Is Non-Alcoholic Beer a Cheat Code?

Probably not—but it is something I’ve found surprisingly helpful as I’ve worked to clean up my nutrition and feel better.

Last year, when I started drinking less alcohol and eating more whole foods, I decided to try non-alcoholic beers to help break my “football = beer” habit. I’m a big football fan (go Bengals!), and Sundays with beer and snacks had always gone hand-in-hand.

At first, I mixed NA beers in with regular beers just to cut back. Over time, I swapped them in fully—especially on Sundays. Now, I rarely drink on Sundays at all. Monday mornings feel so much better without alcohol in my system, and I can get up for a workout to start my week strong.

Why NA Beers Work for Me

• Better sleep & recovery: Even a small amount of alcohol disrupts sleep, particularly REM cycles (ScienceDirect). Studies of “Dry January” participants show improvements in sleep, energy, and clarity when cutting back (NDTV).

• Healthier habits overall: With NA beers, it’s easier to reach for healthier snacks during games—like black bean dip, spinach-artichoke dip (made with butter beans + yogurt), or stovetop popcorn topped with nutritional yeast. Less greasy food, fewer Monday regrets.

• Cardiovascular benefits: Non-alcoholic beer may positively impact platelet function and heart health (PubMed Central). Cutting back on alcohol also lowers blood pressure and inflammation (Harvard Nutrition Source).

• Mood & relaxation: A 2021 study showed that NA beer with matured hop bitter acids actually improved mood and reduced stress in healthy adults (PubMed Central).

  
  

Some Caveats

Not all NA beers are created equal. Some have more sugar or calories than others, and certain types (like mixed or wheat-based NA beers) may raise fasting glucose and triglycerides (MDPI study). So, just like with food, label reading matters.

My Favorites

• Athletic Brewing Co. – huge variety, great taste, widely available.

• German NA beers – perfect for those who like “beer-flavored beer.”

• Craft brewery NA options – more local breweries are joining in, and many are delicious.

  
  

Final Thoughts

No, NA beer isn’t a “cheat code.” But for me, it’s been a powerful swap—keeping the ritual of a Sunday beer while avoiding the sluggishness that comes with alcohol. If you love the taste of beer but want to feel better, it’s worth a try.