Erdinger Alkoholfrei Wheat Beer Review
A classic German alcohol-free wheat beer with malt, banana, clove and a proper Weissbier feel.
Pros
Cons
Erdinger Alkoholfrei Wheat Beer Review
Erdinger Alkoholfrei is one of the best-known alcohol-free wheat beers in the world, and it has been a long-standing benchmark for anyone looking for a proper German Weissbier without the alcohol. As a fan of wheat beers, I was initially cynical about whether an alcohol-free version could deliver the same cloudy look, rich body and distinctive aroma. Erdinger gets closer than many.
In the glass, it pours a hazy golden-orange colour with lively carbonation and a generous foamy head. It looks like a proper wheat beer, which immediately gives it more credibility than many thin alcohol-free alternatives.
The aroma is classic Weissbier: soft malt, wheat, banana, clove and a touch of citrus. It is not as deep or rounded as a full-strength German wheat beer, but it clearly makes an effort to stay true to the style.
On the palate, Erdinger Alkoholfrei is malty, refreshing and lightly sweet, with enough body to feel satisfying. The wheat beer character comes through well, and the carbonation gives it a clean, lively finish. It is not perfect, and some drinkers may find the sweetness a little high, but it remains a very solid alcohol-free wheat beer.
Overall, Erdinger has created a tasty, malty and refreshing alcohol-free wheat beer that genuinely tries to achieve the taste, look and smell of traditional German wheat beers. It earns a positive thumbs up from MyDryBar.
Best Served & Pairing
Best served:
Best served well chilled in a tall wheat beer glass. Pour slowly at first, then swirl the final part of the bottle gently before adding it to the glass to lift the yeast character and create the classic cloudy Weissbier appearance.
Pairing recommendation:
Erdinger Alkoholfrei pairs well with German-style food, grilled sausages, pretzels, roast chicken, pork dishes and soft cheeses. The malt sweetness and wheat beer spice also work nicely with Thai curries, citrus-led salads and lightly spiced barbecue food.
Where to buy alcohol-free beers
RetailerAmazon View → How Erdinger Alkoholfrei Wheat Beer Compares
| Drink | Style | ABV | Best For | MyDryBar View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erdinger Alkoholfrei | German wheat beer | <0.5% | Classic Weissbier flavour and fuller body | Malty, refreshing and one of the better-known alcohol-free wheat beers. |
| Maisel’s Weisse Alkoholfrei | German wheat beer | <0.5% | A richer, more rounded wheat beer experience | A strong alternative if you want more depth and classic Bavarian character. |
| Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Alkoholfrei | German wheat beer | <0.5% | Traditional brewery heritage and smooth wheat beer flavour | Another benchmark option for fans of authentic German wheat beer. |
| Franziskaner Alkoholfrei | German wheat beer | <0.5% | Easy-drinking wheat beer refreshment | A softer, accessible alternative in the same alcohol-free Weissbier space. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erdinger Alkoholfrei completely alcohol-free?
No. Erdinger Alkoholfrei contains less than 0.5% ABV, which means it is classed as alcohol-free under UK and EU regulations, but it is not a 0.0% beer.
How many calories are in Erdinger Alkoholfrei?
Erdinger Alkoholfrei contains 25 calories per 100ml, which works out at 125 calories per 500ml bottle.
What style of beer is Erdinger Alkoholfrei?
Erdinger Alkoholfrei is a German alcohol-free wheat beer, also known as a Weissbier. It has a cloudy appearance, fuller body and classic wheat beer notes such as banana, clove and malt.
Is Erdinger Alkoholfrei vegan?
Barnivore lists Erdinger Alkoholfrei as vegan friendly based on company information. Very strict vegans may still want to check the latest packaging or contact Erdinger because bottle label glue information can vary.
Is Erdinger Alkoholfrei gluten-free?
No. Erdinger Alkoholfrei is brewed with wheat malt and barley malt, so it contains gluten and is not suitable for people with coeliac disease.
What does Erdinger Alkoholfrei taste like?
It tastes malty, refreshing and lightly sweet, with classic wheat beer notes of banana, clove, soft citrus and grain. It has more body than many alcohol-free lagers.
Where is Erdinger Alkoholfrei brewed?
Erdinger Alkoholfrei is brewed by Erdinger Weissbräu in Erding, Bavaria, Germany.
Would I buy Erdinger Alkoholfrei again?
Yes. Erdinger Alkoholfrei is a solid alcohol-free wheat beer and a good choice if you want a proper German Weissbier character without the alcohol.
⭐ MyDryBar Final Verdict
Erdinger Alkoholfrei remains a reliable alcohol-free wheat beer and a good introduction to the style. It has the cloudy appearance, malty body, banana and clove notes that you expect from a German Weissbier, while staying refreshing and easy to drink. It is not quite as complex as a full-strength wheat beer and it may be a little sweet for some tastes, but it still feels like a proper beer rather than a compromise.
MyDryBar score: 70/100. A solid, enjoyable and widely available alcohol-free wheat beer that I would happily buy again.
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