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Something is changing in the beverage industry. Recent reports show a decline in sales of traditional alcoholic drinks: beer and cider sales fell over 3%, while wine dropped more than 6%. In contrast, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits experienced a significant upswing of nearly 19%, now surpassing one billion dollars in sales. This shift has given rise to a new category of functional beverages that promise more than just refreshment. Notably, beer is now available in a "functional" variety. The concept is appealing: enjoy a cold drink without the effects of alcohol, combined with ingredients that may reduce stress or enhance focus.

What Is Functional Beer?

The range of functional beers varies widely. At the simpler end are non-alcoholic and low-ABV beers, which have improved considerably over the past decade, along with hop water that mimics the beer taste without any alcohol. On the more complex side, these beverages include beneficial ingredients, such as:

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi to help manage stress.
• Nootropics like L-theanine and caffeine for improved focus.
• Botanicals, electrolytes, and even probiotics.

Brands such as De Soi, Kin, and TRIP have popularized the idea of enjoying a buzz without the booze, and similar beer-style products are gaining traction.

The Effectiveness of Claims

While the claims about functional ingredients range from factual to exaggerated, some ingredients show promise. For instance, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine has been shown to promote calm focus without causing jitters. Similarly, ashwagandha has evidence supporting its ability to modestly lower cortisol levels. Moreover, reductions in sugar content and the addition of electrolytes are genuine benefits.

However, caution is warranted. The actual doses of these functional ingredients in beverages can often be insufficient to deliver the advertised effects. The benefits of adaptogens can be subtle and vary significantly among individuals, and some marketing promises may exceed the supporting evidence. Additionally, there is the risk of a "functional halo" effect, where consumers might justify consuming more sugary drinks on the belief that they are "healthy."

The Real Benefit

The significant health benefit of these functional beers is not necessarily the added ingredients, but rather the reduction in alcohol consumption. Alcohol is one of the most harmful substances that people frequently consume, and any product that encourages drinking less is a positive development. Finding a functional beer that tastes good enough to replace traditional beer can support healthier drinking habits. While the additional ingredients may provide secondary benefits, the key advantage lies in the absence of alcohol.

Enjoy these beverages for what they are without undue expectations. While they may not offer significant health improvements, the healthiest ingredient in many of these drinks is simply the alcohol no longer present. Maintain the familiar rituals of social drinking, avoid hangovers, and approach the wellness claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

For those considering these functional beverages, it’s important to note that ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics can interact with medications, so it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you have health conditions or are taking medications.