The News
Roadie, a zero-alcohol and calorie-free beer, launched today in Los Angeles. The brand is designed for moments when a refreshing beer would be ideal but alcohol or heavy carbs aren't desired. It is available at independent retailers on the Westside of Los Angeles. The product is made with real malted barley and hops, and has no fermentation process.
The launch of Roadie’s 0.0 % alcohol, “zero‑calorie” beer in Los Angeles is a textbook case for the craft‑beer trade. Under Wilding Brands, the product hit Westside retailers on May 15, 2026—Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu—and debuted at the Aether Rally (May 15–17) in Pioneertown, CA, where the brand showcased its automotive lifestyle branding by presenting a vintage 1977 Chevy Suburban filled with Roadie. The launch was accompanied by an online subscription on roadiebrew.com.
Recent data show that the non‑alcoholic beer market expanded by 23 % in 2025, positioning Roadie’s entry at the peak of this growth. That momentum signals opportunity for distributors to secure a foothold in a rapidly expanding niche.
The press release highlights a “zero‑calorie” claim, but the IPA and Mexi‑Style variants actually contain 90 calories per bottle—a fact that has been documented by independent testing. Operators must note this discrepancy because it can trigger FDA and TTB labeling reviews and may erode consumer confidence if left unaddressed.
Retailers should confirm that the label reflects the actual product; mismatches could lead to regulatory complications. The brand’s availability remains confined to certain independent retailers and DTC channels, so venues and distributors must be mindful of the limited distribution footprint when planning shelf space or promotional plans.
Wholesale distributors should note that Roadie has not yet entered the standard three‑tier system. With its focus on Westside retailers and an online subscription, distributors must secure a formal distribution agreement before adding Roadie to their SKU catalogs.
The “Official Drink of Driving” positioning gives on‑premise venues a unique angle for offering a craft‑beer‑style, zero‑proof beverage linked to a recognizable icon—an angle that could resonate with patrons who prefer low‑impact drinks but still want the flavor profile of a traditional beer.
Original Press Release
(Venice, CA; May 15, 2026) Roadie, the alcohol and calorie-free brew built for the open road, officially launches today on the Westside of Los Angeles.
Roadie is a crisp, super-light brew made with real malted barley and hops. The brand’s point of difference is dry, deadpan, and built into the name: Roadie is The Official Drink of Driving. That may sound wrong until you consider that Roadie is 0.0% alcohol, with no fermentation in the process, ever. And with zero calories, it’s easy-drinking and more refreshing than standard non-alcoholic beers. No heaviness, no bloating, so you can crush them all day long.
Roadie is an adult beverage made for the moments when a refreshing beer would be just right, but the alcohol or heavy carbs might not: the commute from North Hollywood to Santa Monica. The kids' flag football game on a Saturday morning. The weekend escape to Ojai, with the windows down and the phone just for playing music. The 9th inning at a weeknight baseball game, when you’re getting ready to drive home. With zero calories or alcohol, Roadie is perfect for any occasion, at any time of day.
"We wanted a brew you could crack on the way home, without anyone needing to report you to the CHP," said Mark Schermers, Roadie President and CMO. "A brew you can drink while driving sounds wrong until you realize the point. Roadie is 0.0% and we’ve created it with your center console in mind."
Roadie debuts today at independent retailers across the Westside of Los Angeles in Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu (including the iconic Neptune’s Net). It is also available online at roadiebrew.com, and a subscription option is available for our biggest fans. Future product releases will feature styles inspired by familiar flavors of the American West. Roadie also makes its first official public appearance this weekend at Aether Rally (May 15–17), the automotive event hosted by Aether Apparel in Pioneertown, CA. Roadie will set up shop with its 1977 Chevy Suburban (known by insiders as Brandy) loaded with cold, crisp Roadies, loads of merch, and official "Roadie Run" magnet decals for the drivers tackling the route.
Roadie is available beginning May 15, 2026 at roadiebrew.com, select Westside Los Angeles retailers (and will soon be available at retailers throughout Los Angeles), and at the Aether Rally in Pioneertown.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Roadiebrew site
- Roadie Launches The Official Drink Of Driving
- Myshopify site
- Roadie Ipa 0 0 Beer
- Wilding Brands Launches Roadie Never Alc Craft Beer
Source: BevNET