Heineken 0.0 Review: Taking A Look At This Non-Alcoholic Dutch Lager
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The eponymous green bottle with its bright red star makes Heineken lager beer a well-known brand around the world. But did you know that the brewery also makes a non-alcoholic beer called Heineken 0.0? If you’re a fan of this European brand, you’ll want to read our review of this zero alcohol beer that has become a favourite amongst the sober curious crew.
Table of Contents
Our Verdict
89 points overall, for being a little bit better than average non-alcoholic beer with echoes of the Heinken taste it’s renowned for.
What We Liked
It’s surprising, but we really liked this non-alcoholic beer from a big brewer. One of the standout features of Heineken 0.0 is its ability to capture the essence of the classic Heineken, with its skunky profile. It’s got a very similar crisp and mildly bitter taste to the brew that's made Heineken a global favorite. It really feels like you’re drinking a Heineken which is what sets it apart. The other thing we liked is that Heineken Zero (or is it Heineken 0.0??) is totally accessible - the green bottle can be seen on grocery shelves, and cocktail and bar menus everywhere. If you like it, you’ll always have something to drink.
What We Didn’t Like
Heineken Zero has an enormous amount of carbonation that can make anyone sensitive to gas (that's us!) feel a bit uncomfortable. It actually slightly overwhelms the experience of the taste and may prevent you from grabbing a second. Opinion varies on this as there are still lots of fans of this non-alcoholic beer who say the bubbles are ‘soft’. Heineken also says they add “natural flavours” after removing the alcohol, which we always find a bit vague considering the overall quality approach of the brewery.
What is Heineken 0.0?
Non-alcoholic Heineken was introduced in 2017 to be the alcohol-free counterpart to the iconic Heineken. Brewed by the renowned Dutch brewery Heineken, this innovative zero alcohol brew was created well before the current movement for non-alcoholic drinks started, making Heineken a true pioneer in the field.
Brewed with the same high-quality ingredients and A-yeast strain as the original Heineken, the 0.0 version undergoes a careful dealcoholization process to remove the alcohol while preserving the beer's distinctive flavor profile. The result is a beverage that looks, smells, and tastes remarkably similar to its alcoholic sibling.
Is Heineken 0.0 Completely Alcohol-free?
A lot of people ask if Heineken 0.0 is completely alcohol free and the answer is no. Heineken Zero starts out as a regular beer, and then is dealcoholized using vacuum distillation. Although it’s technically legally considered non-alcoholic, Heineken 0.0 still contains an extremely small amount of alcohol at a maximum ABV of 0.03% (alcohol by volume). This is comparable to or at a lower level of alcohol vs. food products such as bread, bakery products, juices or bananas due to the natural fermentation of the ingredients (cereals, fruits). A regular beer has 4% ABV or more.
What Sets It Apart?
What truly sets Heineken 0.0 apart is the brewery's commitment to maintaining the quality of the original Heineken product. Unlike some big brewery non-alcoholic beers that feel like an afterthought, Heineken put considerable effort into ensuring that 0.0 would be a product that stands on its own merit. It’s brewed with the same unique A-yeast strain that is used to brew regular Heineken beer and the dealcoholization process manages to preserve a lot of the beer's unique flavor, aroma, and appearance.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Heineken 0.0 pours with a clear, pale golden hue with not much of a head, similar to a lot of non-alcoholic beers that either foam too much or not at all.
Aroma
The aroma of Heineken 0.0 is remarkably similar to that of traditional Heineken with all the skunk on the nose you’re used to with the original. Not everyone’s favorite feature but if you like skunky beer, Heineken 0.0 is the perfect non-alcoholic option. It offers a delicate balance of grainy malt sweetness, subtle herbal hops, and a touch of citrus zest.
Flavour
Although similar to other non-alcoholic lagers, Heineken 0.0 punches a bit higher on the fresh fruity notes, mixed with some malty sweetness that helps elevate the flavours. `There is some added sugar, which may be to offset some of the bitterness. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
While Heineken 0.0 does an excellent job of replicating the classic Heineken flavor, it does lack some of the complexity and depth found in full-strength beers but every alcohol-free beer has a similar challenge. The absence of alcohol can affect the overall body and depth of non-alcoholic beer, making it feel slightly one-dimensional compared to its full octane counterpart.
Mouthfeel
Non-alcoholic Heineken delivers a light to medium body, which, while not as robust as its alcoholic counterpart, is still pleasantly substantial because of the high carbonation. The finish is clean and crisp and really leaves you feeling like you’re drinking beer.
Heineken Zero vs Comparable Non-Alcoholic Beers
Heineken Zero is one of the better big brewery non-alcoholic beers. It has a more full-bodied flavor and a crisper finish than the other big brewery non-alcoholic beers. However, it is also the most expensive. It’s important to note that everyone's taste buds are different, so what one person likes another person may not. I recommend trying a few different non-alcoholic beers to see which one you like best.
Where Can I Buy Non Alcoholic Heineken?
The great thing about Heineken 0.0 is that you can buy it everywhere. It’s truly an accessible non-alcoholic beer, available at most grocery stores across North America (harder to find in the United Kingdom and Europe). It’s also widely available at restaurants and shows up regularly on bar and restaurant menus including big chain brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heineken 0.0 taste like a normal Heineken?
As mentioned above, there are some definite similarities to a regular Heineken, but the zero alcohol version is a bit maltier and sweeter with enhanced carbonation. It doesn’t have the bite of a regular Heineken.
How many calories does Heineken 0.0 have?
Heineken 0.0 has 30 calories per bottle.
Can you drink Heineken 0.0 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 Heineken 0.0?
Heineken has a bitter bite to it, so it would pair really well with juicy meats and would cut through creamy dressings nicely. A grilled cheeseburger with bacon would be a winning combination.
Conclusion and Further Exploration
Heineken 0.0 can be found at most grocery stores and in a lot of restaurants and bars, and at such a reasonable price point, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try it and see for yourself. Everyone has unique tastebuds, so it’s really up to you if you enjoy this non-alcoholic low-sugar beer or not!
