IMPOSSIBREW vs Heaps Normal | Which Alcohol-Free Beer Is Better?

IMPOSSIBREW and Heaps Normal come from opposite sides of the world. IMPOSSIBREW is a UK-brewed functional lager with 375mg of relaxation-promoting ingredients. Heaps Normal is an Australian craft AF brewery known for the Quiet XPA. Both are independent, both are premium - but they take fundamentally different approaches to what an alcohol-free beer should do.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| IMPOSSIBREW | Heaps Normal | |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 0.5% | <0.5% |
| Calories (per 100ml) | 15 kcal | Not disclosed |
| Sugar (per 100ml) | Less than 1g | Not disclosed |
| Nootropics / Adaptogens | ✓ 375mg Social Blend | ✗ None |
| L-Theanine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ashwagandha | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vitamin B1 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Magnesium | ✓ | ✗ |
| Gluten Free | ✓ | ✗ (low gluten) |
| Vegan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Relaxation Effect | 84% report feeling relaxed | No functional benefits |
| Price (per can) | ~£2.50 / 440ml | ~£1.50 / 375ml (24-pack only) |
Key Differences
Functional Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW contains 375mg of the Social Blend. Heaps Normal contains water, malt, hops, and yeast - nothing functional. Clean ingredients, but nothing designed to promote relaxation.
Taste and Style
Heaps Normal's Quiet XPA has tropical and citrus aromas with balanced bitterness. IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager has citrus, honey, and hop notes. Different styles - XPA vs lager. Both are unfiltered.
The Relaxation Factor
84% of IMPOSSIBREW customers report feeling relaxed. Heaps Normal provides no relaxation benefit. Their tagline is about normalising not drinking - but normalising it and replacing the feeling are different things.
Availability and Practicality
IMPOSSIBREW ships individual orders across the UK. Heaps Normal requires buying 24-packs (£36 minimum) imported from Australia. You cannot try a single can of Heaps Normal before committing to a full case. IMPOSSIBREW offers starter bundles for first-time buyers.
What Customers Say
IMPOSSIBREW Customers
"Two cans and I feel genuinely unwound. Nothing else in the AF space does this."
- IMPOSSIBREW customer
"Great taste plus actual relaxation. Why would I go back to plain AF beer?"
- IMPOSSIBREW customer
Heaps Normal Customers
"Decent for AF beer but not sure it justifies the shipping wait and case-only purchasing."
- UK consumer
"The lager is forgettable. The XPA is the reason to try this brand."
- Beer forum
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMPOSSIBREW or Heaps Normal better?
Can I buy single cans of Heaps Normal?
Does Heaps Normal have functional ingredients?
Is Heaps Normal gluten free?
Which is easier to buy in the UK?
→ See our full Heaps Normal Review 2026
Ready to Try the Next Generation of Alcohol-Free Beer?
IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager - the alcohol-free beer with 375mg of functional ingredients designed to help you relax.
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