Athletic Brewing
Best for: Craft beer lovers, flavor-first
Heineken 0.0
Best for: True 0.0%, everywhere access
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Best Taste
Athletic Brewing wins on flavor complexity and authenticity across all styles
True 0.0% ABV
Heineken 0.0 is certified alcohol-free; Athletic is up to 0.5%
Better Value
Heineken 0.0 is ~$10/6-pack vs $12–$16 for Athletic Brewing
Wider Availability
Heineken 0.0 is at virtually every bar, store, and airport globally
Style Variety
Athletic offers IPA, golden ale, hazy IPA, lager, stout and more. Heineken only has one style.
Best for Craft Beer Fans
Athletic Brewing was built by craft brewers for craft beer drinkers
Best for Pregnancy/Recovery
Heineken 0.0's certified zero alcohol is safer for those who need absolute certainty
Recovery/Sports Use
Athletic markets to athletes and runners; lower calorie options available
The Verdict
Buy Athletic Brewing if: You care about taste above all else. You drink craft beer and want the most convincing NA equivalent. You want variety across IPA, lager, hazy, stout, and seasonal styles. You can afford $2–$3 more per 6-pack.
Buy Heineken 0.0 if: You need certified 0.0% ABV. You're at a bar or restaurant that doesn't carry Athletic Brewing. You want the most affordable widely-available NA beer. You already drink Heineken and want something familiar.
The honest answer: Most people should keep both in their fridge. Athletic Brewing for when you want a great beer at home. Heineken 0.0 as a backup when you're out somewhere that doesn't carry Athletic.
FAQ
Which is better: Athletic Brewing or Heineken 0.0?
For taste, Athletic Brewing wins decisively. Their Run Wild IPA is more complex, more satisfying, and more convincingly beer-like than Heineken 0.0. However, if you need strictly 0.0% ABV or you're somewhere that doesn't stock Athletic Brewing, Heineken 0.0 is the right choice.
Does Athletic Brewing have zero alcohol?
No. Athletic Brewing beers contain up to 0.5% ABV, which classifies them as "non-alcoholic" under U.S. law. Heineken 0.0 is certified at 0.0% ABV. For most people this distinction is irrelevant, but it matters for people who need to avoid any trace alcohol.
Is Athletic Brewing worth the extra cost?
Yes, if flavor is your priority. Athletic Brewing typically costs $12–$16 per 6-pack vs. $10 for Heineken 0.0. The quality difference justifies the premium — Athletic Brewing beers are genuinely comparable to craft beer.