German Beer Gardens Embrace Non-Alcoholic Options: A Healthier and Growing Trend

For many, the Oktoberfest in Germany is synonymous with beer – and lots of it. However, there is a new trend emerging that allows people to enjoy all the fun of the festival without the dreaded hangover. Germans are increasingly swapping traditional alcoholic brews for non-alcoholic alternatives, driven by health concerns and the improving quality of booze-free options.

In Germany, beers containing less than 0.5 percent alcohol, the legal limit to be classified as non-alcoholic, are becoming a common sight in the country’s famous beer gardens. “I like the taste of beer, but I don’t find it reasonable to always drink it with alcohol,” says Kathrin Achatz, 40, who was interviewed by AFP at the BRLO beer garden in Berlin.

The rising demand for non-alcoholic beer is evident in the numbers. According to federal statistics office Destatis, the volume of non-alcoholic beer produced in Germany has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching 670 million liters in 2022. In a recent survey by the Allensbach Institute, non-alcoholic beer accounted for around seven percent of total beer sales.

“We are seeing a strong increase in demand,” says Holger Eichele, head of the German Brewers Federation, which represents the interests of the brewing industry. One of the pioneers in the market is BRLO, a brewery located in Berlin’s central Kreuzberg district. BRLO prides itself on producing all its beer in Berlin. They launched their “Naked” non-alcoholic range in 2017 and have since experienced a significant jump in sales, with a 60 percent increase in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Non-alcoholic beer was initially developed in the 1970s for a niche market that included motorists, pregnant women, and recovering alcoholics. However, in recent years, these beverages have made their way into the mainstream. The number of non-alcoholic beer brands on offer has doubled since 2010, exceeding 700, according to the German Brewers Federation.

One of the main barriers to the widespread adoption of non-alcoholic beer was its perceived inferior quality. But thanks to improved brewing techniques, the taste and quality of these beverages have increased significantly. At BRLO, for example, a special yeast is used to prevent the creation of alcohol during fermentation, ensuring the flavor is not compromised. The beer undergoes a week-long fermentation process in huge gray vats at the brewery.

The rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beer in Germany can also be attributed to growing health trends and increased awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol. “There is a growing awareness of health imperatives in the population,” says Eichele. Max Thomas, a 44-year-old British resident in Berlin, explains that sometimes people want to have a drink without feeling the effects of alcohol.

Although Germans are known for their love of alcohol, with an average consumption of 10 liters of pure alcohol per inhabitant per year, alcohol consumption is actually declining, especially among the younger generation. According to a study by the Federal Centre for Health Education, only 8.7 percent of young people aged 12 to 17 drink alcohol at least once a week, compared to around 14 percent in 2011 and 25 percent in 1979.

The average German consumed 87.2 liters of beer in 2022, down from nearly 100 liters in 2013, according to Destatis. This has led the brewing industry to anticipate further growth in the non-alcoholic beer market, with the Brewers Federation predicting it will eventually account for 20 percent of the overall market. “It will not completely replace classic beer, but it has enormous potential,” concludes Eichele.

So, next time you find yourself in a German beer garden, don’t be surprised to see an increasing number of patrons opting for non-alcoholic beer. It seems that Germans are embracing a healthier approach to enjoying their favorite beverage, without sacrificing the flavor and experience of a good beer.