There are many misconceptions about non-alcoholic beer. Is non-alcoholic beer healthy? Does it make you gain weight? And what about the sugar content? Time to set the record straight and debunk the myths. Myth 1: Drinking a lot of 0.5% beer will get you drunk Fact:  The alcohol content is so tiny that your blood alcohol level won’t rise. Your liver breaks it down immediately. You can safely drink non-alcoholic beer without any risk of intoxication or a positive breath test. Myth 2: Non-alcoholic beer makes you fat Fact:  Alcohol is the main culprit for weight gain, not beer without alcohol. Alcohol contains 7 kcal per gram (almost as much as fat). A regular 5% beer quickly adds up to 150 kcal. A non-alcoholic beer often has only half that. So: non-alcoholic beer is lower in calories and does not make you fat . Myth 3: Non-alcoholic beer contains a lot of sugar Fact:  Non-alcoholic beer typically contains less than 2 grams of sugar per 100 ml. These are residual sugars that haven’t been fermented into alcohol. That’s slightly more than regular beer, which contains virtually no sugar because it’s fully converted into alcohol. But it’s still far less than soft drinks or fruit juice (over 10 g/100 ml). If you’re wondering, “how much sugar is in non-alcoholic beer?” the answer is: usually very little. Myth 4: Non-alcoholic beer has no taste Fact:  Modern brewers add extra hops, fruit, or spices to compensate for the absence of alcohol. Today, there are IPAs, wheat beers, stouts, and pilsners that taste almost as good as their alcoholic counterparts. Non-alcoholic beer tastes great – we challenge you to a taste test. Myth 5: Non-alcoholic beer is only for people who can’t handle alcohol Fact:  Non-alcoholic beer is enjoyed by a wide range of people: athletes, health-conscious drinkers, foodies, and those who simply want to cut back on alcohol. Many beer sommeliers also appreciate non-alcoholic beer – especially because it’s more technically challenging to brew well. Myth 6: Non-alcoholic beer is just a hype Fact:  The market has been growing by double digits for years. Supermarkets and bars are expanding their offerings. Brewers are investing seriously in non-alcoholic options. This isn’t a passing fad – it’s a permanent category. Myth 7: Non-alcoholic beer is only for people who have drunk alcohol before Fact:  People who have never drunk alcohol also enjoy non-alcoholic beer. Think of young people, athletes, or those who avoid alcohol for religious or health reasons. It’s a legitimate beverage in its own right. Myth 8: Non-alcoholic beer is only for pregnant women or designated drivers Fact:  That image is outdated. Nowadays, people drink non-alcoholic beer because they want to be more mindful with alcohol, start or end an evening more lightly, or simply because they like the taste. Myth 9: You shouldn’t drink non-alcoholic beer after exercising Fact:  Quite the opposite. Non-alcoholic beer is often isotonic, which means it quickly replenishes fluids and minerals. Some varieties even contain added magnesium, protein, or vitamins. This makes non-alcoholic beer a good recovery drink after sports. Myth 10: Pregnant women shouldn’t drink non-alcoholic beer Fact:  Here we make an exception. During pregnancy, we recommend 0.0% beer . Better safe than sorry. While breastfeeding, beer up to 0.5% is not a problem. If you’re searching “ non-alcoholic beer pregnancy ,” always go for 0.0. Myth 11: Drinking 0.5% beer can cause liver cirrhosis Fact:  No. Liver cirrhosis is caused by years of heavy alcohol consumption (daily >20–30 grams of pure alcohol). 100 ml of 0.5% beer contains only 0.4 g of alcohol – a fraction of a normal beer. It’s physically impossible to drink harmful amounts. In short Non-alcoholic beer is full of flavor, for everyone, and fits into a conscious lifestyle. The myths are outdated, and the facts speak for themselves. Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie option, a refreshing IPA, or a 0.0% after sports – there’s always a perfect choice. Do you have a question or dilemma about non-alcoholic beer yourself? Let us know – maybe we’ll dedicate our next blog to it.

