Germany’s famous Oktoberfest is known for its lively atmosphere and copious amounts of beer. However, an interesting trend is emerging among Germans who still want to enjoy the festivities without the dreaded hangover. Increasingly, Germans are opting for non-alcoholic brews, driven by health concerns and the improving quality of booze-free options.

In Germany, beers containing less than 0.5 percent alcohol are considered non-alcoholic. These beers are becoming more common in the country’s renowned beer gardens. Many Germans still enjoy the taste of beer but find it unreasonable to always consume it with alcohol. Kathrin Achatz, a 40-year-old beer lover, expressed her preference for non-alcoholic beer, stating that she enjoys the taste without the negative effects.

Germany has seen a significant increase in the production of non-alcoholic beer over the past decade. According to federal statistics office Destatis, the volume of non-alcoholic beer produced reached 670 million liters in 2022, nearly double the amount from 10 years ago. In a recent survey by the Allensbach Institute, non-alcoholic beer accounted for around seven percent of total beer purchases in 2022.

The German Brewers Federation, which represents the interests of the brewing industry, has noticed this growing demand. “We are seeing a strong increase in demand,” said Holger Eichele, the federation’s head. This trend is evident in breweries such as BRLO, which operates in Berlin. BRLO launched its “Naked” non-alcoholic range in 2017 and has experienced a 60 percent increase in sales in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Non-alcoholic beer was initially created in the 1970s for specific groups such as motorists, pregnant women, and recovering alcoholics. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among the general population. The number of non-alcoholic beer brands has doubled since 2010, exceeding 700 options, according to the German Brewers Federation. This growth is attributed to improved brewing techniques, allowing for higher-quality non-alcoholic beers to enter the mass market. At BRLO, for example, a special yeast is used during fermentation to prevent the creation of alcohol while maintaining flavor.

The rise of non-alcoholic beer in Germany can also be attributed to health trends and an increased awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol. “There is a growing awareness of health imperatives in the population,” Eichele explained. Max Thomas, a 44-year-old Briton residing in Berlin, echoed this sentiment, stating that sometimes people want to enjoy a drink without experiencing the effects of alcohol.

Despite being one of the largest consumers of alcohol in the world, with an average of 10 liters of pure alcohol per person per year, Germans are consuming less alcohol overall, especially among young people. According to a study by the Federal Centre for Health Education, the percentage of young people aged 12 to 17 who drink alcohol at least once a week has decreased from around 14 percent in 2011 to 8.7 percent in recent years. This changing trend in alcohol consumption is reflected in beer consumption as well, with the average German consuming 87.2 liters of beer in 2022, compared to nearly 100 liters in 2013, according to Destatis.

Given these shifts in drinking habits, the brewing industry anticipates further growth in the non-alcoholic beer market. The Brewers Federation predicts that non-alcoholic beers will eventually account for 20 percent of the overall market. “It will not completely replace classic beer, but it has enormous potential,” Eichele concluded.

In conclusion, Germans are embracing non-alcoholic beer as a healthier alternative to traditional beer, driven by concerns for their well-being and the availability of high-quality options. As the industry continues to innovate and respond to changing consumer preferences, non-alcoholic beers are expected to maintain and expand their market share, offering an appealing option for those looking to enjoy all the fun of Oktoberfest without the unwelcome hangover.