When it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, there are a variety of terms used to describe the amount of alcohol they contain or don't contain. It's important to understand these distinctions so you can make informed choices about what you're consuming. Here's a comprehensive guide to the differences between 0.0%, 0.5%, Non-Alcoholic, Alcohol-Free, and other common non-alcoholic beverage distinctions (and of course, we'll provide examples, courtesy of Amazon).
0.0%. This term means that the beverage contains no alcohol. These types of beverages are either made without any fermentation or have gone through extensive de-alcoholization beyond the typical 0.5% found in many non-alcoholic wines.
0.5%. This term is used to describe beverages that contain a small amount of alcohol, usually less than 0.5% by volume. Technically, these beverages are not completely alcohol-free, but the amount of alcohol they contain is so small that they are generally considered safe for people who want to avoid alcohol altogether.
Non-alcoholic. This term is often used interchangeably with 0.0% or 0.5%, but it technically refers to any beverage that contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. This includes beverages that are labeled as 0.0% or 0.5%, as well as some other types of drinks that fall within this range. Examples of non-alcoholic beverages include non-alcoholic spirits, non-alcoholic beers, non-alcoholic wines. Online Stores Dedicated to Non-Alcoholic Products:
BeClink Non-Alcoholic Beverages - large selection and informative about products it offers (use code "FIRSTCLINK" for 15% off).
Halal Wine Cellar - specializes in Halal Certified beverages.
Amazon.com Non-Alcoholic Category - large selection but generally uncurated.
Alcohol-free. This term is often used to describe beverages that contain no alcohol whatsoever. However, it can also be used to describe beverages that contain very small amounts of alcohol, as long as they fall within the legal definition of "alcohol-free" in a given country. In the United States, for example, beverages that contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume can be labeled as alcohol-free. See 3. Non-alcoholic for a list of online shops that sell alcohol-free drinks.
Dealcoholized. Beverages that are labeled as dealcoholized have had their alcohol content removed through a process of distillation or filtration. This process is typically used to produce non-alcoholic beer and wine. These drinks may contain a small amount of alcohol, usually less than 0.5% by volume. While drinks that have been dealcoholized generally have more flavor, more and more products are being created that have never been alcoholized, and with great success. See 3. Non-alcoholic for a list of online shops that sell alcohol-free drinks.
Never alcoholized. This term refers to beverages that have never been exposed to alcohol during the production process. These types of beverages are made without any fermentation or distillation, so they contain no alcohol whatsoever. This distinction is important to some consumers for personal or cultural reasons. For example, in certain religions, alcohol consumption is prohibited, and therefore, adherents may seek out products that have never been alcoholized. Additionally, some individuals may choose to avoid alcohol for health or lifestyle reasons and may feel more comfortable consuming products that have never contained alcohol. By opting for beverages that have never been alcoholized, consumers can be sure that they are not inadvertently consuming alcohol, even in trace amounts.
Mocktails. This term refers to non-alcoholic cocktails that are made without any alcohol. They are typically made with fruit juices, flavored syrups, and other non-alcoholic ingredients, and they can be served in a variety of glasses, just like alcoholic cocktails.
Hybrids. This term refers to beverages that are a combination of non-alcoholic and alcoholic ingredients. These types of beverages often have lower alcohol content than traditional cocktails, but they are not completely alcohol-free.
Adaptogens. This term refers to herbs and other natural substances that are thought to help the body adapt to stress and improve overall health. Some adaptogens are used in non-alcoholic beverages to provide health benefits without any alcohol content.
Regardless of whether you prefer completely alcohol-free beverages or ones with minimal alcohol content, there are numerous options to meet your requirements. The key to is knowing the terms used to describe non-alcoholic beverages so that you can make informed choices about what you're consuming.