So you're curious about Corona non alcoholic beer? Smart move. Whether you're driving later, cutting back on alcohol, or just want something refreshing without the buzz, this stuff's been flying off shelves. I tried it for the first time at a beach BBQ last summer – honestly grabbed it by mistake thinking it was regular Corona. The shock when I checked the label! But here's the real talk: it surprised me.
What Exactly Is Corona Non Alcoholic Beer?
Let's break it down simply. Corona non alcoholic beer (sometimes called Corona Cero in Europe) is the zero-proof version of their classic lager. Brewed the traditional way then gently dealcoholized. ABV? Less than 0.5% – that's lower than some fruit juices. Comes in those familiar clear bottles with the sunny yellow label. First sip? Crisp and light with that signature hint of lime. Not gonna lie, it lacks the punch of alcoholic beer, but hits the spot when you crave the ritual.
How It's Made Matters
They don't just water down regular beer. Corona uses vacuum distillation – boiling the beer at lower temperatures to preserve flavor while removing alcohol. Heineken 0.0 does something similar. Old-school brewers might scoff, but hey, it avoids that weird "cooked" taste some dealcoholized beers have.
Fun fact: Corona spends as much time brewing their non-alcoholic version as the original. That dedication shows in the finish.
Where to Buy and What It Costs
Finding Corona non alcoholic beer isn't like hunting unicorns anymore. Most major grocery chains stock it – I've spotted it at Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Liquor stores? Absolutely, especially Total Wine and BevMo. Online's easy too: Drizly, Instacart, Amazon Fresh. Prices sting a bit though – usually $9-$12 for a 6-pack versus $7-$9 for alcoholic Corona. Why pricier? That dealcoholization process ain't cheap.
Retailer | Average Price (6-pack) | Availability Notes |
---|---|---|
Walmart | $9.49 | Usually near regular beer |
Total Wine | $10.99 | Non-alcoholic beer section |
Whole Foods | $11.99 | Health beverage aisle |
Amazon Fresh | $12.49 | Delivery within 2 hours |
Taste Test: How Does Corona Non Alcoholic Beer Stack Up?
Let's be brutally honest here. If you expect identical twin to boozy Corona, you'll notice differences. The mouthfeel? Lighter body. Bitterness? Milder. But here's where Corona NA shines:
- The familiar crispness – like biting into a green apple
- Subtle malt backbone – not sweet, just balanced
- That lime zing – still begs for a citrus wedge
Compared to others? Here's my personal ranking after trying 15+ brands:
- Corona Cero – Most refreshing for hot days
- Heineken 0.0 – Closest to "real beer" bitterness
- Athletic Brewing Run Wild – Best craft option
- Budweiser Zero – Too sweet for my taste
Last summer I did a blind taste test with friends. Three poured regular Corona, three Corona non alcoholic beer. Results? Four guessed wrong. That says something.
Who Should Actually Drink This Stuff?
Not everyone loves it equally. Based on my chats with bartenders and friends:
You Might Like It If:
- You miss beer during Dry January
- You're the designated driver but hate soda
- Morning meetings require clear-headedness
- Pregnancy cravings hit for cold beer
You Might Hate It If:
- You exclusively drink hoppy IPAs (not enough punch)
- You dislike light lagers generally
- You expect 100% identical taste to alcoholic beer
Serious note: Though under 0.5% ABV, consult your doctor if avoiding alcohol for medical/religious reasons. Trace amounts exist.
Food Pairings That Actually Work
Corona non-alcoholic beer isn't just for chugging solo. Excellent with:
Food Type | Why It Works | Perfect Example |
---|---|---|
Spicy Dishes | Cuts through heat without alcohol burn | Fish tacos with jalapeños |
Salty Snacks | Cleanses palate between bites | Fresh salted pretzels |
Grilled Seafood | Complements without overpowering | Lemon-garlic shrimp skewers |
Fresh Salads | Acidity matches vinaigrettes | Avocado lime salad |
Tried it with sushi last Thursday – shockingly good match. The crispness reset my palate between nigiri pieces.
Burning Questions Answered (What Folks Really Ask)
Does Corona non alcoholic beer have any alcohol at all?
Technically yes – under 0.5% ABV. Same as kombucha or ripe bananas. But you'd need to drink 10 bottles in an hour to equal one light beer. Not happening.
Can it give you a hangover?
Unless you're allergic to barley, no. The headaches people report? Usually dehydration. Always drink water alongside.
How many calories are we talking?
Corona NA clocks in at around 60 calories per 12oz bottle. Regular Corona? 148 calories. That's why my gym buddy switched.
Does it expire faster than regular beer?
Actually no. Unopened, lasts 6-9 months like alcoholic beer. Store it upright in a cool place. But once opened? Drink within a day – it goes flat quicker.
The Downside Nobody Talks About
Okay, full transparency. Sometimes Corona non-alcoholic beer feels... thin. Like it's holding back. On humid days, I wish it had more body. And the price? Still grates on me. Paying premium for missing alcohol feels ironic. Also – don't expect craft beer complexity. It's simple by design.
But here's the thing: when you're grilling burgers on a Tuesday night and want something cold and beery without regret? Can't beat it. Even my skeptical brother admitted after his third bottle.
Making the Most of Your Corona NA Experience
Little tricks I've learned:
- Serve ice-cold – warmer than 40°F? Flavors fall apart
- Use a glass – lets aromas open up
- Squeeze fresh lime – bottled juice tastes artificial
- Skip frosted mugs – they mute flavors
My worst mistake? Drinking it straight from a warm can at a concert. Tasted like sad soda water. Never again.
Environmental Stuff You Might Wonder
Same clear bottles mean same recycling challenges. But lighter weight than glass bottles helps shipping emissions. Corona claims they'll use 100% recycled materials by 2025 – we'll see. Personally, I wish they'd offer cans. Less breakage, cheaper to ship.
Final Take: Is Corona Non Alcoholic Beer Worth Trying?
Look, it won't replace your favorite IPA. But as far as non-alcoholic beers go? It's top-tier for drinkability. Perfect when you want:
- That beach-vacation vibe without impairment
- A social beverage that doesn't scream "I'm not drinking"
- Something light after mowing the lawn
I keep a six-pack in my fridge year-round now. For those moments when only beer will do – just without the beer consequences.
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