Our opinion on non-alcoholic beer
With changing consumer habits, toasting doesn't necessarily mean drinking alcohol. And among the most popular drinks to reinvent the rules: non-alcoholic beer. Refreshing, friendly, and accessible, it now appeals well beyond casual drinkers.
An ancient drink… in a decidedly modern version
Long confined to an unflattering image, alcohol-free beer has undergone a spectacular transformation. Gone are the days of bland or overly sweet versions: brewers are now doubling down on their boldness and technique to offer 0.0% beers that are rich in flavor, complex, and thirst-quenching. Far from being a sub-beer, it's becoming a drink in its own right, designed to please... without compromise.
Styles are multiplying: non-alcoholic IPAs, lagers, whites, ambers, sours... with recipes sometimes more original than their alcoholic cousins. A true brewing revolution is underway, driven by the desire to drink differently.
How do you make alcohol-free beer?
There are several different ways to produce alcohol-free beer, each with its own impact on the final taste. Here are the main methods used:
- Low fermentation brewing : By controlling temperatures and yeasts, alcohol production is naturally limited.
- Dealcoholization : as with wine, alcohol can be removed after fermentation using gentle techniques (vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis).
- Stopping fermentation : the process is interrupted before the sugars turn into alcohol.
Each method has its advantages, but the challenge remains the same: to preserve the aromas, bitterness and roundness of a "real" beer, while guaranteeing an alcohol content of 0.0%.
A fundamental trend driven by a generation in search of meaning
Less alcohol, more pleasure—the focus of consumption for a new generation ever-preoccupied with its health, well-being, and lifestyle choices. Alcohol-free beers are fully integrated in this regard. They are ideal for aperitifs, on the terrace, after-work drinks, or as a gourmet pairing. A well-matched alcohol-free beer can add a lot to a plate of fish, a vegetable curry, or a savory tart, while maintaining its freshness and lightness.
Les Pétillants de Jardins : the gastronomic alternative to non-alcoholic beer
At Jardins, we don't make beer in the traditional sense, but we share the same ambition : a thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic beverage rich in aroma. How? Through sparkling, organic, French, and low-sugar gourmet beverages, similar to brewed beer, but without fermentation or alcohol.
Some examples of recipes from our Sparkling range:
- Bergamot & Rosemary: Invigorating citrus attack, aromatic length with a herbal finish. Mediterranean freshness, perfect with salads or fruity desserts.
- White Grape & Fresh Walnut: Roundness and distinction, notes of vine, fig and a touch of vanilla. Pairs well with savory dishes or mature cheeses.
- Rose and Ginger: floral, spicy, with hints of lychee, rhubarb, and hibiscus, with a spicy finish. A real personality, it pairs well with white fish and desserts.
FAQ about non-alcoholic beer
Does non-alcoholic beer contain gluten?
Of course, unless otherwise stated. As with regular beers, the majority of alcohol-free beers are brewed with cereals that produce gluten (barley, wheat, etc.). Gluten-free beers are also available, made from sorghum, millet, or corn. At Jardins , all our recipes are naturally gluten-free.
Should we fear a “non-alcoholic beer” effect on weight?
Less caloric than classic beer, alcohol-free beer remains a light choice, unless it is enriched with added sugars. This is precisely the role of our drinks in the Les Pétillants range, which have a very low sugar ratio (< 2.5%) and are not sweetened with refined sugars.
Can you drink non-alcoholic beer when you are pregnant?
A 0.0% beer is logically risk-free, but it's always best to consult labels and consult a healthcare professional. At Jardins, we advocate caution and are committed to complete transparency regarding the composition of our beverages.
