‘Like normal beer’: German brewery creates ‘carbonated’ lager powder

One brewery has literally turned water into beer with a simple invention that will also work wonders for the environment.

A European brewery has revolutionised the way carbonated beverages are made by concocting a powdered lager that almost mimics the look of beer on tap, just by adding water.

Neuzeller Klosterbräu, a German brewery that’s been in the industry for almost 500 years, invented the powder which can make beer in the same way a person would make instant coffee or a protein shake.

By simply adding a couple of spoons of powder into a glass, adding water and giving it a stir, beer enthusiasts can make their favourite drink without having to open the fridge.

Stefan Fritsche from Neuzeller Klosterbräu brewery. Picture: 7News

The biblical-like creation is intended to help reduce the heavy carbon footprint beer exports generate, with one 355ml bottle equivalent to 1.3km of driving.

By removing the extra weight created by glass and water, the brewery’s general manager Stefan Fritsche says the invention could reduce transport weight by 90 per cent.

“It’s useless transporting everything … so right now we can limit the taste of the beer to 45 grams instead of transporting 1kg,” he told 7News.

Currently, the powder creates a non-alcoholic beverage however Mr Fritsche said an alcoholic version will be available soon which he hopes he’ll be able to export globally.

“We want to, in about three months, be ready with everything … and then we are looking for partners, for investors who want to start-up with us,” he said.

Currently the powder only creates a non-alcoholic beverage. Picture: 7News

The beer connoisseur claims his product tastes “just like normal regular beer” and its appearance also looks similar to a typical carbonated beer as it foams up once mixed.

However Mr Fritsche said the possibilities of creating new beers doesn’t end there with over 40 more beverages in the process of being invented, adding to its current cherry beer, anti-ageing beer, and ginger beer inventions.

“[We’re also creating a] bath beer, so you can even take a bath inside the beer,” he said.

“We have 42 different types of beers which we are producing right now, even gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic beer.”

Mr Fritsche’s said his uncanny ideas stem from a simple question he asks himself each morning: “How can I destroy my own company?”

An alcoholic version is expected to be ready soon. Picture: 7News

“If I think of a possibility to destroy my own company, someone else may also do and so we are developing very nice things here,” he said.

Thinking ahead, if Mr Fritsche’s powder lager does make it to bars and restaurants it’s likely the powder would be added to a bottle in-store before being filled up with water to serve to diners.

The creation is the first of its kind globally and differs from other powdered beers as it’s carbonated.

In addition to its powdered beers, Neuzeller Klosterbräu is known for its innovative ideas, originality and age-old recipes and has distributors worldwide.

Originally published as ‘Like normal beer’: German brewery creates ‘carbonated’ lager powder