Best Athletic Brewing Beer (Updated | May 3rd)

If you’re a fan of West Coast IPAs but want to skip the foggy head the next morning, Run Wild IPA is essentially the gold standard. I first tried this after a long hike, and it’s shocking how much it actually tastes like a craft brew rather than flavored water.

It’s built with a blend of five Northwest hops, giving it that classic piney, citrusy punch that hits the back of your throat just right. It’s the perfect choice for the person who loves a bitter, complex profile but still wants to be productive on a Saturday morning.

Because it uses organic Vienna malt, it has a sturdy body that doesn’t feel thin or watery like many other non-alcoholic options. However, if you aren’t a fan of that lingering hop bitterness, this might be a bit much for you.

It definitely leans into the ‘IPA’ label heavily, so it isn’t exactly a light, crushable lawnmower beer if that’s what you’re after.

For those days when you just want something crisp and easy-going, Upside Dawn Golden is my go-to recommendation. It’s a light, refreshing brew that mimics a classic blonde ale, featuring subtle honey and citrus notes that make it incredibly easy to drink.

I think this is the best pick for someone who is just dipping their toes into the non-alcoholic world or someone who wants a beer that pairs perfectly with pizza or grilled chicken at a BBQ. It’s clean, balanced, and uses a proprietary brewing process that keeps the flavors intact without the alcohol.

It’s particularly great for active folks because it’s refreshing without being heavy on the stomach. The one real downside is that it’s quite mild in flavor; if you are looking for a big, bold taste explosion, this might feel a little too safe or simple.

It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, but it won’t challenge your palate like a darker or hoppier brew would.

If you are looking for something that mimics a classic, easy-drinking lager without the heavy calorie count, Athletic Lite is the one to grab. I usually reach for this when I want a crisp, clean taste that doesn’t feel like a ‘project’ to drink.

It uses a malt and rice body to keep things light and refreshing, making it the perfect companion for a backyard BBQ or a post-hike reward. It is specifically designed for people who prioritize a low carb lifestyle but still want that authentic beer ritual.

The proprietary brewing process ensures it doesn’t taste like watered-down wort, which is a common pitfall in the NA world. It is incredibly sessionable and goes down smooth during a busy day.

However, because it is so focused on being a light brew, it can feel a bit thin if you are someone who prefers a heavy mouthfeel or complex flavor profiles. It’s definitely more about refreshment than depth.

For the hop-heads who aren’t ready to give up that signature bitterness just because they’re skipping the alcohol, Run Wild IPA is the gold standard. This is the beer that put Athletic Brewing on the map, and for good reason.

It’s brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, giving it that classic citrus and pine punch you expect from a West Coast IPA. It pairs incredibly well with pizza, burgers, or tacos, holding its own against spicy or greasy foods.

If you’re transitioning away from traditional craft beer, you’ll appreciate how the malted barley and wheat provide a sturdy backbone that mimics the mouthfeel of a standard 6% ABV IPA. It’s a great choice for social drinkers who want to stay in the mix without the hangover.

The only real downside is that the bitterness can linger a bit longer than some might like, which might be polarizing if you aren’t a dedicated IPA fan.

If you are a hop-head who misses the punchy aroma of a real craft IPA, the Free Wave Hazy IPA is going to be your new best friend. I was honestly blown away by how much Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops they packed into this can.

It pours with that signature velvety, smooth texture you expect from a hazy, and the first sip hits you with big notes of tangerine and grapefruit. It’s not just fruit juice, though; there is a nice piney and floral finish that gives it some much-needed backbone.

This is the perfect choice for someone who wants a complex, ‘slow-sipper’ non-alcoholic beer to pair with a greasy pizza or a fresh salad. The only real catch is the body; while the wheat base provides some weight, it can feel a bit thin on the finish compared to a high-ABV hazy.

Still, for a drink made with clean, natural ingredients, it’s a massive win for craft lovers.

Sometimes you don’t want a flavor explosion; you just want something cold and easy to drink while you’re grilling or hanging out. That is where Athletic Lite shines.

It is essentially the ‘everyday’ beer of the non-alcoholic world. It’s incredibly light, coming in at just 25 calories and 5 carbs, which is wild considering it actually tastes like beer.

They use Noble hops to give it a crisp, floral scent, but the real hero is the rice and malt body that keeps it refreshing without being heavy. If you’re looking for a ‘sessionable’ drink that won’t make you feel bloated, this is it.

However, because it is so crisp and clean, it might taste a bit watery to people who are used to heavy stouts or bitter pales. It’s a straightforward, natural ingredient brew meant for the ‘sport of life’ rather than a deep tasting session.

If you are someone who misses the deep, comforting ritual of a heavy stout but wants to skip the morning fog, this Extra Dark Brew is a total game changer. I was skeptical about a non-alcoholic dark beer, but this one nails those rich coffee and chocolate notes without feeling like thin, flavored water.

It uses a proprietary brewing process that maintains a full-bodied mouthfeel, making it the perfect companion for a chilly evening by the fire or a post-hike reward. It is built with simple, high-quality ingredients like malted barley and wheat, which gives it a satisfying complexity.

You should buy this if you love porters or stouts and want that roasted, malty finish without the booze. However, one real downside is that it lacks the creamy ‘head’ or thickness you might expect from a nitro stout; it is a bit thinner on the tongue than a traditional Guinness, which might disappoint those looking for a very chewy texture.

Wit’s Peak is basically a love letter to the classic Belgian White style, and it is easily one of the most refreshing things you can pull out of a cooler. It is incredibly bright and luminous, hitting you with those exotic spices and citrus peel right away.

I love how the coriander and orange dance together, giving it that signature zesty profile that usually requires a high ABV to carry. At only 65 calories, it is a fantastic choice for anyone trying to stay active or keep their macros in check while still enjoying a ‘real’ beer taste.

It has a smooth and silky texture that feels premium, not watery. You should grab this if you are a fan of Blue Moon or Allagash White but want to stay sharp.

The only catch is the herbal bitterness in the finish; it is a bit more pronounced than some wheat beer fans might like, occasionally edging into a medicinal territory if it isn’t ice cold.

If you are looking for that classic, easy-drinking craft beer experience without the morning-after fog, the Upside Dawn Golden Ale is probably your best starting point. I found it to be incredibly light and crisp, mimicking a traditional blonde ale with a clean, bready malt profile and just a tiny hint of floral hops.

It is brewed with organic Vienna malt and English and American hops, which gives it a more sophisticated body than those watery mass-market non-alcoholic beers. This is the perfect choice for someone who wants a ‘shower beer’ or something to sip during a backyard BBQ while staying sharp.

It is also gluten-removed, making it a great option for friends with sensitivities. The only real catch is that because it is so light, it lacks the heavy mouthfeel of a standard craft brew.

If you are a die-hard stout or double IPA fan, you might find the 0.5% ABV body feels a bit thin on the finish compared to a full-strength ale.