I’ve been a fan of dark stouts for years, so when Guinness launched their alcohol-free version, I knew I had to try it. This Guinness 0.0 review comes after spending weeks testing the drink in different settings, temperatures, and even comparing it directly against the original Draught. If you’re curious whether this non-alcoholic stout actually delivers on its promise, keep reading.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Guinness 0.0. We’ll cover the taste profile, nutritional information, how it’s made, and how it stacks up against regular Guinness. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether this belongs in your fridge.
What is Guinness 0.0?
Guinness 0.0 is the non-alcoholic version of the famous Irish dry stout brewed at St James’s Gate in Dublin. Launched as part of Guinness’s commitment to offering more inclusive options, this alcohol-free beer hit markets in 2026 with a clear mission: deliver the authentic Guinness experience without the alcohol.
The brand uses a cold filtration process to remove alcohol while preserving the signature flavor compounds. This means you get the same roasted barley character, coffee undertones, and creamy nitrogen texture that Guinness is known for. It’s an impressive technical achievement that took years of development.
The drink contains 0.05% ABV, which classifies it as non-alcoholic in most countries. This trace amount is naturally occurring through fermentation and is far below the threshold that would produce any intoxicating effects. For context, many foods we eat daily contain similar or higher trace alcohol levels.
Taste and Flavor Profile
The taste of Guinness 0.0 is remarkably close to the original, and that’s the first thing that impresses most people. The flavor opens with roasted barley notes that hit the front of your palate with that characteristic Guinness bitterness. I found the roasted malt comes through clearly, giving depth that many non-alcoholic beers lack entirely.
From there, you get subtle coffee notes that develop as you drink. These aren’t overwhelming but provide that familiar dark beer character. There’s also a hint of chocolate in the background, though some reviewers describe it as more cocoa than chocolate. The bitterness lingers pleasantly after each sip.
The sweetness comes from fructose added during brewing to balance the flavors. This is where opinions diverge. Some drinkers appreciate the balance it creates, while others notice the sweetness stands out more than in regular Guinness. I found it noticeable at first but easy to adjust to within a few sips.
The overall taste profile has earned praise from BeerAdvocate, which describes Guinness 0.0 as having a “remarkably mimics” quality with “roasted malt, coffee-forward, slightly chocolatey” characteristics. That’s a fair assessment in my experience. The flavor complexity is genuinely impressive for an alcohol-free beer.
Appearance and Pour
Pouring a can of Guinness 0.0 into a pint glass is where the magic visually happens. The liquid emerges with that signature opaque black color with dark ruby undertones when held to light. It looks nearly identical to regular Guinness Draught, which is a significant achievement for the brewing team.
The nitrogen widget in the can creates the famous surge effect when opened. Just like the original, the beer rushes up with a vigorous carbonation burst before settling down. Within seconds, you see the characteristic cascading effect as the nitrogen bubbles rise through the dark liquid.
A thick, creamy head forms quickly and holds remarkably well. This isn’t a fleeting foam that disappears in minutes. The head has excellent retention, creating that visual appeal we associate with a properly poured Guinness. The contrast between the dark body and white head is genuinely beautiful.
One thing that surprised me was how the pour looked so authentic that my guests didn’t realize they were drinking the non-alcoholic version until I told them. The visual presentation alone goes a long way toward making this a satisfying substitute for the real thing.
Mouthfeel and Texture
The mouthfeel of Guinness 0.0 delivers that signature smooth, creamy texture thanks to nitrogen infusion. When the beer hits your tongue, there’s an immediate velvety quality that spreads across your palate. The nitrogen creates smaller bubbles than carbon dioxide, resulting in that silky mouthfeel Guinness is famous for.
The body is medium rather than heavy. Some long-time Guinness drinkers report feeling it lacks the full-bodied weight of the original. This is a valid criticism. The regular Draught has a certain depth and richness that the 0.0 version doesn’t quite match. However, it’s still far more substantial than most non-alcoholic beers on the market.
The carbonation is subtle and well-integrated. Unlike some beers that feel prickly or aggressive on the tongue, Guinness 0.0 feels smooth and refined. The carbonation supports the flavors without distracting from them. This balance is crucial for an alcohol-free beer trying to mimic its alcoholic counterpart.
Some forum users have reported the body feeling thin or watery compared to regular Guinness. After multiple side-by-side comparisons, I’d say this concern is valid but often exaggerated. The difference is noticeable to discerning palates, but casual drinkers likely won’t mind. For a non-alcoholic version, the texture is genuinely impressive.
ABV and Alcohol Content Explained
One of the most common questions about Guinness 0.0 is whether it truly contains no alcohol. The answer requires some nuance. Guinness 0.0 contains 0.05% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which is classified as alcohol-free in most countries. In the US, beverages under 0.5% ABV are legally considered non-alcoholic.
This trace amount isn’t added but occurs naturally through the fermentation process. Even after cold filtration removes most alcohol, tiny quantities remain. To put this in perspective, a ripe banana can contain up to 0.4% ABV. The trace amount in Guinness 0.0 is negligible and cannot produce intoxication under any normal consumption pattern.
So, can you get drunk on Guinness 0.0? Absolutely not. You’d need to drink dozens of cans in an extremely short time frame to approach any detectable alcohol level in your blood. The human body processes this trace alcohol as easily as it processes the trace alcohol in fruit or bread.
This makes Guinness 0.0 perfectly safe for designated drivers, pregnant women (though consult your doctor about any alcohol exposure), people in recovery, or anyone wanting to enjoy a beer without alcohol. The brewing process ensures the flavor complexity we love while keeping the alcohol content effectively zero.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Guinness 0.0 is notably lower in calories than its alcoholic counterpart, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per 100ml serving: approximately 17 calories, 3.8g of carbohydrates, 0.7g of sugar, and 0.3g of protein. This makes it one of the lower-calorie options among non-alcoholic beers.
The full ingredients list includes: water, roasted barley, barley malt, hops, yeast, and fructose. The roasted barley is responsible for that distinctive dark color and roasted flavor. Hops provide the characteristic bitterness balance, while fructose adjusts the sweetness levels.
Regarding dietary considerations, Guinness 0.0 is not marketed as gluten-free despite some processing that might reduce gluten content. The barley content means it contains gluten, so those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should avoid it. For vegans, Guinness confirms the 0.0 version uses no animal-derived fining agents.
Compared to regular Guinness Draught, the 0.0 version saves approximately 65 calories per 330ml serving. Regular Guinness contains around 85 calories per 100ml, making the non-alcoholic version significantly lighter. For those watching their calorie intake, this substantial reduction makes Guinness 0.0 an attractive option.
How Guinness 0.0 is Made: The Cold Filtration Process
The secret behind Guinness 0.0’s authentic flavor lies in the cold filtration process. Unlike heat-based dealcoholization methods that can destroy delicate flavor compounds, cold filtration uses pressure and extremely fine membranes to separate alcohol from the beer while preserving taste.
The process starts with fully fermented Guinness beer. This liquid is then forced through specialized membranes at cold temperatures. The alcohol molecules pass through while larger flavor compounds, including those responsible for roasted barley character and nitrogen smoothness, are retained. After alcohol removal, water is added back to achieve the correct volume.
This method allows Guinness to maintain the same recipe and brewing process as regular Draught. The flavor profile comes from the same ingredients and techniques, just with alcohol removed afterward. It’s a sophisticated approach that explains why the taste is so remarkably close to the original.
Guinness has been perfecting this process for years, with initial versions recalled in 2020 due to quality issues. Those recall experiences taught the brewing team valuable lessons, and the current version represents a refined product that addresses earlier concerns about taste and quality consistency.
Guinness 0.0 vs Regular Guinness Draught
How does the non-alcoholic version compare to the original? This is the question every potential buyer wants answered. After multiple side-by-side tastings, here are the key differences I’ve identified.
In terms of taste, regular Guinness Draught has slightly more depth and complexity. The alcohol itself carries certain flavor compounds that enhance the overall experience. That said, the difference is surprisingly small. Most tasters in my tests couldn’t distinguish between the two in blind tastings after a few sips. The roasted character, coffee notes, and chocolate undertones all translate well.
The mouthfeel shows the most noticeable difference. Regular Guinness has a fuller, richer body that feels more substantial on the palate. The non-alcoholic version feels slightly lighter and less intense. Some describe it as “almost there” or “95 percent of the way there,” which I find accurate. The nitrogen creaminess is nearly identical.
Ingredients differ slightly. Regular Guinness uses maltose from barley fermentation, while Guinness 0.0 adds fructose for sweetness. This ingredient swap accounts for some of the taste difference. However, both versions share the core roasted barley foundation that makes Guinness recognizable worldwide.
Calorie-wise, the 0.0 version is the clear winner. Regular Guinness runs about 85 calories per 100ml, while the non-alcoholic version sits at just 17 calories per 100ml. Over a full pint, that difference adds up to roughly 100 calories saved. For those watching their weight or reducing alcohol intake, this matters.
Choose regular Guinness when you want the complete, traditional experience with all the flavor depth. Choose Guinness 0.0 when you’re driving, observing Dry January, pregnant, in recovery, or simply want to enjoy a great-tasting beer without alcohol. Both are excellent choices in their respective categories.
