The short answer
The words mean different things in different countries. In the UK, "alcohol-free" should mean 0.05% alcohol or less, "de-alcoholised" up to 0.5% and "low alcohol" up to 1.2%. In the US, "non-alcoholic" beer contains less than 0.5% and only "alcohol free" means no alcohol at all. A pint at 0.5% holds about 0.3 UK units, against 2.3 for a 4% pint, but people in recovery, pregnant or driving should check the exact strength.
Key takeaways
- UK guidance: alcohol-free ≤ 0.05%, de-alcoholised ≤ 0.5%, low alcohol ≤ 1.2% ABV.
- US beer labels: "non-alcoholic" means under 0.5% ABV; "alcohol free" means no alcohol; "low alcohol" means under 2.5%.
- A 568 ml pint at 0.5% is about 0.3 UK units; the same pint at 4% is 2.3.
- For heavy drinkers or people with alcohol use disorder, the taste and smell of these drinks can trigger cravings.
- The UK has consulted on raising the "alcohol-free" limit to 0.5%; check the ABV on the label, not just the word.
The UK labels: alcohol-free, de-alcoholised, low alcohol
In the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care's guidance sets out how drinks of 1.2% ABV or less should be described. Using the words is voluntary, but if a product uses them it is expected to meet these conditions:
- Alcohol free: alcohol has been extracted and the drink contains no more than 0.05% ABV.
- De-alcoholised: alcohol has been extracted and the drink contains no more than 0.5% ABV.
- Low alcohol: 1.2% ABV or below, with the maximum ABV on the label.
- Non-alcoholic: not to be used with a name commonly associated with a drink containing alcohol, except communion wine made from unfermented grape juice.
The US labels for beer and malt drinks
In the US, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) sets the terms for beer and other malt beverages. "Non-alcoholic" may be used only if the label also says the drink contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, right next to it. "Alcohol free" may be used only on malt beverages that contain no alcohol. "Low alcohol" or "reduced alcohol" means less than 2.5% ABV.
So a US "non-alcoholic" beer and a UK "alcohol-free" beer are not the same thing: the first can hold up to ten times as much alcohol as the second.
How much alcohol is really in them
The amounts are small. Using the NHS formula (strength × volume ÷ 1,000), our arithmetic gives these figures for a 568 ml UK pint:
| Strength (ABV) | UK units | Pints to reach one unit |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05% (UK "alcohol free") | 0.03 | about 35 |
| 0.5% (UK "de-alcoholised", US "non-alcoholic") | 0.28 | about 3.5 |
| 1.2% (UK "low alcohol") | 0.68 | about 1.5 |
| 4% (regular beer) | 2.27 | under half a pint |
Using them to cut down
Lower-strength drinks are a standard part of cutting down. The NHS suggests swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower ABV and alternating drinks containing alcohol with water or soft drinks. NIAAA suggests keeping an alcohol-free drink in your hand at events if you are not drinking, which also makes it easier to say no to a drink.
In the UK, the government's stated aim in reviewing these labels is to encourage people who drink above the 14-unit guideline to swap some of their drinks for no- and low-alcohol ones. Our guide on how to cut down on alcohol has the rest of the NHS and NIAAA tips.
Who should be careful
The UK government's impact assessment for its 2023 labelling consultation cites a systematic review finding that, in people with alcohol use disorder or heavy drinking patterns, drinking no- and low-alcohol drinks was linked with more desire, temptation and craving to drink alcohol, increasing with the severity of dependence. It notes that the look, flavour and smell of these drinks can act as cues.
The same consultation was accompanied by an evidence review of the risks of calling 0.5% drinks "alcohol free" in pregnancy, while driving and for people in recovery. If any of those apply to you, check the exact ABV, and if you are in recovery, talk it through with your doctor or support service before trying them.
Common questions
Is 0.5% beer alcohol-free?
Not under current UK guidance, where "alcohol-free" means 0.05% or less and 0.5% drinks are "de-alcoholised". In the US a beer under 0.5% can be labelled "non-alcoholic", while "alcohol free" means no alcohol at all.
Can non-alcoholic beer make you drunk?
At 0.5% ABV, a 568 ml pint holds about 0.3 UK units, so it would take roughly three and a half pints to match one unit. Strength varies by product and country, so read the ABV on the label.
Is alcohol-free beer OK if I am in recovery?
It depends on the person. A review cited by the UK government found these drinks were linked with more craving in people with alcohol use disorder, and their taste and smell can act as cues. Talk to your doctor or support service first.
When to get help
This site offers self-help tools and information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor, or call one of the lines below, if:
- you feel shaky, sweaty, sick or anxious when you haven't had a drink;
- you find it hard to stop once you start, or you want to cut down and can't;
- drinking is causing problems with your health, work or the people close to you.
Before you stop: It can be very dangerous to stop drinking suddenly if you are dependent on alcohol. If you get withdrawal symptoms, get medical help before you try to stop drinking.
Free, confidential helplines
- United States:SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-HELP (4357)Treatment referral and information, 24/7.
- United States:988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
- United Kingdom:Drinkline0300 123 1110The national alcohol helpline, free and in complete confidence. Weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Sources
- Low Alcohol Descriptors Guidance. Department of Health and Social Care (UK). gov.uk
- Updating labelling guidance for no and low-alcohol alternatives: equality impact assessment. Department of Health and Social Care (UK). gov.uk
- Malt Beverage Labeling: Alcohol Content. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (US Treasury). ttb.gov
- Alcohol units. NHS. nhs.uk
- Tips on cutting down on alcohol. NHS. nhs.uk
- Building Your Drink Refusal Skills. NIAAA Rethinking Drinking. rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov
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