Food & Nutrition

Is non-alcoholic Guinness good for you?

Published by Finn Hayden

Guinness is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, and although no alcoholic drink could ever truly be described as "healthy", there has long been debate surrounding the health benefits of a pint of Guinness. These apparent benefits include the supposed high iron content, the low-calorie count per pint, and even the ability to prevent heart clots.

But we always remained skeptical, until now that is. Guinness 0.0, the non-alcoholic version of Guinness can now be found in supermarkets across the UK. So now that the alcohol has been removed from the drink, can we now actually describe it as being good for you? Let's take a look:

Is Guinness good for you (the nomal kind)?

Ah, Guinness. As synonymous with Ireland as the shamrock itself. Is it good for you, you ask? Well, that depends on what you mean by "good."

If you mean good for your health, then I'm afraid the answer is a resounding, no.

Guinness, like all beers, is not exactly a health food. In fact, it's often said that the best thing about Guinness is that it's not as bad for you as some other alcoholic beverages.

Pint of Guinness 0.0
The main reason that some people argue that Guinness can be good for you is because of the iron content.
Although a pint of Guinness only contains .3 mg of iron, most adults get nowhere near their recommended daily intake, so even this small amount can have a positive difference.

 

Guinness is also packed with antioxidants, and a 2003 study from the University of Wisconsin claimed that consumption of Guinness can help to prevent blood clots.

So non-alcoholic Guinness must basically be a super health drink then?

Well, we wouldn't go that far. But to be honest, it's not far off it. Like many non-alcoholic beers, non-alcoholic Guinness contains all the goodness, just without the alcohol and with half the calories per pint. Pretty impressive!

In terms of flavour, this is maybe one of the best non-alcoholic beers we have ever tried. It is very close to the original flavour and quenches the thirst for a nice cold pint.

Guinness 0.0

 

If you are to swap out a full-alcoholic Guinness for a zero-alcohol alternative, it would be much better for your health. That is a fact!

Let us know what you think of this guide and what you think of non-alcoholic Guinness!

Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.

14 Comments

  • Andy lowe

    I’ve just tried the none alcoholic cans of Guinness and to be totally honest I was blown away it is out standing I can have a drink enjoy it and watch my friends make a fool of them selfs

    • David Edwards

      Tried it last night, because I have pancreatitis and alcohol plays it up so best avoided, this will be my first choice of a non alcoholic beer by miles. Well done Guinness top job !

      • Madara Petersone

        I have switched to non alcoholic drinks for a few months now and this is definitely my best find yet!!! It honestly taste like the real deal but with no alcohol! Very impressed! I haven’t seen it in pubs yet but I hope it will be available soon!

  • Paula

    I have autoimmune hepatitis ..inflamed liver. I am thrilled that I can now drink Guinness without the alcohol content. At last Guinness has done well.

    • Chrissie

      I’m not allowed alcohol because of health issues so Gunness has given me one of my favourite drinks back. Thanks Guinness I love it.

  • Dom

    Recovering from alcolol abuse. This 0.0 Guiness is absolutely brilliant.
    It tates amazing and I really enjoy one of these with my dinner.

  • Joanne Davies

    It tastes good and I’m happy to have a non alcoholic version. Just a shame it has fructose listed on the can. That’s not in regular Guinness so it does detract from the health benefits, still not enough to outweigh the alcohol and calories.

    • Mr Theo Tramblinas

      They previously described the fructose as corn syrup? Any info on the detrimental effect of that muck they seem to put in everything these days. Reason I ask is that I have 1 or 2 cans a day and have found myself craving a can come evening time.

  • malcolm walker

    I have ascites and liver cirrhosis, so now i can enjoy a none alcoholic guinness and knowing it is safe to do so
    l wish it was more obtainable to buy in pub

  • Sarah Brooks

    I look forward to a Guiness O most evenings. Love taste and that it’s low calorie. I especially happy it has health benefits!. Strange but I feel like I’ve had a regular Guiness. Maybe it’s just a burst of no alcohol happy!

  • Paul

    Excellent taste tried other non alcoholic drinks this is at a different level to the other non alcohol drinks I wish this was sold in every pub maybe one day hopefully

    • Tom galvin

      Best non alcoholic drink ever, always loved guiness but unable to drink for 30 years due to abuse, tried last week, couldn’t beleive I wasn’t drinking a full bodied guiness, it will be lovely to go into a pub without standing there drinking a cola or a coffee, thank you guiness

  • Jan Piper

    I love draught Guinness and my friend gave me a can of non alcoholic draught Guinness which I thought was amazing. Then about an hour later started feeling clammy and very nauseous so I look at the ingredients listed on the can and it has fructose in it. As I am fructose intolerant I was so disappointed I can’t drink it again. Why does it need Fructose in it?

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