Built by the team at The Sober Curator. Curated by founder Alysse Bryson. Reviews and tasting notes by Senior NA Beer Contributor Justin Lamb.
Jump straight to the list | Jump straight to the “Which NA Beer are YOU?” quiz
There are approximately one million listicles on the internet about non-alcoholic beer. Most of them were written by someone who tried four options at a Whole Foods and called it research.
This is not that.
The list you’re about to read was built by someone who has spent years inside the NA beer category, not as a casual observer but as a person whose sobriety made him take craft beer more seriously, not less. Senior Sober Curator Justin Lamb has reviewed more than 130 non-alcoholic beers for The Sober Curator. He knows the difference between a beer that is technically alcohol-free and one that is actually worth drinking. That distinction matters more than most people realize, and it is the entire point of this column.
The NA beer category has grown fast enough that keeping up with it is a part-time job. Justin has made it his. What follows is the result.
Meet Justin Lamb
In May 2021, about nine months after The Sober Curator launched, Justin Lamb showed up and immediately made the whole operation better. His sober date is June 24, 2019. He is a former craft beer drinker who did not leave his love of the form behind when he got sober. He brought it with him and redirected it, which is how you end up with more than 130 NA beer reviews and a column recognized as a Top 100 Beer Blog in 2025.
Here is what the bio does not tell you. Justin is a pop culture obsessive and a collector of tchotchkes. He makes music. He had his own podcast. He wears Mr. Rogers therapist cardigans better than anyone alive, and I mean that as the highest possible compliment. He has a snarky sense of humor that is so well-calibrated it never tips into mean. He is one of my favorite humans on the planet, and I trust his opinion on basically anything.
But the thing that tells you everything you need to know about Justin Lamb is the vintage Tonka Winnebago. It was our first virtual Christmas together with my brother from another mother. We had met during the pandemic, so everything was on Zoom, and Justin found a vintage Tonka Winnebago on eBay that matched one sitting on my shelf. (We have a strong bond based on our mutual love of tchotchkes from our childhood.) He bought it. He painted it in Sober Curator colors, black with the signature TSC stripes. And he gave it to me as a Christmas gift.
That is who Justin Lamb is. We finally met in person in LA in 2025, and he was exactly who I already knew he was.
The Sober Curator’s Top 10 NA Beers of 2026 at a glance:
- Go Brewing The Story – A double IPA delivering bitter beauty and hop-heavy happiness in every sip.
- Best Day Brewing Nature Pils – Crisp, clean, classic pilsner perfection for your thirsty taste buds.
- Atmos Brewing Cosmos NA Peanut Butter Milk Dark – Peanut butter, chocolate, and coffee combine for dark beer decadence.
- Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA – The hazy hop hero that still sets the standard for NA IPAs.
- Two Frays Brewery You Do You Hazy – Thick, tropical, and gloriously cloudy, this is hazy heaven done right.
- Best Day Brewing Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA – Big, bold, bitter flavors that bring imperial IPA energy without the booze.
- WellBeing Brewing Intentional IPA – A hop-forward heavyweight that skips the fruit and focuses on flavor.
- Gruvi Mocha Nitro Stout – Creamy coffee-and-cocoa goodness with nitro-powered smoothness.
- Years Beer Original Pils – A crushable classic that packs pilsner precision and balanced barley brilliance.
- Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA – Grapefruit, hops, and craft brewing credibility all rolled into one reliable IPA.
#1 Go Brewing – The Story
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 0.48%
Brewery: Go Brewing
What it is: A hop-forward Double IPA brewed with Simcoe, Citra, and Mosaic hops that delivers the bold bitterness and body IPA fans crave.
Best for: Former craft beer hop heads.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Go Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: As time has gone on, there have been a select few hoppy masterpieces that have filled my flavor hole to completion. I love an IPA that comes hard and strong and makes people without the taste for hops squirm in their seat. This is that beer. Fill your holes and watch ‘em squirm as you enjoy the hoppiest NA out there!
Read the full review: Go Brewing The Story Double IPA Review
#2 Best Day Brewing – Nature Pils
Style: Pilsner
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Best Day Brewing
What it is: A crisp craft pilsner that balances roasted malt, barley, and hops while maintaining the easy-drinking character of the style.
Best for: Drinkers looking for a traditional beer experience.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Best Day Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: When you want a basic beer that’s not basic, this is a perfect go to. Especially now that summer is here, the crisp, cool cut of this brew is definitely going to hit your pleasure center in the way you want. Like hosing off your lawnmower body with a tub of bubbly ice cubes. I said what I said.
Read the full review: Best Day Brewing Nature Pils Review
#3 Atmos Brewing – Cosmos NA Peanut Butter Milk Dark
Style: Peanut Butter Milk Stout
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Atmos Brewing
What it is: A rich dark beer built around peanut butter, chocolate, coffee, and lactose sweetness.
Best for: Stout and dessert beer lovers.
Where to buy: Atmos Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: RIP to the old Bravus Brewing Choclate Peanut butter Stout. In your death, we find a new one to worship. This alter is filled with all you have come to expect from a flavorful stout: chocolate, peanut butter, and a hint of vanilla…or lactose…or milk. Whatever it is, it’s delightful!
Read the full review: Atmos Brewing Cosmos NA Peanut Butter Milk Dark Review Also read: Let’s Address Dark VS Stout – Are They the Mysterious Ringer?
#4 Athletic Brewing – Free Wave Hazy IPA
Style: Hazy IPA
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Athletic Brewing Company
What it is: One of the most recognizable non-alcoholic IPAs on the market, packed with citrus-forward hops and a soft hazy body.
Best for: Anyone looking for a benchmark NA IPA.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Athletic Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: This is truly the OG of the NA world. Sure Partake was out there paving the way, but Athletic came out swinging and has made a name for themselves in this industry for a reason. In my opinion, THIS is the reason.
Read the full review: Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA Review
#5 Two Frays Brewery – You Do You Hazy
Style: Hazy New England IPA
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Two Frays Brewery
What it is: A true hazy IPA with an unfiltered appearance, thick mouthfeel, and balanced tropical hop character.
Best for: Fans of modern New England IPAs.
Where to buy: Two Frays Brewery Direct
Justin’s take: This brew may be in Pittsburgh, but if you get your hands on it, you’ll be in heaven. The internet’s out there, and unless you live in a select few stupid states, this beautiful hoppy, light tall boy can, can be in your can hand, if you understand, man. Go get your flavor on and leave the others behind.
Read the full review: Two Frays You Do You Hazy Review
#6 Best Day Brewing – Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Best Day Brewing
What it is: A bold Imperial IPA that leans heavily into hop flavor while maintaining balance and drinkability.
Best for: Drinkers who miss high-octane West Coast IPAs.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Best Day Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: Okay, full disclosure, I mixed up my ratings a little so the top five wouldn’t all be IPAs, but damn, this guy was competing for the number one spot (Go Brewing won, sorry). I was devastated when I found out this was a temporary run, as I finally found the Bell’s Two-Hearted IPA I was seeking in the NA world. Then, in one magical interview with the founder (right here on The Sober Curator podcast), I found out this was year-round! Bring on the hops, baby!
Read the full review: Best Day Brewing Galaxy Ripple Imperial IPA Review
#7 WellBeing Brewing – Intentional IPA
Style: IPA
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: WellBeing Brewing
What it is: A straightforward American IPA focused on earthy hop character rather than fruit-forward sweetness.
Best for: Traditional IPA purists.
Where to buy: WellBeing Brewing Direct
Justin’s take: I love a 16 oz can. I love a good mindset. I love mental health. WellBeing puts its money where its mouth is and always engages with the community, stamping mental well-being all over its business model. Happy to support and crush these cans as often as I can.
Read the full review: WellBeing Brewing Intentional IPA Review
#8 Gruvi – Mocha Nitro Stout
Style: Nitro Stout
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Gruvi
What it is: A nitrogen-infused stout that layers coffee and chocolate flavors over a smooth, creamy body.
Best for: Guinness fans exploring NA options.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Gruvi Direct
Justin’s take: This guy might surprise people and other than Guinness, it might be the only NA Nitro out there. While I always want more flavors (still waiting on anyone to give me an NA Mango Habanero Stout), the airy nitrogen mixing with the creamy chocolate and coffee notes make this a great night cap, no matter the weather.
Read the full review: Gruvi Mocha Nitro Stout Review
#9 Years Beer – Original Pils
Style: Pilsner
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Years Beer
What it is: A full-flavored pilsner that delivers classic malt character and balance without sacrificing drinkability.
