Non-alcoholic beer has grown in popularity, increasingly even showing up on restaurant menus. Yet if you walk into most bars in the U.S., you probably won’t find one on tap. Why is that?
In other countries—especially in Europe—NA beer is treated just like any other beer. It’s poured fresh from the tap, enjoyed at bars, and integrated seamlessly into drinking culture. But in the U.S., it’s still mostly found in cans and bottles.
Some countries have fully embraced NA beer as a mainstream option, serving it on tap right alongside traditional beers, including:
- Germany: Home to some of the earliest NA beers in the world, Germany has long offered them on draught. Many German breweries have perfected NA brewing techniques, and consumers expect to see options at bars and restaurants.
- Spain: One of the largest consumers of NA beer per capita, Spain treats NA beer like any other beverage. It’s common to find it on tap, even in smaller bars.
- United Kingdom: While NA beer sales are growing fast in the UK, availability on tap is still limited—though some progressive pubs are starting to include it.
- Middle East: Due to religious and cultural reasons, NA beer (often labeled as “malt beverages”) is widely available, even in places where alcohol is banned.
Now, compare that to the U.S., where NA beer has seen a surge in popularity, but ordering one on tap is rare.
Why Isn’t NA Beer on Tap in the U.S.?
Despite NA beer’s growing market share, there are a few key reasons why it’s not yet widely available on draught:
- Perceived Demand – Many bar owners assume NA beer won’t sell fast enough to justify dedicating a tap line to it. Unlike cans or bottles, which can sit in a fridge for months, kegs have a shorter shelf life once tapped.
- Distribution & Logistics – Many NA beers are produced by craft breweries that don’t yet have the infrastructure to distribute kegs widely. Scaling keg distribution takes time and investment.
- Shelf Life & Preservation – Alcohol acts as a natural preservative in beer. Since NA beer contains little to no alcohol, it’s more prone to spoilage and must be stored and handled carefully. Kegged NA beer typically has a shorter shelf life than its alcoholic counterparts, making it riskier for bars to keep on tap.
- Cultural Expectations – Beer in the U.S. is still largely associated with alcohol. In some places, NA beer is seen as a niche product, rather than a regular drinking option.
But, the times may be changing. With more people focusing on conscious consumption, there’s growing pressure for bars to expand their options. Some pioneering breweries and bars are already experimenting with NA beers on tap, and as consumer demand continues to grow, we’ll likely see more establishments making space for them.
For now, if you want an NA beer on draught, you can visit Go Brewing's taproom in Naperville, IL – we can fix you up a cold one, straight from the tap.
