Budweiser Zero Review: Does This Non-Alcoholic Lager Hit The Mark?

In the ever-evolving landscape of non-alcoholic craft beers and innovative brews, there is a growing demand for options that still deliver on flavor and refreshment. Budweiser Zero has been around for several years, as the non-alcoholic version of the popular classic Budweiser that millions love. In this comprehensive review, we'll take you on a journey through what Budweiser Zero is, what makes it stand out, and the nuances of its flavor profile.

Table of Contents

Our Verdict

89 points overall, for being a standard non-alcoholic beer with little complexity but with echoes of the Budweiser taste loved by millions.

What We Liked

One of the standout features of Budweiser Zero, despite being subpar, is its ability to capture the essence of Budweiser's classic Pilsner taste. Many big brand non-alcoholic beers often fall short in replicating the flavors of their alcoholic counterparts, leaving consumers disappointed. Budweiser Zero somewhat successfully retains the signature smoothness, malty sweetness, and mild bitterness that Budweiser enthusiasts love.

Another aspect to appreciate is its accessibility. Budweiser Zero is widely available, making it easy to find at your local grocery store or favorite pub. 

Additionally, Budweiser Zero has only 50 calories per 12-ounce serving, which is really in-line with most other non-alcoholic beers in the ‘big brewer’ category.

What We Didn’t Like

While Budweiser Zero has some merits even for a big brewer mass-produced n/a beer, it's not without its drawbacks. Some purists may argue that it doesn't completely replicate the full-bodied experience of regular Budweiser. The absence of alcohol also results in a slightly lighter body, which leaves us wanting more depth and complexity.

What is Budweiser Zero?

Budweiser Zero is the alcohol-free version of the iconic Budweiser beer, brewed by Anheuser-Busch. It is the only non-alcoholic Budweiser beer. It is designed to offer the same crisp and clean taste that Budweiser is known for but with an alcohol content of zero. This means that you can enjoy the familiar flavors of Budweiser, whether you're the designated driver or enjoy a lifestyle that includes non-alcoholic beer.

Budweiser Zero Alcohol Content

Budweiser Zero truly has 0.0% alcohol ABV in it. This is probably actually 0.05% as it’s literally impossible to remove every molecule of alcohol from a substance. However, compared to the alcohol content in other non-alcoholic beers which range from 0.2% - 0.5%, this is a good option for anyone who really can’t have even that amount of alcohol for health reasons or sobriety.

What Sets It Apart?

Classic Budweiser has 145 calories in its 12-ounce (355ml) serving, whereas Budweiser Zero contains only 50 calories per serving. Budweiser Zero also utilizes the same core ingredients as classic Budweiser: water, barley malt, rice, hops, and yeast. However, the fermentation process for Budweiser Zero is halted before significant alcohol is produced, resulting in an alcohol-free liquid. This is what accounts for its familiar but watered down taste. All in all, Budweiser Zero stands out because of this - it tastes similar to the original Budweiser, just lighter and a bit flatter.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Bud Zero pours a clear yellow, a familiar golden hue that echoes the classic Budweiser look. Its clarity is striking, showcasing the mastery of the brewing process. It has some mild fizz and almost no head.

Aroma

The overall aroma is clean and appetizing. It’s mild on the nose, light on hop bitterness, with some faint notes of grain and the rice used in the brewing process, a part of the brand's long-standing tradition. You'll also detect subtle floral and herbal hop hints.

Flavour

Budweiser Zero is thirst-quenching but so light bodied it lacks some of the pale lager’s more prominent characteristics. It’s a good beer but it must be served very cold and downed quickly before it goes flat, which is when the ‘authentic’ Budweiser taste disappears. It has a slightly sweet taste to it, with a little bit of bitterness that isn’t from hops. Do not drink this from the can - pour it ice cold into a chilled pint glass and it will aid in the experience of both taste and enjoyment.

Mouthfeel

The use of rice in brewing is used to get a cleaner and more refreshing texture in beer This is particularly important in Budweiser Zero, as it aims to provide a refreshing experience while keeping the calorie count low. Rice helps achieve this by contributing to a light and effervescent quality in the brew.

Budweiser Zero vs Comparable Non-Alcoholic Beers

Where Can I Buy Budweiser Zero?

Budweiser Zero can be found everywhere. It's readily available in grocery stores and big box stores across the country. In Canada it can also be found at local liquor and beer stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Budweiser Zero taste like a normal Budweiser?

Although there are some similarities, Bud Zero doesn’t taste exactly the same as normal Budweiser. It’s crisp and clean, but there is a lot more maltiness and as mentioned above, a slight rice after-taste from the rice used in the brewing process.

How many calories does Budweiser Zero have?

Budweiser Zero has 50 calories per tall boy can.

Can you drink Budweiser Zero when pregnant?

Non-alcoholic drinks are considered harmless for pregnant women, but please check with your doctor before consuming them. Although it’s legally considered non-alcoholic there are still trace amounts of alcohol in the finished product.

What are some good food pairings for Budweiser Zero?

Burgers and beer are still burgers and beer even though it’s non-alcoholic. Alongside the regular burgers and fries, try pairing Budweiser Zero with sweet treats like cheesecake, a pecan pie, or mix it up with a wheel of brie and a pear compote wrapped in filo.

Conclusion and Further Exploration

Not all non-alcoholic beers are going to replicate the regular version of your favorite brew, but Budweiser Zero does have a passing resemblance to its big brother if it’s served ice cold. It’s worth picking up a four-pack if you’re sober curious or rethinking drinking, as it’s affordable, accessible and a good dupe for a big brewer classic.