The non-alcoholic beer (NA beer) scene is bubbling with excitement over a new flavor-enhancing trend that’s captivating enthusiasts and influencers alike.
What started as a playful experiment among friends has now become a viral sensation within the NA beer community.
The latest craze? Garnishing your favorite non-alcoholic pilsner with a pickle.
How It All Began
The trend traces its roots back to Michigan, where NA beer influencer Sarah, known as “@trythisnabeer” on Instagram, decided to add a pickle to her “Big Dill Pickle Pils” by Uncool to give it some extra pickle flavor.
Seeking to amplify the pickle flavor, Sarah’s creative twist quickly caught the attention of her friends and followers. Her unique garnish became an instant hit, sparking a wave of experimentation and sharing across social media.
What started as a playful experiment among friends has now become a viral sensation within the NA beer community.
Spreading the Pickle Love
Following Sarah’s lead, Brandon, another prominent NA beer influencer who goes by “@iowa.na” on Instagram, joined the pickle beer craze.
Brandon’s entertaining videos, where he sing-narrates his taste tests of pickled beers, have drawn a significant following and further popularized the trend.
The pickle craze soon hopped across the pond, reaching UK-based NA beer influencer Ben Gibbs of “@sober_boozers_club.” Inspired by Sara, Brandon, and their peers, Ben posted a reel of himself enjoying a Coors Edge garnished with a Mrs. Elswood’s pickle.
His curiosity and subsequent experimentation with pickled NA beers have fueled even more interest in this unconventional pairing.
Other non-alcoholic Instagram influencers such as “@na.brewskey,” “@reducaholic,” and “@nonrocaholic” have also embraced the trend, each adding their own twist with spicy pickles and other pickled foods.
What Makes Pilsners Perfect for Pickles?
So, why are pickles and pilsners such a perfect match? According to NA beer enthusiasts, the light, crisp, and slightly bitter profile of pilsners provides an ideal canvas for the tangy, briny flavors of pickles.
This combination enhances the overall taste experience, creating a refreshing and unique beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
Among the most favored brands to pickle are AL’s, Brooklyn Brewing’s Pils, and Ted Seger’s, which have received high praise from the NA beer community for their compatibility with this zesty garnish.
Should Brewers Take Note?
With the pickle beer trend showing no signs of slowing down, one has to wonder if NA beer brewers will start developing new recipes specifically designed to pair with pickles.
While it’s still early days, the enthusiastic response from the NA beer community suggests that there’s a growing market for innovative flavor combinations. Brewers who tap into this trend could find themselves at the forefront of a new and exciting niche.
Join the Trend
Curious to try this quirky trend yourself? Grab your favorite non-alcoholic pilsner, pop open a jar of pickles, and see what the buzz is all about.
Not sure which NA beers to try? Browse the world’s largest directory of non-alcoholic beers or sign up for our monthly NA beer subscription to discover amazing new NA beers.
Whether you prefer classic dill, spicy variations, or other pickled delicacies, you’re sure to discover a delightful new way to enjoy NA beer.
As the pickle beer phenomenon continues to spread, it’s clear that the NA beer community is always ready to embrace new and exciting ways to elevate their drinking experience. So, here’s to pickles and pilsners—cheers to the next big thing in NA beer!
