Small Beer Co Review 2026 - Taste, Ingredients & How It Compares

Small Beer Co is a well-known name in the UK alcohol-free beer market. It offers Session Pale (2.5%), Original Lager (2.1%). But does it deliver on taste, and what are you missing without functional ingredients? Here is an honest look at Small Beer Co and how it compares to IMPOSSIBREW.
At a Glance
| IMPOSSIBREW | Small Beer Co | |
|---|---|---|
| ABV | 0.5% | 2.1-2.5% (low alcohol, not AF) |
| Calories | 17 kcal/100ml | Reduced vs full-strength |
| Functional Ingredients | ✓ 1,650mg Social Blend per can | ✗ |
| Style | Enhanced Lager | Low-alcohol session beers |
| Gluten Free | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vegan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | ~£3.00/440ml | ~£2.00/350ml |
| Relaxation Effect | 72% felt relaxed (own 2024 survey) | No functional benefits |
What You Need to Know
The product: London-based. Focus on moderation not abstinence. B-Corp certified.
The gap: Not truly alcohol-free (2%+), no functional ingredients
Products: Session Pale (2.5%), Original Lager (2.1%)
How Does Small Beer Co Compare to IMPOSSIBREW?
Small Beer Co and IMPOSSIBREW solve different problems. Small Beer Co is a beer with the alcohol removed. IMPOSSIBREW is a beer with functional ingredients added.
IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager contains 1,650mg per can of the Social Blend - L-Theanine for calm, Ashwagandha for stress adaptation, Vitamin B1 for nervous system support, and Magnesium for relaxation. 72% of responses in our own 2024 customer survey (558 of 775) said they felt relaxed.
Small Beer Co contains no functional ingredients. It is a decent AF beer - and that is its ceiling.
If you drink AF beer purely for taste, either works. If you drink to unwind, only one is designed for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Beer Co better than IMPOSSIBREW?
Does Small Beer Co have functional ingredients?
Is Small Beer Co gluten free?
Where can I buy Small Beer Co?
What is the best alcohol-free beer for relaxation?
→ See our full IMPOSSIBREW vs Small Beer Co
Looking for More Than Just a 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.