Best for: Beer drinkers who want simplicity executed well.
Where to buy: Years Beer Direct
Justin’s take: What do you do after you get sober publicly? You make NA beers! John Mulaney is funny, but the recipe used in his pilsner is not. They took their job seriously and it shows. This beer is simple in all the best ways and crazy crushable during those hot dog days of summer.
Read the full review: Years Beer Classic Pils Review
#10 Sierra Nevada – Trail Pass IPA
Style: IPA
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
What it is: A hop-forward IPA from one of America’s most respected craft breweries, featuring balanced bitterness and subtle grapefruit notes.
Best for: Fans of classic West Coast-style IPA flavor.
#ADDTOCART on Amazon | Sierra Nevada Direct
Justin’s take: Part of me included this because Sierra Nevada deserves props for stepping up as one of the highest distributed craft beer companies to put out an NA (and many others) that isn’t just scraps from their normal brewing process. This is a great mix of hops and citrus without losing the heart of what someone wants in an IPA. Add to that, the light mouthfeel you might want in a mountainous setting, and you are ready to sit around the campfire.
Read the full review: Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA Review
Want more? Browse all 130+ NA beer reviews on The Sober Curator
Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2026 Graph:
QUIZ: Which NA Beer are YOU?
Which NA Beer
Are You?
Five questions. One perfect pour. Zero regrets.
If you read this far, you are not casually curious about non-alcoholic beer. You are serious about it. You belong here.
I want you to know that Justin’s column is, in my completely unbiased and also entirely accurate opinion, the number one purely non-alcoholic beer review column in the world. I am a little biased. It is also kind of true. It is not bragging if it is true.
(I have been told I say that last part a lot. I stand by it every time.)
You found the right place. Pull up a chair. There is a lot more where this came from.
SOBER CURATOR PODCAST S1 #24: Brewed for the Best – How Best Day Brewing is Redefining NA Beer and Sober Pop Culture
Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … #becausedrunkneverlooksgood.
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Is non-alcoholic beer safe for people in recovery?
Whether non-alcoholic beer is safe in recovery is a deeply personal decision that varies by individual. Many sober people, including members of The Sober Curator team, enjoy NA beer as part of a long-term recovery lifestyle. Others find that the taste, ritual, or marketing of NA beer is a trigger and choose to avoid it. There is no single right answer. We recommend discussing the decision with a trusted recovery sponsor, therapist, or community before adding NA beer to your routine, especially in early sobriety.
Can you get drunk on 0.5% ABV non-alcoholic beer?
It is extremely difficult to get drunk on 0.5% ABV non-alcoholic beer. For reference, ripe fruit, fresh bread, and kombucha can naturally contain up to 0.5% alcohol. A person of average weight would need to consume more than 10 NA beers in under an hour to feel even mild effects, which is significantly more liquid than the body can process at that pace. That said, 0.5% is not the same as 0.0%, so people in early recovery or with strict abstinence preferences should choose 0.0% options.
What is the difference between non-alcoholic beer and alcohol-free beer?
In the United States, “non-alcoholic” beer is legally defined as containing less than 0.5% ABV. “Alcohol-free” typically means 0.0% ABV with no trace alcohol. The terms are often used interchangeably in marketing, so check the label for the exact ABV if it matters to you.
Where can you buy non-alcoholic beer?
Non-alcoholic beer is now widely available at most major U.S. grocery chains, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target, Safeway, and Kroger. Specialty NA bottle shops have also opened in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. For broader selection and harder-to-find brands, online retailers like Boisson, Better Rhodes, DryDrinker, and Amazon ship NA beer nationwide.
Why is non-alcoholic beer so expensive?
Non-alcoholic beer often costs the same or more than regular beer because the production process is more complex. Brewers either remove alcohol after fermentation, which requires specialized equipment, or use alternative brewing methods that produce less volume per batch. Smaller production runs and a still-growing market also keep prices higher than traditional craft beer.
Are non-alcoholic beers healthier than regular beer?
Non-alcoholic beers generally have fewer calories than regular beer (typically 50 to 90 calories per can versus 150 to 200 for full-strength beer), and they eliminate the health risks of alcohol consumption. Some NA beers also contain measurable amounts of nutrients like B vitamins and polyphenols. That said, many NA beers still contain carbohydrates and added ingredients, so they are not a substitute for water.
