Drinking this is all the rage in Japan: Four top non-alcoholic beers you must buy at convenience stores

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
The Japanese love of beer is a globally recognized cultural trait. Heading to an izakaya after work to enjoy a fresh draft beer with friends seems to be a way for locals to unwind from the stresses of the office—even Japanese convenience stores stock many brands of beer for purchase. Well-known Japanese beer brands are also famous worldwide and exported to various countries. Nowadays, due to increasing reports of alcohol-related incidents and rising accident rates, major Japanese breweries have developed and launched new non-alcoholic beers. These have gained widespread popularity among the Japanese public, becoming a trendy choice.

1.KIRIN free ACL.0.00%

Non-alcoholic beer looks no different from regular beer, but the label “Alc. 0.00%” indicates that it contains no alcohol whatsoever. KIRIN is one of Japan’s most established major beer brands and was the first to launch a non-alcoholic beer, prompting other brands to follow suit.

2.Asahi dry zero

Asahi is a brand that needs no introduction and is also commonly found in major supermarkets in Taiwan. However, their non-alcoholic beer isn’t particularly popular in Taiwan, yet it enjoys significant sales and a loyal fan base in Japan.

3.SUNTORY ALL-FREE

The Suntory brand is widely known and also familiar to consumers in Taiwan. Its newly launched SUNTORY ALL-FREE is marketed as a healthy beer, being non-alcoholic, sugar-free, and calorie-free. It offers peace of mind regarding drunk driving and poses no health burden, making it a popular beverage that balances enjoyment and wellness.