A move towards healthier habits has led Bury St Edmunds brewer Greene King to bring out a low alcohol version of its Old Speckled Hen beer.

The 0.5% abv version of the top UK premium ale, under the Morland & Co brewery brand, is brewed, like the original, with Pale and Crystal malts with Challenger, First Gold and Goldings hops.

The rapidly-growing no and low alcohol beer sector, worth £48.6m, is now the second fastest growing beer category in supermarkets after craft beer, up 35.1% in the last year, according to data.

Matt Starbuck, managing director of Greene King brewing and brands, said the launch followed extensive consumer tasting trials and expert tasting panel analysis. “The low alcohol beer market is fast evolving as people’s drinking habits adapt to fit with healthier lifestyle choices,” he said. The beer will be available in pubs, some Tesco stores, independents and online.