Best Non-Alcoholic Beers in NZ 2026
The Best Non-Alcoholic Beer in New Zealand — Brewed Right Here
New Zealand brewers have made the choice easy. Here's what to reach for when you want beer that actually tastes like beer.
So you're looking for the best non-alcoholic beer in NZ in 2026. Beer that tastes the way good beer should. New Zealand brewers have been quick to give drinkers plenty of choice — brewed locally with New Zealand's finest hops and malted barley.
One brewery, State of Play Brewing, has gone all-in on non-alc. Their full range of beer styles sits under 0.5% alc/vol, brewed locally with natural fermentation, high in flavour, and low in sugar.
What Makes a Great Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Put quality in, get quality out. New Zealand's signature hops are perfect for non-alcoholic beer — fruity and tropical, they build up the body and mouthfeel to give the drinker what they're after.
Naturally fermented (not alcohol-removed like imported non-alcoholic beers), all the aromas, esters, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory benefits are retained in every can.
Fresh is best. A beer brewed locally retains fresh hop quality for longer. And with a local non-alc, you can ditch the sugar — State of Play beers come in at just 59 calories per can.
The State of Play Range
Is there such a thing as the perfect beer? Maybe not — but there is a perfect beer moment. It happens when you have the right beer, in the right place, with the right company. Different styles suit different moments: a summer ale at sundown, an IPA to end the work day, a stout to sip and savour. The State of Play range gives everyone a seat at the flavour table.
IPA
The everyday staple. Perfect balance of hops and malt — Motueka, Wai-iti, and Nelson Sauvin combine with finest Canterbury Malt for a deep amber pour with a brilliant white head.
Sunbreaker Summer Ale
Ginger, lime, and honey for ultimate refreshment. Ginger adds heat up front, honey gives a warm glow, and the lime cuts through to let all the flavours shine.
Nectaron Hazy Pale Ale
All about the Nectaron hop — a new release from the NZ Hop breeding program in Motueka. A fruit bowl explosion with a heady aroma. Then boom.
Golden Lager
Full all-malt body, lightly hopped. Canterbury grains deliver crisp biscuit body, Riwaka hops provide the finish. Quality ingredients, clean result.
Chocolate Stout
Co-created with Baron Hasselhoff's artisan chocolate makers in Wellington. PNG cacao, Tongan vanilla, a heady mix of spice. Without alcohol blending everything together, every flavour plays its own distinct role.
How to Order
Ordering is easy online. Build a custom case with your preferred 6-packs, or choose one of the pre-mixed cases to try the whole range in one hit.
Free shipping over $100 · Build a Box · Ships nationwide.
Ready to Try Them Yourself?
Build your own custom 24-can box with any combination of our five zero-alcohol beers. Free shipping on orders over $100.
→ Build a BoxFrequently Asked Questions
Is non-alcoholic beer actually alcohol-free?
In NZ and Australia, the food standard for non-alcoholic beer is any beer brewed under 0.5% alc/vol — less than the alcohol naturally present in orange juice or a ripe banana. State of Play uses a special yeast to naturally ferment their beer, creating all the flavours and aromas you want with just 0.3% alc/vol and very low calories per can.
Does non-alcoholic beer taste like real beer?
We think so. There are two ways to produce non-alc beer. The first is using a special yeast to naturally brew and ferment — just like full-strength beer. The second is to mechanically remove the alcohol, which is the method most imported zeros rely on.
State of Play uses option one. Natural fermentation retains all the aromas, esters, and flavour compounds that make great beer taste the way it should. Have a taste and you can be the judge.
Is State of Play beer suitable during pregnancy?
State of Play beer is brewed to under 0.5% alc/vol and is pasteurised. Please consult your doctor during your pregnancy about what is right for you and whether State of Play non-alcoholic beer is appropriate for your situation.