Milk stouts and dark beers are being touted for increasing milk production, and there’s some science behind it. Since alcohol affects nursing moms and their babies, many breastfeeding moms are turning to non-alcoholic beers for the same benefits – without the effects of alcohol.
We set out to find the best non-alcoholic milk stout beer for breastfeeding, and found ten non-alcoholic milk stout beers worthy of stocking up.
Psst… The milk stout style is a blend of stout porter with lactose, a.k.a. milk sugar. They are usually flavored like chocolate or coffee. Yummy!
Best Non-Alcoholic Milk Stout Beer For Breastfeeding
| Brand | Where To Buy |
|---|---|
| Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout (UK & Australia) | Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
| Bravus Oatmeal Dark (US & Australia) | Check latest price from Bravus (US) |
| Drop Bear Bonfire Stout (UK) | Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
| Grüvi Stout (US and Australia) | Check latest price from Grüvi (US) |
| Guinness 0.0 (US and UK) | Check latest price from Proof No More (US) Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
| Nirvana Brewery Dark & Rich Stout (UK) | Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
| Athletic Brewing All Out Stout (US and UK) | Check latest price from Proof No More (US) Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
| UNTITLED ART Chocolate Milk Stout (US) | Check latest price from Proof No More (US) |
| Woodland Farms Dark Stout (US) | Check latest price from Proof No More (US) |
| Nøgne Ø Svart Hvit Non-Alcoholic Milk Stout (UK) | Check latest price from Dry Drinker (UK) |
Does dark beer really increase milk supply?
Dark beers are filled with a concentrated amount of barley and hops, more so than lighter styles. Barley contains a carbohydrate structure called polysaccharide, which triggers prolactin – a hormone responsible for initiating lactation in women.
That is why dark beers are sometimes preferred for increasing milk production. However, drinking alcoholic dark beers isn’t the best choice for nursing moms.
Can a breastfeeding mother drink stout beer?
Yes, a breastfeeding mother can drink stout beer, but it is better to drink non-alcoholic stout beer instead. With non-alcoholic stout beer, you get the same benefits of increasing milk production without worrying about any side effects on your baby.
According to the CDC, you are able to consume moderate alcohol (up to 1 drink/day of a 5% beer or 5 ounces of a 12% wine) without being harmful to the infant.
Beer passes through to your bloodstream and into your breast milk, which is why alcohol can impact your baby’s sleep and development.
Since non-alcoholic stout beers have 0.5% alcohol or less, it is a safe choice for breastfeeding moms. These nine creamy non-alcoholic milk stouts will please any nursing moms and anyone else who love a good beer.
Related: 14 Best Non-Alcoholic Stout Beers For A Rich, Smooth Flavor
10 best non-alcoholic milk stout beer for breastfeeding (including other dark beers)
Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout
This multi award-winning non-alcoholic milk stout has a creamy, decadent mouthfeel with a full, dense foam head.
It has the thick taste and resemblance of a stout, while the honeycomb flavor provides richness that marries perfectly with bitter chocolate and dark-brewed coffee notes.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Dry Drinker (within the UK).
Bravus Oatmeal Dark
If you’re a fan of Guinness, you will love this non-alcoholic rendition. There are hints of chocolate, caramel, and roasted coffee, and it has a mouthfeel of a stout (read our full review here). So good that it even won the Silver medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.
Order directly from Bravus (within the United States).
Drop Bear Bonfire Stout
Inspired by the traditional Irish stout and German Rauchbier, this dark beer from Wales is all about those specialty malts.
It has complex notes of roasted coffee and smoked malt, while the delicate flavors of dark chocolate complement the flavor profile. We think you’ll love its smooth finish and well-balanced flavors.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Dry Drinker (within the UK).
Grüvi Stout
Made in Denver, USA, Grüvi non-alcoholic stout is an ultra-dark beer with a classic stout flavor and a dark roasted flavor and smell.
Its nuttiness and honey notes come from the abbey malt used, and the beer has aromas of nuts and coffee along with a dry, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Order directly from Grüvi (within the United States).
Guinness 0.0
The non-alcoholic version of the famed dark stout. Guinness 0.0 is a great alternative if you love the taste of Guinness since it has a very similar flavor profile but without the added alcohol.
The body is a little more watery than the original, and it doesn’t have that “full-fat” mouthfeel, but we still think it tastes pretty damn close to the original version.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States) and Dry Drinker (within the UK).
Nirvana Brewery Dark & Rich Stout
If you love the taste of dark roasted malts, you’ll love this dark stout by UK’s Nirvana Brewery. This stout is rich and chocolatey, with notes of black malt and bread, plus a touch of coffee.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Dry Drinker (within the UK).
Athletic Brewing All Out Stout
This malt-heavy stout-inspired brew has notes of roasted nuts and dark coffee, with a hint of semi-sweet chocolate. There is a velvety mouthfeel that is rich and smooth.
Check out our full review of the Athletic Brewing All Out Stout.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States) and Dry Drinker (within the UK).
UNTITLED ART Chocolate Milk Stout
Brewed in Wisconsin, United States, Untitled Art Chocolate Milk Stout is as delicious as it sounds. Brewed with cacao nibs and milk sugar (lactose), this chocolate milk stout has a well-balanced flavor profile of dark chocolate/cacao, roasted grains, and milk chocolate.
The beer has a creamy mouthfeel, and chocolate lovers will be delighted with its chocolatey finish.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States).
Woodland Farms Dark Stout
This non-alcoholic dark stout from Maine, United States, pours a black with a thick light brown foam head. If you like that dark stout taste, you love this dark stout’s deep-roasted and toasted flavors and rich body.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States).
Nøgne Ø Svart Hvit Non-Alcoholic Milk Stout
Norwegian Nøgne ø Svart Hvit non-alcoholic milk stout is brewed with malted barley, hops, yeast, water, and added lactose for that milkiness. This milk stout is dominated by coffee flavor notes and a touch of toffee and caramel.
This malty dark beer has a thick and soft mouthfeel that you would expect from a good stout, plus the aroma notes of toffee, caramel, and milk chocolate will leave you wanting more. An outstanding milk stout indeed.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Dry Drinker (within the UK).
Interested in learning more about non-alcoholic drinks and breastfeeding? Check out our other resources below: