We live in straitened times. Interest rates keep rising, and mortgages keep getting a hell of a lot more expensive. Inflation keeps, well, inflating. The share market does its vacillations and swings, as per. It’s enough to make you want a drink. But, of course, when you are watching the pennies, the price of a tipple is going to be a consideration. So how does the price of non-alcoholic beer compare to regular beer?
The price of non-alcoholic beer varies depending on the country, brand and retailer. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between nations.
UK
According to a study conducted by The Grocer, non-alcoholic beer in the UK is generally more expensive than regular beer. The study found that the average price for a 330ml can of NA beer was £1.24, compared to £1.08 for a regular can.
However, some retailers are offering non-alcoholic beer at a lower price point to encourage sales. For example, at one point supermarket chain Tesco was offering a 330ml can of their own brand non-alcoholic beer for just 55p, compared to £1.09 for their regular beer.
US
A study conducted by the consumer research firm Nielsen found that non-alcoholic beer is generally more expensive than regular beer. It reported that the average price for a six-pack of non-alcoholic beer was $6.13, compared to $5.79 for regular beer.
However, some retailers are offering non-alcoholic beer at a more affordable price point. For example, Walmart has offered a six-pack of their own brand non-alcoholic beer for just $4.98, compared to $5.76 for their regular beer.
France
In France, non-alcoholic beer is generally more expensive than regular beer. According to a study conducted by the French consumer organisation Que Choisir, the average price for a 33cl bottle of non-alcoholic beer was €1.19, compared to €0.95 for a regular bottle of beer.
Australia
According to a study conducted by Choice, the average price for a 330ml bottle of non-alcoholic beer was AUD 2.98, compared to AUD 2.25 for a regular bottle of beer. However, some retailers are offering NA beer at a lower price point, with some supermarket chains selling their own brand non-alcoholic beer for as little as AUD 1.60.
New Zealand
According to an article by The Spinoff, the cost of non-alcoholic beer in New Zealand is generally slightly cheaper than regular beer. The article states that the average cost of a 330ml can or bottle of non-alcoholic beer in New Zealand is around NZ$3.50, while the average for a 330ml can or bottle of regular beer is around NZ$4.00.
Ireland
According to a report by the Irish Times in March 2022, the price of non-alcoholic beer in Ireland is generally slightly cheaper than regular brews.
The report states that the average price of a 500ml can or bottle of NA beer in Ireland is around €1.80, while the average price of a 500ml can or bottle of regular beer is around €2.20.
Germany
In Germany, non-alcoholic beer is generally more affordable than regular beer. According to a study conducted by the German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest, the average price for a 500ml bottle of non-alcoholic beer was €0.56, compared to €0.81 for a regular bottle of beer. The price difference is even more significant when looking at premium beer brands, with non-alcoholic versions often costing up to 30 per cent less than their alcoholic counterparts.
Japan
According to an article by SoraNews24 from December 2021, non-alcoholic beer is generally slightly more expensive than regular beer in Japan. The article states that the average price of a 350ml can of non-alcoholic beer is around 220 yen (approximately $2 USD), while the average price of a 350ml can of regular beer is around 200 yen (approximately $1.80 USD).
However, the price can vary depending on the brand and the retailer. Some non-alcoholic beers, such as Kirin Free, are priced similarly to regular beer.
Canada
According to a study conducted by the Canadian news outlet CBC, the average cost for a six-pack of non-alcoholic beer was CAD 11.99, compared to CAD 10.99 for a six-pack of regular brews. However, some supermarket chains sell their own brand non-alcoholic beer for as little as CAD 7.49.
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Overall, it seems that non-alcoholic beer is generally more expensive than regular beer. However, it is important to bear in mind that these prices are averages, and there is a hell of a lot more alcoholic beers than ever before that contribute to creating that average.
Plus, lots of traditional beer brands have economies of scale that mean prices are kept lower (although often with a corresponding lower level of flavour). And as NA beer gets more popular, the price will come down. Chance are that if you shop around you will find reasonably priced non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional beer.
And, of course, the few extra pence you might pay for a non-alcoholic beer might well be worth it for the positive impact avoiding alcohol has on your health and well-being.
Image credit: Alexander Grey