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While alcoholic beers have traditionally taken the spotlight in the realm of food pairing, non-alcoholic beers are rising to the occasion; quickly becoming great substitutions during BBQs and Christmas dinners. No matter what style of non-alcoholic beer you favour, this blog will help you impress even the toughest crowds and have you pairing like a pro.
Non-Alcoholic IPAs (India Pale Ales)
Flavour Profile
Non-alcoholic IPAs are typically bold, hoppy flavours with hints of citrus and pine. This combination makes it a great pairing for strong, spicy, and aromatic dishes. The hoppy and citrus notes in IPAs cut through the richness and spice of foods like curries or aged cheeses, which helps balance the flavours. IPA’s robust bitterness allows it to complement strong, aromatic dishes without getting overshadowed by them.
Food Pairings
- Spicy dishes like buffalo wings or spicy curries
- Aged cheddar or blue cheese
- Grilled meats with intense marinades
Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPAs
Flavour Profile
Hazy IPAs are known for their juicy, fruity flavours and are typically softer and less-bitter compared to regular IPAs. This makes them a great pairing for more light and fresh dishes. The juicy and fruity notes of Hazy IPAs, and the softness of the beer complements the fresh flavours in seafood and salads. When pairing them with light and fresh dishes, each bite and sip will leave you nodding your head in approval.
Food Pairings
- Fish tacos or ceviche
- Fresh salads with fruity dressings
- Lighter cheeses like feta or goat cheese
Non-Alcoholic Pilsners
Flavour Profile
Pilsners are well known for being light, crisp, and clean beers, with hints of grass or florals. The mild bitterness of Pilsners make it a great pairing companion for a number of different dishes. The crispness of a Pilsner is great at resetting your taste buds after eating greasy and oily foods. It also complements the lightness of seafood and fresh vegetables, making the pairing options almost endless.
Food Pairings
- Fried foods like calamari or chicken tenders
- Light seafood dishes
- Salads with crisp, fresh vegetables
Non-Alcoholic Lagers
Flavour Profile
Lagers are well-balanced and uncomplicated beers, with a malty taste, and a slight hoppy bitterness to it. Lagers are a great all-round beer, especially when paired with meat and finger foods such as cheese and crackers. The clean, malty flavour of lagers enhance the taste of meat, while the light bitterness contrasts nicely with cheese.
Food Pairings
- Classic burgers or hot dogs
- Grilled chicken or sausages
- Mild cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss
Non-Alcoholic Pale Ales
Flavour Profile
Pale Ales are generally balanced but lean towards the hoppy side, often holding hints of citrus and pine. The hoppy, citrusy notes of Pale Ales match smoky BBQ flavours, while its boldness pairs nicely with moderately aged cheeses.
Food Pairings
- Sandwiches and wraps with bold flavours
- BBQ dishes
- Medium-aged cheeses like Gouda or Havarti
Non-Alcoholic XPAs (Extra Pale Ales)
Flavour Profile
XPAs offer a lighter, more refreshing version of a Pale Ale but still maintain a flavourful hop profile. The lighter body and hoppy flavours of an XPA works well with grilled seafood, enhancing its natural flavours without overwhelming them. Its crispness also pairs well with light pasta dishes and fresh fruit platters.
Food Pairings
- Grilled seafood or fish
- Light pasta dishes with olive oil or cream sauce
- Fresh fruit
Non-Alcoholic Stouts
Flavour profile:
A great pairing option for chocolate fans and oyster lovers alike, the rich and often chocolatey or coffee notes in stouts make them a great match for desserts. They can also provide a counterpoint to the briny, mineral flavours of oysters.
Food Pairings
Round Up
Non-alcoholic beers, and understanding how to pair them, can make each meal not only a necessity, but an event to be savoured. From non-alcoholic IPAs to the dark and mighty stouts, you’ll always find a flavour that fits the bill.
