If you love Japanese beers like Kirin, Sapporo, and Asahi but don’t want the alcohol, you might be surprised to learn that many Japanese breweries have launched non-alcoholic beers.
In Japan, these non-alcoholic beers are popular among pregnant women and designated drivers, and you can find them in supermarkets, restaurants, and izakaya. Below, I share 4 of the best Japanese non alcoholic beers to try, plus two other non-alcoholic Japanese drinks you should not miss.
Also Read: 10 Best Non-Alcoholic German Beers To Try
Best Japanese Non Alcoholic Beers To Try
Suntory ALL-FREE
Suntory is one of Japan’s oldest beverage companies, and they also produce soft drinks and sandwich chains on top of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Suntory ALL-FREE is their alcohol-free and calorie-free beer – we’ve rated this Japanese non-alcoholic beer as the lowest in calories!
Suntory ALL-FREE is made with two-row barley, aroma hops, and natural mineral water from water resources in Japan. It doesn’t taste quite like beer, but it reminds me of drinking hop water with its heavy malts flavor and carbonation.
This is a great light beer-like option when you’re craving a refreshing non-alcoholic beer without the calories!
Order Suntory ALL-FREE from Amazon United States.
Asahi Dry Zero Free
As the largest brewery in Japan, you can expect Asahi to cater to non-alcoholic beer drinkers. Modeled after the popular Asahi Dry Zero, Asahi Dry Zero Free is another zero-calorie Japanese non-alcoholic beer that happens to be gluten-free too.
Just like the Suntory ALL-FREE, this alcohol-free Asahi is also a light beer. Taste-wise, Asahi leans more beer-like than Suntory, so try this if you’re looking for a more beer-like experience. That said, don’t expect a full body mouthfeel like a normal beer.
Order Asahi Dry Zero Free from Amazon United States.
Asahi Super Dry 0.0%
Here’s another Japanese non-alcoholic beer by Asahi to make the list. The difference between Asahi Super Dry 0.0% and Asahi Dry Zero Free is the way they are produced.
Asahi Super Dry 0.0% is first brewed like a traditional lager before going through a dealcoholization process to remove the alcohol. Asahi Dry Zero Free, on the other hand, is less beer-like in its taste, and has a thinner body.
Order Asahi Super Dry 0.0% from Amazon United Kingdom.
Hitachino Nest Non-Ale
Launched in 1996, Hitachino Nest is a non-alcoholic ale brewed by sake brewery Kiuchi. This distinctive non-alcoholic beer alternative evokes a faint resemblance to iced tea, boasting floral and honeyed aromatics and flavors, complemented by a subtle hint of sweet mint.
Balancing the ale, yuzu, and ginger add liveliness and zest without overpowering the senses. Notably, the gentle carbonation adds a beer-like characteristic, making it a delicious Japanese non-alcoholic beer to try.
Order Hitachino Nest Non-Ale from online retailer Proof No More (United States).
More Japanese Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Try!
Organic Amazake Non-Alcoholic Fermented Rice Beverage
Amazake is a popular lightly fermented rice drink made by boiling rice, water, and koji for hours. This traditional Japanese non-alcoholic drink has a long history (it was first mentioned in year 289!), and it can be served hot or cold.
In terms of flavor, it possesses a natural sweetness derived from the enzyme present in rice koji, which effectively breaks down the rice starch throughout the fermentation procedure.
Order Amazake from Amazon United States.
Choya Umeshu Non-Alcoholic Plum-Wine Soda
Choya Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur maker famous for making Ume plum wine (or Umeshu). Their non-alcoholic version Yowanai Umeshu (which translates to don’t get drunk), is a soda made with 10% Ume plum juice from Nanko-Ume plums in Wakayama. Flavor-wise, this soda has a mild sourness from the plums that is well-balanced with some sweetness.
Order Choya Umeshu Non-Alcoholic from Amazon United States.