Following dry January, many people re-consider their alcohol intake. This may include trying the zero alcohol beverages now on offer. The younger generation (18-24 year olds) is, according to a recent government survey, drinking less alcohol (the wine, beer and spirit industry has known this for a while, as sales decline).
As a result, there has never been so many alcohol free options available…but what is in them? Are they healthier?
Drinks marketed and sold as “alcohol-free” are designed to be substitutes for alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, cider, or spirits. As such, producers try to recreate the taste, look and feel of the alcoholic drink that they are emulating. Packaging and advertising also tries to replicate those used for the alcoholic versions. Drinks low in alcohol are not necessarily healthier: often packed with additives to make them taste better. They are often high in sugar too. Alcohol-free drinks can actually contain a small amount of alcohol (up to 0.5% ABV), so not suitable to avoid alcohol completely, or for children.
So, frankly, what is the point? I know – I would say that wouldn’t I?
Instead of substituting alcohol for alcohol free, I found I much prefer to drink something totally different – in fact, water!
But I do prefer to a little drink good quality wine, occasionally and with a meal. Again, I would say that wouldn’t I? But it is true. By drinking better quality wine, we often find that customers end up drinking less and definitely feel fewer bad effects afterwards.
So the message is: less is more!
One question I am frequently asked is why are low / non alcoholic drinks so expensive? There are many reasons for this:
Production Process: The process of making low-alcohol beverages, like some beers, wines, or spirits, can be more complex. Removing or reducing alcohol while maintaining flavour, texture, and quality often requires additional steps, which can increase production costs. Of course, there is still the bottle, label, cap, case and shipping / distribution cost which will be no different than for alcoholic drinks.
Niche Market: Low-alcohol drinks are still a relatively niche category compared to regular alcoholic beverages, and smaller production runs will not benefit from economies of scale, which means the price per unit can be higher.
Ingredients and Quality Control: Some low-alcohol drinks use premium ingredients or have more precise quality control to ensure they still deliver a satisfying taste, which can contribute to higher prices.
Marketing & Perception: Some low-alcohol options are marketed as healthier or more premium alternatives. All that money being spent on branding, positioning, awareness and marketing generally, is no different. Again, this all contributes to the cost
Taxes and Regulations: Depending on the country or region, alcohol taxes can be structured in a way that makes even reduced-alcohol drinks subject to higher taxes, which can be passed on to consumers.
Anyway – whichever you choose – Cheers!