Gone are the days when nonalcoholic beer was nothing more than a punch line. Today, it has firmly positioned itself in the mainstream market. The NielsenIQ report recorded nearly 20% rise in nonalcoholic beer sales between 2021 and 2022, with Statista predicting further surge in the future. This is quite impressive as a six-pack of these nonalcoholic delights generally retail at the same price as their traditional boozy counterparts.

Interestingly, it isn't just teetotallers who're reaching for these nonalcoholic beers, which by law consist at most of 0.5% alcohol by volume. The same NielsenIQ study shows that 82% of those buying these pints or packs are merely alternating between the traditional and nonalcoholic versions.

Nonalcoholic beers may still account for just around 1% of the overall beer industry, but they’re certainly here for the long run. The quality has improved significantly, so if you’re planning on reducing your alcohol intake, we have a selection of noteworthy nonalcoholic beers for you to try.

First up is Athletic Brewing, a prominent player in the nonalcoholic craft beer scene. Their offerings vary from Belgian-style white to radlers and light beers, but their hoppy recipes are particularly in the spotlight. Free Wave, their distinctly hoppy IPA renders the citrus flavor of Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops in a round mouthfeel that'd impress even the pickiest hop enthusiast. Price tag: $13.99 for a 6-pack.

Deschutes Brewery, a legacy brewery from Bend, Oregon, underwent an overhaul in 2019 and introduced its first nonalcoholic beer, Irish Dark, the following year. Their Black Butte Non-Alcoholic, the N/A version of their popular Black Butte Porter, clinched gold at the 2024 World Beer Cup in the Non-Alcohol Beer category. By using the patented BrewVo dealcoholization process from Sustainable Beverage Technologies, it retains its medium body, roasty creaminess, and a dry and smooth finish. It retails at $14 for a 6-pack.

Best Day Brewing, a two-year-old brewery, has quickly established itself in the nonalcoholic beer market. Their year-round offerings include a classic Kolsch and West Coast IPA. It launched Electro-Lime, a light-bodied Mexican-style lager, as its first seasonal release last summer. The slightly salty brew with a hint of lime tastes like a poolside Margarita and contains natural electrolytes to keep you refreshed. It's priced at $13.99 for a 6-pack.

Montauk Brewing Company’s only nonalcoholic beer is a hit. This aromatic IPA has a light and fruity palate with navel orange and fresh grapefruit flavours. It's not overly hoppy, but just enough to quench your thirst. Currently only available in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and priced at $18 for a 6-pack.

Sierra Nevada’s nonalcoholic Trail Pass Golden is one of six nonalcoholic beers they produce. Balancing malts, hops, and yeast, this beer results in a complex, medium-bodied finish with lots of bright flavors. It sells at $11.99 for a 6-pack.

Then, Brooklyn Brewery has its nonalcoholic Special Effects IPA, which is a large, bold, and balanced brew. The brewery's brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, stated that brewing a nonalcoholic version of a typical West Coast IPA was an "alluring technical challenge." The beer is priced at $13.99 for a 6-pack.

Santa Cruz-based RationAle Brewing with its Mexican Cerveza is the fifth largest nonalcoholic craft beer company in the U.S. It sometimes sells so fast that only pre-orders are accepted. Retails at $12.59 for a 6-pack.

Finally, for those who prefer maltier brews, Bravus Brewing Company offers a unique nonalcoholic Peanut Butter Dark. The beer is rich in chocolatey and nutty flavours, and as decadent as full-strength stouts. Suitably savored as a dessert beer and costs $15.99 for a 6-pack.