Where to Buy Guinness 0.0
Guinness 0.0 is widely available in many countries, though stock varies by region. In the UK and Ireland, you’ll find it in most supermarkets, convenience stores, and bars. The US rollout has been gradual, with availability increasing in major cities and specialty beer stores.
Common retailers include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose in the UK. In the US, Total Wine, BevMo, and specialty beer shops carry it. Many pub chains now stock it as well, recognizing the demand for quality non-alcoholic options.
Online options include Amazon in some regions, though prices run higher than in-store. The official Guinness website offers a store locator to find the nearest retailer. Availability continues expanding as demand grows, so expect easier access in the coming months.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison, my verdict on Guinness 0.0 is largely positive. This is genuinely one of the best non-alcoholic stouts available, and it’s not particularly close. The authentic Guinness flavor, beautiful pour, and creamy mouthfeel create an experience that satisfies.
Here’s what works well: the taste closely mimics regular Guinness, the visual presentation is spot-on, it’s significantly lower in calories, and it provides a genuine alternative for designated drivers, those in recovery, or anyone cutting alcohol. The brewing quality shows Guinness’s commitment to getting this right.
However, some drawbacks exist. The fructose sweetness doesn’t perfectly match regular Guinness, the body feels slightly thinner, and occasional quality inconsistencies have been reported. The price point also runs higher than standard Guinness, which may deter some buyers.
I’d recommend Guinness 0.0 to: Guinness lovers wanting to reduce alcohol intake, designated drivers who miss the pub experience, people observing Dry January or sobriety journeys, health-conscious consumers seeking lower-calorie options, and anyone who wants a premium non-alcoholic beer. It’s not for those seeking the absolute closest thing to regular Guinness or those sensitive to fructose sweetness.
My overall assessment: Guinness 0.0 earns a solid 7.5 out of 10. It’s an impressive technical achievement and the best non-alcoholic stout from a major brewery. While not perfect, it comes closer than any competitor I’ve tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guinness 0.0 any good?
Yes, Guinness 0.0 is genuinely good. It scores 7.5 out of 10 for being one of the best non-alcoholic stouts available. The taste closely mimics regular Guinness with roasted barley, coffee, and chocolate notes. While the body is slightly thinner and sweetness differs slightly, it provides a satisfying alternative for those wanting the Guinness experience without alcohol.
Does Guinness 0.0 really have no alcohol?
Guinness 0.0 contains 0.05% ABV, which is classified as non-alcoholic in most countries. This trace amount occurs naturally through fermentation and cannot produce intoxication. You’d need to drink an impractical amount in a very short time to approach any alcohol effect. It is legally considered alcohol-free in the US and EU.
Is Guinness 0% healthy?
Guinness 0.0 is healthier than regular Guinness in terms of calories and alcohol content. At 17 calories per 100ml, it’s significantly lower than regular Guinness at 85 calories per 100ml. It contains no alcohol, 3.8g carbs, and 0.7g sugar per serving. However, it is not gluten-free. As with any beverage, moderation and individual health considerations apply.
Can I drive after drinking Guinness 0.0?
Yes, you can safely drive after drinking Guinness 0.0. Its 0.05% ABV is far below the legal intoxication threshold in any country. Breathalyzers cannot detect such trace amounts. However, if you have specific health concerns or are in early recovery, consult your doctor about any alcohol exposure.
Is non-alcoholic beer ok for gout?
Non-alcoholic beer may still pose risks for gout sufferers. While Guinness 0.0 removes alcohol, it still contains purines from barley that can contribute to uric acid buildup. Those with gout should consult their doctor before consuming any beer, including non-alcoholic versions.
Conclusion
Guinness 0.0 is an impressive achievement in non-alcoholic brewing. This Guinness 0.0 review confirms that the flavor comes remarkably close to the original while eliminating the alcohol entirely. The beautiful pour, creamy mouthfeel, and authentic taste make it a top choice for anyone seeking a quality alcohol-free stout.
Whether you’re a designated driver, observing Dry January, in recovery, pregnant, or simply want a lower-calorie option, Guinness 0.0 delivers. It lets you participate in pub culture without compromise. The slightly higher price and minor sweetness difference are small trade-offs for the overall experience.
If you’ve been curious about non-alcoholic beers or missing Guinness while cutting alcohol, give Guinness 0.0 a try. It might just become your new go-to when you want that authentic Guinness experience without the alcohol. For me, it’s earned a permanent spot in my fridge for those moments when I want a great beer without the buzz.
