No Alcohol No Sweat

Non-alcoholic beers are everywhere. Well, not quite, but they are certainly more prevalent in the aisles. And, (no Sherlock Holmes-style sleuthing needed here) they are increasingly on people’s tables as they eat. With more and more styles and increasing complexity that brewers can extract from their ingredients, non-alcoholic beers can be versatile companions to a wide variety of meals. You can even fashion non-alcoholic beer food pairings for every meal – yes, even breakfast.

1. Breakfast and brunch

For some, the idea of a beer at breakfast – even one without alcohol – just doesn’t sit right. But it can be a thing. It might surprise you, but non-alcoholic beer can pair beautifully with breakfast and brunch dishes.

• Wheat beers with omelettes and pastries: Non-alcoholic wheat beers, with their light, fruity notes and hints of spice, are a natural match for fluffy omelettes, quiches and buttery croissants. Their slightly tangy finish cuts through the richness of egg dishes and balances the sweetness of pastries. Try the Wellbeing Victory Wheat Beer.
• Amber ales with pancakes or bacon: The toasty, malty notes of a non-alcoholic amber ale complement the sweetness of syrup-drenched pancakes and the savoury saltiness of bacon or sausage.

2. Light lunches

Pairing non-alcoholic beer with a lighter midday meal can bring balance and enhance flavours – and still leave you with oodles of energy for the afternoon.

• Lagers with salads and sandwiches: A crisp, clean non-alcoholic lager pairs perfectly with fresh salads, chicken wraps or turkey sandwiches. The beer’s effervescence refreshes the palate and highlights the meal’s lighter ingredients. Beers like Coopers Ultra Light Birell.
• Pale ales with grilled vegetables: Non-alcoholic pale ales, with their mild hoppiness and citrusy undertones, go well with grilled vegetables or a veggie-forward grain bowl. A tipple like the Holgate Love All will add just the right amount of zing to complement those earthy flavours.

3. Classic comfort foods

There are some non-alcoholic beers that have the character to stand up alongside hearty, comforting meals..

• IPAs with burgers or spicy dishes: A non-alcoholic IPA’s bright, hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness of a cheeseburger or balances the heat of spicy dishes like tacos or curries. Its bold, zesty flavours enhance the meal’s intensity. Try the one from Lightning Minds.
• Brown ales with shepherd’s pie or roast chicken: Non-alcoholic brown ales, with their nutty and caramel-like notes, are excellent companions for comfort classics. They bring out the savoury depth in meat-and-potato dishes or roasted poultry.

4. Non-alcoholic food pairings for seafood specialties

The nuanced flavours of seafood call for beers that enhance, not overpower, the dish.

• Blonde ales with fish and chips: A non-alcoholic blonde ale’s light body and subtle maltiness pairs well with the crispy, golden batter of fish and chips. Its gentle carbonation also cleanses the palate between bites.
• Pilsners with shellfish: For shellfish like shrimp, lobster or clams, a non-alcoholic pilsner is the ideal choice. Its crisp, slightly bitter profile enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

5. Vegetarian dishes

Vegetarian dishes often rely on fresh ingredients and bold spices, making non-alcoholic beer an excellent pairing option.

• Pale ales with veggie curries or stir-fries: The malty, more bitter notes of non-alcoholic pale ales – such as the Hawkesbury Prohibition – complement the spices in vegetable curries or stir-fries, highlighting the dish’s complexity.
• Porters with mushroom-based dishes: Non-alcoholic porters, with their roasted, chocolatey undertones, pair well with earthy dishes like mushroom risotto, lentil stew or charred eggplant.

6. Non-alcoholic beer food pairings for pizza and pasta

Who doesn’t love pizza or a hearty bowl of pasta? Non-alcoholic beer can pair well with both.

• Amber lagers with pizza: The toasty malt character of an amber lager enhances the savoury flavours of pizza. Whether it’s a classic margherita to a loaded meat lover’s pie. Its slight sweetness balances the acidity of tomato-based sauces.
• Bocks with creamy pastas: Non-alcoholic bocks, with their rich, malty sweetness, match the indulgent creaminess of Alfredo or carbonara pasta dishes.

7. Sweets

Pairing non-alcoholic beer with dessert may seem unconventional, but the right beer can take your sweet course to the next level.

• Stouts with chocolate desserts: A non-alcoholic stout, like the one from Road Runner, with its coffee and cocoa notes, is a perfect match for chocolate cake, brownies or truffles. Its velvety texture and deep flavours mirror and amplify the richness of the dessert.
• Fruit beers with cheesecakes and tarts: Non-alcoholic fruit beers, brimming with berry or citrus flavours, are ideal with creamy desserts like cheesecake or fruit tarts. Their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully. For something deliciously different, try Sobah Pepperberry IPA.

Discover non-alcoholic beer food pairings across the board

Pairing non-alcoholic beers with meals opens up a world of flavour combinations. With their diverse styles and profiles, these NA brews can complement dishes across the board, from breakfast (if you really want) to dessert.

_{Image credit: Clay Banks}