What’s the difference between probiotics and postbiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can support your gut health when consumed in adequate amounts. Think: bacteria in yoghurt or fermented foods.
Postbiotics are the powerful by-products of those bacteria — compounds like short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, peptides, and antioxidants. They’re what your body actually uses to regulate mood, metabolism, and immunity.
TL;DR:
Probiotics = the bacteria.
Postbiotics = their greatest hits.
Why postbiotics matter for gut and mood
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More stable: No refrigeration needed. They survive heat and brewing (unlike probiotics).
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Scientifically active: Postbiotics can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and regulate the gut-brain axis.
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Directly bioavailable: They get to work immediately — no need to "colonise" your gut first.
So… is NuWave a probiotic beer?
Nope — and that’s a good thing.
Probiotics would never survive the brewing process. That’s why NuWave uses postbiotics instead — they’re functional, stable, and actually do something once they’re in your system.
We’re not trying to make beer that behaves like kombucha. We’re making beer that feels as good as it tastes.
What does the science say?
Recent research shows postbiotics can:
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Support gut barrier function
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Modulate inflammation
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Improve mood via the gut-brain axis (GABA and serotonin pathways)
That’s why postbiotics are getting attention from the medical, sports, and wellness worlds alike. They're not just trending — they’re transforming functional food and drinks.
Why NuWave chose postbiotics
Most alcohol-free beers just remove the alcohol. We wanted to add something back in. Something that supports your system, not just your social life.
That’s where postbiotics come in.
“We didn’t want to copy the old model. We’re building a better one — with biotics that actually do something.”
— Brendan Williams, NuWave Founder
What about prebiotics?
Quick refresher:
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Prebiotics = food for bacteria (like fibre)
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Probiotics = live bacteria
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Postbiotics = functional compounds made by bacteria
It’s a three-part system — and postbiotics are the ones doing the actual heavy lifting.
The takeaway
If you want real gut support, without the fridge drama or fluffy claims, postbiotics are where it’s at.
And if you want a beer that lifts your mood without lowering your standards?
That’s where we come in.
🍻 Try NuWave — postbiotic-powered, 0.5% beer. Brewed with purpose. Backed by biotics.