Guinness 0.0 vs Regular: The Key Differences
Guinness 0.0 was announced in 2020 as the brand's first alcohol-free stout. It had a rocky start: the cans were recalled in November 2020 over microbiological contamination, which Diageo traced to a production process failure, and the product did not return to UK shelves until the week of 23 August 2021, initially at Morrisons and the Co-op. Since then it has become a fixture in supermarkets and, more recently, on draught in pubs.
Calories and Nutrition at a Glance
The official per-100 ml figures from guinness.com:
| Per 100 ml | Guinness 0.0 | Guinness Draught |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 17 kcal | 35 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 3.8 g | 3 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| ABV | 0% | 4.2% |
Worked out per serving:
| Serving | Guinness 0.0 | Guinness Draught |
|---|---|---|
| Can (440 ml) | ~75 kcal | ~154 kcal |
| Pint (568 ml) | ~97 kcal | ~199 kcal |
That is a reduction of about 51%, or roughly 100 kcal a pint. Over three pints it adds up to about 300 kcal.
Did you know?
Guinness 0.0 is labelled 0% ABV rather than the 0.5% that many "alcohol-free" beers are brewed to. That distinction matters if you are avoiding alcohol entirely.
Where Do the Calories Come From?
Alcohol contributes calories but no carbohydrate. Remove it and the calorie count drops sharply while the carbohydrate stays roughly where it was, which is why 0.0 has slightly more carbs per 100 ml than Draught. Neither contains fat.
Taste Comparison
Our Take
This is an informal, unmeasured home comparison, not a blind test: we poured a can of Guinness 0.0 and a can of Guinness Draught side by side and compared them.
Appearance: nearly identical dark colour and a similar head from the widget; the 0.0 cascade was a little less dramatic.
Aroma: the 0.0 has lighter roasted notes; the Draught is richer.
Taste: the 0.0 is sweeter up front with a lighter body; the Draught has more depth.
Mouthfeel: the 0.0 is thinner and less creamy.
Our honest view: it is remarkably close for an alcohol-free beer, and regular Guinness drinkers will still notice the difference.
Pro Tip
Served very cold the differences get harder to spot. If you are cutting down on alcohol, it is a genuinely usable alternative rather than a compromise.
When to Choose 0.0
- Designated driver: the ritual without the alcohol
- Dry January or any other dry stretch
- Lunchtime: stay sharp for the afternoon
- Cutting calories: about half the calories of Draught
- Avoiding alcohol entirely: it is labelled 0%, not 0.5%
When Regular Guinness Wins
- A special occasion where the full flavour matters
- A great pub with a well-kept draft line
- Drinking with people who will notice
Warning
Some countries classify 0.0% beer differently. Check local rules if the distinction matters for your situation.
Availability
Cans: widely available in supermarkets, online and in convenience stores.
On draught: Guinness 0.0 has been on draught in UK pubs since 2024. Diageo ran trials at The George and The Devonshire in London, announced an expansion to more pubs in September 2024, and said it would also appear on draught at football grounds alongside full-strength Guinness. Guinness 0.0 is brewed at St James's Gate in Dublin. Our Guinness 0.0 on draught page lists the pubs where the community has found it.
Pouring Technique
Guinness 0.0 cans use the same widget as regular canned Guinness, so pour it the same way:
- Chill the can thoroughly
- Open with a decisive pull
- Pour at 45 degrees
- Straighten as you fill
- Let the surge settle
- Top up and enjoy
The cascade is there, if a little gentler than the alcoholic version. See our canned Guinness pouring guide for the details.
Price
In supermarkets, 0.0 is priced broadly in line with regular Guinness, and on draught it is priced like a normal pint.
The Social Factor
One underrated point in favour of Guinness 0.0: it looks exactly like a pint of Guinness. Non-drinkers can join the round without explanation, and nobody at the table needs to know.
Our Verdict
Guinness 0.0 is the best alcohol-free stout we have tried and captures most of the experience. Its main drawback is that it is not quite the real thing, which was always going to be true. Keep some in the fridge; you will find occasions where it is exactly the right choice.
Sources
- Guinness 0.0 nutrition information — 17 kcal, 3.8 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat per 100 ml; 0% ABV
- Guinness Draught nutrition information — 35 kcal, 3 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat per 100 ml; 4.2% ABV
- The Grocer: Guinness 0.0 back in stores after recall and year-long absence — November 2020 recall and August 2021 relaunch
- Morning Advertiser: Diageo to expand draught Guinness 0.0 trials — draught availability in UK pubs from 2024
- Wikipedia: Guinness — 2020 launch and withdrawal
Want to know about other Guinness variants? Read our guide to every type of Guinness explained.
