When it comes to Man of Many’s list of the best non-alcoholic beers money can buy, it goes without saying, that expertise is key. While we’ve tasted every beer on this list, we’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Our list takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to our own opinions, we take into account reviews via alcohol retailer Dan Murphys and the Australian non-alcoholic drinks retailers Sans Drinks and Craft Zero. We then collate the information together and measure the beers via overall flavour profile, reader ratings and commercial availability, meaning one-off craft beers and special editions aren’t likely to top the list.

The best non-alcoholic beers should be divided into a number of different categories.

After trying every non-alcoholic beer on this list we had to settle the score by passing a few Nort’s around the Man of Many office. The Nort Beer came out on top as our overall favourite amongst the team and it’s nort hard to see why. The brand is 100% Australian-owned and operated brewery with a focus on creating the most refreshing zero per cent beers money can buy. We found every beer in the range big on flavour but our favourites would rank in this order; XPA, IPA, and Pacific Ale. A great choice for those looking to shed a few calories in the process, the beer is plant-based so you can enjoy it more often.

Formed as a collaboration between four mates, Heaps Normal started with the aim of encouraging conversation around mindful drinking. Fast forward a few years and the brand has become the most popular non-alcoholic beer in restaurants around the country. If there’s a low-alcohol beer option on your local’s beer list, there’s a good chance it’s a Heaps Normal. We love the Quiet XPA for its full-flavoured citrus and tropical ale flavour profile that offers all the aspects of a craft beer without alcohol. Win-win.

Our friends at Capital Brewing have been making some of the best beers in the craft beer scene for years. When the market asked for a great non-alcoholic beer, they didn’t rush to the stage to deliver a subpar beer, they spent months trying, testing, and creating their version of the best on the market. We aren’t going to argue with the flavours here either, a little salty to top our list of the best non-alcoholic beer, you’ll love the full-flavoured tropical Pacific Ale burst that’s here in full effect.

‘Non-alcoholic’ and ‘craft beer’ are two words we love to hear at Man of Many and Athletic Brewing Co. is here to exhibit the full-bodied flavours from their staples – our favourite being the Upside Down pale ale. Experimenting and pushing the rules in the name of the full-bodied flavour is the aim of the game for Athletic Brewing, and to figure out how on earth they achieve such, we asked founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker what they love about these fully-fermented drops.

When perusing the non-alcoholic beer selection over on BWS, you can do no wrong in picking up a case of Heineken 0.0. The brand crafts it like a normal lager before evaporating the alcohol, resulting in a taste that’s crisp, clean, and thoroughly reliable.

After trying this one, the team here at Man of Many believe this is the perfect ‘inbeertweener’ because Beneficial Beer Co’s Stone Cold Lager is a mid-strength, full-bodied non-alcoholic lager, which for the first time ever in the non-alcoholic beer market, is brewed the traditional way. Produced using a tried and tested traditional brewing process, the Stone Cold Lager has all the ingredients you’d expect – barley grain, water, hops and yeast – leaving all the flavours you would expect from a mid-strength lager.

No stranger to a tap near you, James Squire entered the alcohol-free market with the launch of James Squire Zero. The launch brought their brewing heritage and credentials to an increasingly thirsty audience of zero-alcohol lovers, and we couldn’t wait to get our greasy mitts around a six-pack. Perfect for those who seek to avoid ‘fruit beers’, this is our pick of the bunch for those looking for a premium brew. James Squire Zero features all the refreshing flavours of a full-strength beer. We expect Zero to follow in the footsteps of James Squire Ginger Beer, the number one alcoholic ginger beer in Australia.

A perennial favourite amongst sober sippers here at Man of Many, Carlton’s non-alcoholic beer (aka Carlton Zero) makes for the perfect summertime beverage in our books. Having been crafted with the same care, quality, and ingredients as the brand’s alcoholic output, it delivers a fruity aroma and robust, hoppy flavour.

We were quick to jump on the Mornington Peninsula bandwagon when they announced the launch of their Mornington Free Pale Ale. And while it was the brand’s first foray into the non-alcohol sector, it was also the first Pale Ale offering from an award-winning craft brewery. Just like a number of the best non-alcoholic beers on this list, Mornington Peninsula Brewery starts the brewing process from scratch. Forget stripping the alcohol and flavour out of full strength, the brand starts from the beginning and creates a delicious and refreshing bevvy with less than 0.5% ABV.

Holsten is one of the most popular brands in Germany and with good reason. Its non-alcoholic beer has everything you can ask for in a German pilsner…unless you’re asking for alcohol. This is one of the best non-alcoholic beers for those watching their waistline too, coming it at just 40 calories per bottle you won’t feel any guilt putting a few of these back.

For one of the best non-alcoholic beers in Australia, look no further than one of the nation’s biggest brands, Cooper’s. They didn’t just jump on the non-alcoholic drinks trend after we published our article, they’ve been making this beer for years and Coopers know how to craft some delicious suds. Here you’ll find a vibrant colour, full-bodied maltiness, a clean finish, and an ABV of just 0.5%.

We think the legends over at Big Drop have mastered a brew that taste just like the real thing. The brewer uses a lazy yeast, which is not very good at converting sugar to alcohol, as well as brewing at slightly higher temperatures at various points to further inhibit alcohol production. Additionally, this non-alcoholic beer uses less grain, which means less sugar. Goodbye beer gut.

Thanks to the power of crowd-funding, Scotland’s BrewDog Brewery came roaring to life and wasted no time in churning out choice products. Amongst its slate of steady sippers is Nanny State Pale Ale, a no-alcohol beer of considerable quality. It’s brewed with a full spectrum of hops and malts and then dry-hopped with Centennial and Amarillo.

Germany’s most popular malt beverage is a no-brainer purchase for non-alcoholic beer drinkers in Australia. Combining barley malt, maltose, hops, and clean brewing water with a touch of carbonation, Karamalz is slightly bitter and naturally sweet. If some scientific reports are to be believed, it’s not just delicious, but good for you too. What’s there not to love?

Maisel’s wheat beers are the stuff of legend in Bavaria and abroad. Brewed in accordance with Germany’s purity law, this non-alcoholic variant comes in 500ml bottles, bringing big bang for your buck.

One of Clausthaler’s latest is also one of their greatest. Combining an innovative brewing technique— during which Cascade Hops are added after fermentation—with the German Zwickel tradition of unfiltered brewing, it comes in rich, crisp, and golden. That’s joined by the perfect touch of malty sweetness.

Rounding out our list of the best non-alcoholic beers in Australia and beyond is this award-winning IPA. It comes to us from Germany’s ü.NN and imparts a golden colour, fruity aromas, and a clean taste. Drink it during hot weather and don’t forget to go “ahhhhh…”

A number of non-alcoholic beer drinkers simply swear by this wheat-based brew, which goes big on flavour and texture alike. With its ABV of 0.5%, some might call it low alcohol as opposed to no alcohol. Either way, you won’t be getting drunk.

With a name like #3 Pepperberry IPA, you know this zero-alcohol beer from Sobah is something special. Infused with fruit from the Australian Native Pepperberry tree, it delivers citrusy hop flavour along with a spicy kick. More than one of Australia’s best non-alcoholic beers, this is a tasty and downright interesting beverage. Try it regardless of your regular drinking habits.

Between its smooth texture and malty flavour, this non-alcoholic beer is one of the best you can buy in 2019. Like so many others on the list, it’s crafted using traditional methods and ingredients before the alcohol is gently evaporated.