Zero-alcohol drinks are having a moment. As more people seek healthier lifestyles or experiment with alcohol-free periods (think Dry July, Octsober or other mindful drinking trends), the demand for zero-alcohol options has skyrocketed. Brands have been quick to respond, offering everything from craft-style beers, ready-to-drink mocktails and botanical spirits to sparkling wine alternatives. For those who want to enjoy the social aspect of having a drink without the effects of alcohol, they can feel like a perfect solution.
Yet are these drinks the “healthy” alternative they’re often marketed to be?
What’s really in them?
As with anything packaged, it’s essential to look beyond clever marketing. One of the biggest concerns with zero-alcohol beverages is their ingredients. While they’re often touted as a “healthier” alternative, many of these drinks contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, or a cocktail of additives and preservatives.
- Sugar content: To mimic the taste and mouthfeel of traditional alcoholic drinks, many zero-alcohol options rely on sugar. A single bottle or can of a non-alcoholic beverage can contain as much sugar as a soft drink, which can wreak havoc on many aspects of our health if consumed regularly.
- Additives and preservatives: From stabilisers to flavour enhancers, some zero-alcohol drinks can be packed with synthetic ingredients. Regular consumption – especially if these substances also creep into your way of eating via packaged and processed foods – could add to your overall ‘toxin’ load, placing additional pressure on your detoxification systems.
- Artificial sweeteners: In some cases, sugar is swapped out for artificial sweeteners, which may affect your gut microbiome or lead to other health concerns for some individuals.
The takeaway
While zero-alcohol drinks may have a place as an occasional alternative to alcoholic beverages, making them a daily habit might not align with your health goals – especially if they’re loaded with sugar and additives.
The good news is that not all zero-alcohol drinks are problematic. Many brands are now offering more health supportive alternatives, using natural ingredients and minimal processing. If you choose to enjoy these drinks, be as savvy as you can:
- Read the labels: Look for options with minimal sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no unnecessary additives or preservatives.
- Consider natural alternatives: Instead of pre-packaged drinks, you could create your own alcohol-free options. Sparkling water with fresh lime and mint or a herbal tea served chilled can be refreshing and free from additives.
- Enjoy them occasionally: Enjoy zero-alcohol drinks as part of a varied approach to hydration and celebration, not as an everyday or regular weekly staple.
