Sometimes – okay, rarely, but sometimes – you don’t want to drink your non-alcoholic beer straight after you buy it.
Maybe you stocked up in a promotion or are waiting for a particular occasion to crack a few.
But if you are putting some aside, there’s something it’s good to know: how long does non-alcoholic beer last.
Shelf life of non-alcoholic beer
Like any food or beverage product, non-alcoholic beer has a shelf life. The length of time that it lasts, however, can depend on a variety of factors, including the storage conditions and the ingredients used. Additionally, the presence of preservatives or additives can also affect the shelf life of your NA drink. It is important to check the label or packaging for information on the shelf life of the product, as well as any specific storage instructions.
According to a study published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing, non-alcoholic beer stored at a temperature of 39.2°F (4°C) or below had a shelf life of up to nine months, while beer stored at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) had a shelf life of only three months.
The study also found that non-alcoholic beer packaged in cans had a longer shelf life than those packaged in bottles.
Storing non-alcoholic beer
To ensure that non-alcoholic beer remains in optimal condition for an extended period, it’s crucial to adhere to the aforementioned recommendations and also consider a few additional factors. First and foremost, maintaining a consistent temperature is vital. Storing your non-alcoholic beer at a temperature of 39.2°F (4°C) or lower is a tried-and-true way to preserve its quality and freshness. However, temperature control isn’t the sole determinant of a beer’s shelf life; packaging plays a significant role as well.
Recent research findings, as detailed in a study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, shed light on the importance of the type of packaging used for non-alcoholic beer. According to this study, NA brews packaged in cans exhibits a longer shelf life compared to those stored in bottles. This is primarily due to the differences in the materials and their properties.
Cans are known to be less permeable to both air and light, which are two key culprits responsible for the accelerated spoilage of beer. The minimal permeability of cans significantly reduces the chances of oxygen seeping in and light exposure, both of which can lead to off-flavours and diminished quality. So, if you have non-alcoholic beer packaged in bottles, and it’s not intended for immediate consumption, store it in a cool, dry place shielded from direct sunlight.
This attention to packaging details, in conjunction with temperature control, will ensure that your brew maintains its integrity, flavour and overall freshness over an extended period, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying brew whenever you choose to indulge.
Ingredients that can affect shelf life
The quality of the ingredients used is one of the main factors that affects how long non-alcoholic beer lasts. Those made with high-quality ingredients and brewed using traditional methods is likely to have a longer shelf life than those made with lower-quality ingredients or processed using modern methods.
High-quality ingredients typically have lower levels of contaminants, such as bacteria and wild yeasts, which can spoil beer over time. And traditional brewing methods, such as bottle conditioning, involve adding a small amount of sugar and yeast to the beer before bottling. This allows the beer to continue fermenting in the bottle, which can help to preserve its freshness and flavour. Modern brewing methods, such as pasteurisation, involve heating the beer to high temperatures to kill off any bacteria or yeast, but this can also destroy some of the beer’s delicate flavours and aromas.
Another factor that can affect shelf life is the presence of preservatives or additives. It’s worth noting that while some beers may contain preservatives to extend their shelf life, these additives can also affect the taste and quality of the brew.
———-
As a general rule, non-alcoholic beer if stored correctly, lasts for around six months. Of course, that’s just an average, and things like brand, ingredients, brewing process and ingredients could mean a particular beer has a longer or shorter shelf life than that. If you are looking to keep some NA beer for a while, check the label for information.
Image credit: lance-anderson