People are swapping their usual drinks for NA options, whether for health reasons, curiosity, or just because they like the taste. But here’s a question that comes up more often than you’d expect: Why do some people feel a buzz from non-alcoholic beer?
If there’s little to no alcohol, what’s going on?
The Psychology of Drinking NA Beer
For many, drinking beer isn’t just about the alcohol—it’s about the ritual. The cold can, the first sip, the social energy of a night out. NA beer checks all those boxes, which is why some people swear they “feel something” when drinking it.
That’s the placebo effect in action. When your brain expects an outcome—like the relaxation that comes with drinking—it can create that feeling even if the actual perceived cause (alcohol) isn’t present. Your brain can connect the experience to past memories of drinking, and your body may play along.
Can NA Beer Actually Affect Your Body?
Beyond the psychological effects, there are a few physiological factors at play:
-
Hops Might Have a Calming Effect
Hops—the same ingredient that gives beer its signature bitterness—contain compounds that are naturally calming. Studies suggest that drinking hop-infused beverages (including NA beer) can promote relaxation and even improve sleep. It’s not alcohol, but it could explain why some people feel a sense of calm after drinking an NA brew. -
The Ritual of Relaxation
If you’re used to unwinding with a beer, simply drinking one—NA or not—can signal your body to relax. Your brain links that taste and smell to the wind-down process, making it easier to switch gears after a long day. -
Sensory Triggers and Muscle Memory
If you’ve been drinking beer for years, your body knows the drill. The moment that first sip hits, it kicks into autopilot: shoulders relax, conversations flow, and—if you’re predisposed to it—you might even feel something, even though there’s no real alcohol in the mix.
The Reality: No, NA Beer Won’t Get You Drunk
For anyone wondering, no, NA beer won’t actually intoxicate you. Most contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV)—which is about the same as a ripe banana or a glass of orange juice. You’d have to drink an unreasonable amount of NA beers, at a pace faster than your body can process, for it to have any real effect.
That being said, NA beer isn’t for everyone.
Some people choose not to drink it because even the taste or ritual can be triggering. If you’re in recovery or know that beer—alcoholic or not—isn’t a good fit for you, trust that instinct. No drink is worth a backward step.
NA beer is about options. Some people love it for the flavor. Others drink it to stay social while cutting back on alcohol. And for a few, the sensory experience alone is enough to mimic a buzz.