We've been selling non-alcoholic beer* for over five years. During this time, we've noticed one thing: Breweries specializing in non-alcoholic beer are springing up in almost every country around us. Except in the Netherlands. In Belgium, there's Force Majeure , Belgian Balance, God , and Thrive . In Germany, there's Uwe. Switzerland has Zeer Brewing, Denmark has Teedawn, Italy has Freedl , and even Russia has one with Zero Point Brewing. In the US, there's Bravus, Go Brewing, Kit NA, Wellbeing, and, of course, Athletic Brewing , the market leader in this segment. And the UK takes the crown with around ten breweries that brew exclusively non-alcoholic beers. In the Netherlands? Nothing. There used to be Braxzz (2016–2020), known for the world's first completely alcohol-free porter, but that's since disappeared.*** Why does it work elsewhere? The explanation lies in the history of craft beer. Home brewing was legalized in the United States in 1978, which led to the birth of the craft beer revolution in the 1980s. This trend spread to Europe via Great Britain, thanks to cultural and linguistic proximity, as well as an existing pub and ale culture. Scandinavia and the Netherlands followed suit. Belgium and Germany joined later, as their traditional beer cultures offered less scope for experimentation. The pattern is clear: Countries where the craft brewing scene matured early also saw the emergence of the first specialized non-alcoholic breweries. Therefore, the USA and Great Britain are in the lead group. And what about the Netherlands? The fact that there is (still) no non-alcoholic brewery in this country that exclusively serves alcohol has to do with the history of the Dutch beer market. For a long time, it was dominated by a few large players, which limited creativity. However, with the rise of craft beer, there was plenty of room for experimentation, and hundreds of new breweries did just that. This also means that more and more breweries are adding one or more non-alcoholic beers to their range. VandeStreek, with its Playground IPA and Lowlander, were pioneers in this field. With such strong products from existing breweries, the space for a 100% non-alcoholic brewery is limited. Demand is lower because the supply is already there. Why not do it yourself at OnderNulPuntVijf? We're often asked this question. Of course, we know which varieties are popular and what's in demand. But home brewing is a craft in itself: consistency, discipline, and production equipment require a different level of expertise than we have. Furthermore, we don't want to compete with the beers we sell in our shop. We prefer to focus on selecting the best non-alcoholic beers from around the world and making them accessible. Are you planning a non-alcoholic brewery? We'd be happy to accept your beer and advise you. Long story short The fact that there is (still) no brewery in the Netherlands that specializes exclusively in non-alcoholic beer is due to the history of our beer market and the strength of existing breweries that already produce excellent non-alcoholic beers. However, given the developments around us, it is only a matter of time before a dedicated non-alcoholic beer brewery is established in the Netherlands as well. * For simplicity, we count anything up to 0.5% as alcohol-free, although this is formally referred to as “low alcohol.” ** Examples from the UK: Mash Gang , Nirvana, Big Drop , Drop Bear, Below Brew Co, Brulo , Impossibrew, We Can Be Friends. *** In 2023, Mr. Henry was released: a non-alcoholic beer by a Dutchman in Bosnia and Herzegovina. JayJay Boske also released a non-alcoholic beer (with protein) called Beer with Benefits , but it doesn't seem to have a successor.

