IMPOSSIBREW vs Erdinger | Which Alcohol-Free Beer Is Better?

IMPOSSIBREW and Erdinger Alkoholfrei both claim functional benefits in their alcohol-free beers - but they target completely different needs. This comparison breaks down the ingredients, taste, and purpose of each.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| IMPOSSIBREW | Erdinger Alkoholfrei | |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 0.5% | <0.5% |
| Calories (per 100ml) | 17 kcal | 25 kcal |
| Functional Ingredients | ✓ 1,650mg Social Blend per can | B9, B12 (isotonic) |
| L-Theanine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ashwagandha | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vitamin B1 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Magnesium | ✓ | ✗ |
| Gluten Free | ✓ | ✗ |
| Relaxation Effect | 72% felt relaxed (own 2024 survey) | Recovery focused (not relaxation) |
| Price | ~£2.50/440ml | ~£1.95/500ml |
Key Differences
Functional Ingredients
Both brands include functional additives - but for different purposes. IMPOSSIBREW contains 1,650mg per can of the Social Blend (L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Vitamin B1, Magnesium) for relaxation. Erdinger adds B9 (folic acid) and B12 for immune support and isotonic recovery. One is for winding down. The other is for recovering after exercise.
Taste and Style
Completely different beer styles. IMPOSSIBREW is a clean lager with citrus and honey notes. Erdinger is a Bavarian wheat beer with banana, clove, and spicy malt. If you prefer wheat beers, Erdinger has decades of heritage. Both are competent within their style.
The Relaxation Factor
72% of responses in our own 2024 customer survey (558 of 775) said they felt relaxed. Erdinger makes no relaxation claims - its positioning is around sports recovery and rehydration. If you want to replace the wind-down feeling of an alcoholic drink, IMPOSSIBREW is specifically designed for that. Erdinger is designed for after the gym.
Dietary Considerations
IMPOSSIBREW is gluten-free with 17 kcal/100ml. Erdinger contains gluten (wheat + barley) with 25 kcal/100ml. Both are vegan.
→ See our full Erdinger Alkoholfrei Review 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMPOSSIBREW or Erdinger better?
Is Erdinger really isotonic?
Which has fewer calories?
Is Erdinger gluten free?
Where can I buy both?
Ready to Try the Next Generation of Alcohol-Free Beer?
IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager - the only alcohol-free beer with 1,650mg per can of functional ingredients designed to help you relax.
Shop IMPOSSIBREWAbout IMPOSSIBREW
IMPOSSIBREW makes alcohol-free beer brewed with Social Blend™ (L‑theanine, ashwagandha, magnesium and vitamin B1), developed with pharmacologists at Durham University, for the calm, relaxed feeling of a drink without the alcohol.
Gold Medal for our Lager at the London Beer Competition, the first alcohol‑free beer to win Gold there. Judges noted citrus, light lemon and tropical aromas with a crisp finish.
Voted the UK's best-tasting alcohol‑free lager at the World Beer Awards (Gold and Country Winner). Enhanced Lager and Enhanced Hazy Pale also each hold a Great Taste Award.
60% fewer calories than a standard 5% lager. Enhanced Lager is gluten-free (below 20ppm) and vegan.
As seen on BBC's Dragons' Den, with more than 100,000 customers.
*Highest TrustScore among alcohol‑free beer brands with over 1,000 Trustpilot reviews, checked 28 October 2026. See the scores.

