## Guinness 0.0 vs Regular: The Key Differences Guinness 0.0 launched in 2020, offering a non-alcoholic option for the first time in the brand's 260+ year history. But does removing the alcohol remove the experience? Here's the full breakdown. ## Calories and Nutrition at a Glance The biggest difference between Guinness 0.0 and regular Guinness is the calorie count: | Attribute | Guinness 0.0 | Guinness Draught | |-----------|--------------|------------------| | **Calories (per pint)** | **~70 kcal** | **~198 kcal** | | **Calories (per can, 440ml)** | **~55 kcal** | **~155 kcal** | | ABV | 0.0% | 4.2% | | Carbs (per pint) | ~17g | ~18g | | Sugar (per pint) | ~2g | ~0g | | Protein (per pint) | ~1g | ~1.5g | | Available as | Can only | Draft, can, bottle | That's a **65% calorie reduction** by choosing Guinness 0.0 — roughly 128 fewer calories per pint. Over three pints, that's nearly 400 calories saved. For context, a regular pint of Guinness at 198 calories is already lower than most lagers (which average 220-250 calories per pint). The 0.0 at 70 calories is one of the lowest calorie beer options available anywhere. Guinness 0.0 is one of the few 0.0% beers (truly alcohol-free) rather than 0.5% (low alcohol). This matters for those avoiding alcohol entirely for health or religious reasons. ## How It's Made ### The Process Guinness 0.0 isn't simply Guinness with alcohol removed. The process involves: 1. Brewing a low-alcohol beer 2. Carefully removing alcohol through cold filtration 3. Blending to recreate the flavour profile 4. Adding nitrogen for the cascade effect ### What This Means The result is a beer designed from scratch to taste like Guinness without alcohol, rather than a stripped-down version of the original. ## Taste Comparison ### Our Testing We conducted blind taste tests comparing Guinness 0.0 (poured from can) to Guinness Draught (poured from can): **Appearance:** - Nearly identical dark colour - Similar head formation with widget - 0.0 cascade slightly less dramatic **Aroma:** - 0.0: Lighter roasted notes - Draught: Richer, more complex **Taste:** - 0.0: Sweet upfront, lighter body - Draught: More depth, better balance **Mouthfeel:** - 0.0: Thinner, less creamy - Draught: Fuller, classic texture ### The Verdict Guinness 0.0 is **85% of the way there**. It's remarkably close for an alcohol-free beer, but experienced Guinness drinkers will notice the differences. Served very cold, the differences between 0.0 and regular become harder to detect. If you're trying to reduce alcohol intake, this is a genuinely viable alternative. ## When to Choose 0.0 ### Ideal Situations - **Designated driver**: Enjoy the ritual without the alcohol - **Dry January** (or any month): Don't miss out on the experience - **Lunch drinking**: Stay sharp for afternoon - **Health reasons**: Lower calories, no alcohol - **Pregnancy**: A controversial choice some make - **Religious observance**: True 0.0% option ### Maybe Stick to Regular - **Special occasions**: When quality matters most - **At a great pub**: The draft experience is worth it - **Blind tasting**: You want authentic notes - **With Guinness connoisseurs**: They'll notice Some countries classify 0.0% beer differently. Check local laws if this distinction matters for your situation. ## Availability ### Where to Find It Guinness 0.0 is available: - Major supermarkets (most stock it now) - Online retailers - Some pubs (increasingly common) - Airports and convenience stores ### Not Available (Yet) - On draft in most pubs - In bottles - In many traditional Irish pubs ## Where Do the Calories Come From? Understanding why the calorie difference is so large: - **Alcohol = calories**: Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram (almost as much as fat). Removing it strips out most of the calories. - **Carbs in 0.0**: Guinness 0.0 actually has slightly more carbohydrates than regular Guinness. The brewing process replaces some alcohol with sugars. - **No fat in either**: Both versions are fat-free. | Per Can (440ml) | 0.0 | Draught | |-----------------|-----|---------| | Calories | 55 | 155 | | Carbohydrates | 15.9g | 10g | | Sugar | 1.5g | 0g | | Protein | 0.8g | 1.2g | | Fat | 0g | 0g | Interestingly, while 0.0 has fewer calories, it has more carbohydrates. The alcohol in regular Guinness contains calories but no carbs — this is why simply removing alcohol doesn't reduce calories to zero. ## Pouring Technique Guinness 0.0 contains the same widget technology as regular canned Guinness. Pour it the same way: 1. Chill can thoroughly 2. Open with decisive pull 3. Pour at 45 degrees 4. Straighten as you fill 5. Let surge settle 6. Enjoy The cascade effect is present, though slightly less dramatic than regular Guinness. ## Price Comparison Guinness 0.0 typically costs: - Similar to regular Guinness in supermarkets - Sometimes slightly more due to novelty - Less when bought in multi-packs The price premium for alcohol-free beer is smaller with Guinness than with many craft options. ## The Social Factor One underrated aspect of Guinness 0.0: **social inclusion**. Non-drinkers can participate in pub culture, rounds, and rituals without explanation or compromise. Holding a pint of Guinness 0.0 looks and feels the same as holding regular Guinness. For many, this social camouflage matters. ## Our Rating **Guinness 0.0: 7/10** A genuinely impressive alcohol-free option that captures most of the Guinness experience. The best in its category, with the main drawback being it's not quite as good as the real thing (which, frankly, would be impossible). **Recommendation:** Keep some in the fridge. You'll find occasions where it's the perfect choice. --- Want to know about other Guinness variants? Read our guide to [every type of Guinness explained](/guides/comparisons/types-of-guinness-explained).

Guinness 0.0 vs Regular Guinness: Calories, Taste & Full Comparison