Raoul tells us about a simple idea that accidentally turned into an online shop with hundreds of beers, all under 0.5% ABV. It all began with a simple idea. Or rather, an annual, self-imposed challenge. Raoul, born in Maastricht and raised in Brabant, once decided with a friend not to drink alcohol between Carnival and Easter. A refreshing change, he thought. But then again... what do you drink? Instead of just drinking Coke, he went in search of truly delicious non-alcoholic beer. Not standard non-alcoholic beers from the supermarket, but specialty beers that would make your taste buds dance. He scoured the entire country, ordering from obscure online shops abroad, and discovered how limited the selection actually was. Until a friend said, "If you're so passionate about this, why don't you start your own business?" And so, in the living room during the coronavirus pandemic, OnderNulPuntVijf was born : the online shop for lovers of non-alcoholic craft beer. It started with 10 beers and a self-built website. The selection has now grown to over 350 beers. All under 0.5% alcohol, each with its own story. Beer without a hangover Raoul isn't an "anti-alcohol missionary." He simply loves beer. From Palm to Duvel, from Belgian classics to craft beers from all over the world. But after years of tasting, he realized what alcohol does to you: worse sleep, waking up less rested, and those infamous "Why did I do that again?" moments. With non-alcoholic beer, he discovered the best of both worlds: the taste and experience of craft beer, without the drawbacks of alcohol. His first true love began about 10 years ago with a Palm 0.3%. Back then, non-alcoholic beer was more of a curiosity than a trend. Since then, his mission has been clear: to show that a sub-zero beer can be just as exciting, flavorful, and versatile as a non-alcoholic beer. And yes, you could definitely call it "alcohol-free." Because below zero degrees, your body breaks down the alcohol before it even enters your bloodstream. So you can drink all night long without blurry photos or painful memories the next day. Below zero point five? There's more spice in it than you think. There are still many misconceptions about non-alcoholic beer. "It tastes like nothing ," is one of them. Raoul can laugh heartily about that. Quality has exploded in recent years. Small breweries use special yeast strains that produce hardly any alcohol while still preserving all the flavors. Even more remarkable: Beer is often isotonic below zero degrees Celsius . Yes, you read that right: It replenishes fluids and minerals after exercise better than water. In Germany and England, a non-alcoholic beer after a marathon is perfectly normal. This makes Subzero beer not just for drivers or early-morning partygoers. It's for anyone who wants taste without a hangover, and according to Raoul, that makes it a growth market in the beer world. Fridge full of happiness and a laptop as a brewing kettle Anyone who opens Raoul's fridge is transported to craft beer heaven. Every new beer that arrives in the store is the first to be tried. Sometimes out of curiosity for new flavors, sometimes simply because... well, he feels like it. His workspace is less romantic, but just as important: his laptop. From here, he manages everything: inventory management, social media, and the weekly newsletter to over five thousand customers. Because at ONP5, you don't buy an anonymous package. Raoul and his regular crew: Bas, Zoë, Loanna, and Fenna, know their customers. First-time orders receive a warm welcome. Regular customers might even find on the menu: "Here's our taste adventurer again!" Positive, customer-friendly and a bit chaotic Raoul describes himself in three words: "positive" ("My glass is always half full"), "customer-friendly," and "people-oriented." This latter quality is evident not only in his interactions with customers, but also in the relationships he builds with breweries. Take, for example, the Belgian brewer at GOD, who personally drives across the border to deliver supplies. Or the brewer at Pronck in Leiden, who acted as Raoul's lawyer when he ran into trouble with the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority). But he also admits: Behind the scenes, things can sometimes be quite chaotic. The trunk of his car is silent proof of this. Nevertheless, he manages to present everything customers see, from product photos to flavor descriptions, meticulously and professionally. After all, he tasted and described everything himself. Three beers that sum up Raoul in one sip Ask Raoul for three beers that characterize him as an entrepreneur and as a person, and you'll get a box that almost tells his autobiography. For beginners: La Trappe Epos. A refreshing, non-alcoholic blond Trappist beer, created after Raoul personally collaborated with the brewer on the recipe. For the brave: Sour Flying Dutchman "Freak Kriek." A tart, fresh fruit beer that will awaken your taste buds. Like coffee, but among beers. For those undecided: Whiplash "Never Drink Again" New England IPA. Smooth, fruity, and guaranteed to make you happy with your choice of non-alcoholic beer. Whether you're a beginner, a daredevil, or a doubter, ONP5 always has the right beer for you. With Onder Nul Punt Vijf, Raoul proves that non-alcoholic beer is no longer a boring niche. It's a world full of flavor, experiences, and stories, where hangovers aren't welcome, but conviviality is all the more welcome. Or, as he puts it: "With us, people don't just buy a beer, they buy the experience." And if you find non-alcoholic beer boring: One sip from Raoul's range and you'll be proven wrong. 😉