

According to the scientists, “Non-alcoholic beer is increasingly consumed as an alternative to alcoholic drinks. But the benefits and risks are not yet known.

We found they have an unfavourable effect on metabolism, mainly driven by their calorie and sugar content.”

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

Cutting back on alcohol is undoubtedly a smart move for your health, but replacing it with non-alcoholic beer might not be the win you think it is—especially if it becomes a daily habit.

While these drinks can be a useful tool in moderating alcohol intake, it’s important to stay aware of their sugar, calorie, and metabolic impact.

What’s next? More research will likely follow, but for now, it may be worth reading those labels carefully and treating alcohol-free beer as an occasional treat—not a health drink.