Report

Is alcohol-free beer OK if you have gout?

By Alex Stewart

Updated 1 November 2026. Every figure links to its source below. How these pages are made.

A glass of water beside a glass of beer — Illustrative image

Quick answerIt is better than regular beer but not risk-free. Taking the alcohol out removes one problem, since alcohol stops the kidneys clearing uric acid. But the UK Gout Society says non-alcoholic beer still contains purines and can still raise uric acid. If you have gout, ask your GP and treat it as an occasional drink.

Why beer is bad for gout twice over

The UK Gout Society says alcohol "inhibits uric acid removal by the kidneys", and beer also has "high levels of purine in them". Versus Arthritis: "Beer is particularly bad, as it contains a lot of purines."

What about alcohol-free?

Some research has also shown that non-alcoholic beer can still raise uric acid levels, as they also contain purines.

A small 1995 study in four gout sufferers found normal, low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers all impaired purine excretion. A Japanese analysis found some low-alcohol beers had more purines than regular beer. Both are small or not UK products, but they point the same way.

Keep it in proportion

Versus Arthritis says about three-quarters of the body's urate is made by the body itself and only a quarter comes from food and drink, so medication matters more than any one drink. The NHS advice is to drink plenty of fluids.

Where IMPOSSIBREW fits

IMPOSSIBREW, which publishes this site, makes 0.5% beers brewed from malt and hops. Like other beers it will contain purines, and it does not publish a purine figure. If you have gout, check with your GP first.

This page summarises published guidance and research. It is not medical advice.

FAQs

Can I drink non-alcoholic beer with gout?

It avoids the alcohol effect on the kidneys, but the UK Gout Society says it still contains purines and can raise uric acid. Ask your GP.

Does alcohol-free beer have purines?

Yes. Beer purines come from the malt and yeast, not the alcohol.

What is the best drink for gout?

Water. The NHS advises drinking plenty of fluids.

Sources

All read 1 November 2026 unless stated.