Mixed reactions after pilgrims spot Guinness 0.0 in Medina
Published on: Friday, April 17, 2026
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian pilgrims performing Umrah were surprised after spotting alcohol-free Guinness products on store shelves in Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, sparking discussion online.
The reactions followed a viral Threads post, showing a can of Guinness Draught 0.0 in Medina, with users sharing similar sightings of non-alcoholic beverages and other products in supermarkets near Mecca.
The product contains 0% alcohol and is permitted under local regulations, although its branding has raised questions among some Muslim consumers due to its association with alcoholic drinks.
The viral posts also featured other items such as food products and retail brands, prompting broader conversations about cultural expectations and differences encountered by pilgrims.
The images and comments drew mixed reactions, with some expressing surprise while others noted the growing availability of non-alcoholic alternatives in the region.
The reactions followed a viral Threads post, showing a can of Guinness Draught 0.0 in Medina, with users sharing similar sightings of non-alcoholic beverages and other products in supermarkets near Mecca.
The product contains 0% alcohol and is permitted under local regulations, although its branding has raised questions among some Muslim consumers due to its association with alcoholic drinks.
The viral posts also featured other items such as food products and retail brands, prompting broader conversations about cultural expectations and differences encountered by pilgrims.
The images and comments drew mixed reactions, with some expressing surprise while others noted the growing availability of non-alcoholic alternatives in the region.
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When I was working in Malaysia my ex-Boss told me he had 'bacon & eggs' in Medina, except of course the 'bacon' in his case was not of pork but beef.
Guinness Malta was marketed as a non-alcoholic drink, but weighed down by it's association with Guiness Stout.
ReplyDeleteIt really is non-alcoholic, so Islamic authorities did not have the power to ban it. But that didn't stop the Ilsamic dudes from "advising" Muslims that it was considered doubtful acceptability, essentially destroying the market.
Very hard to find it in Malaysia now, though not officially banned.
Scientists are now working on splicing the DNA of pigs with kerbaus so they will have cloven hoofs and chew cuds. The new species will be called “Kerbi”.
ReplyDeletewakakaka… where the kosher begun as a dietary fart of that grandmother's fairytale!
DeleteThe Christian-majority Western world is among the regions where pork consumption has historically been widespread, along with East Asia and parts of Southeast Asia!