What's The Difference Between Alcohol-Free and Non-Alcoholic? Your Drink Label Explained

So, like... What are we?! You might be tired of labeling things - your lunch in the office fridge, your relationship statuses, and now we have to worry about our beverages, too?

If you're used to drinking alcohol, you're probably used to taking a gander at the ABV listed on the can or bottle, which might range anywhere from 3% to 15% to 80 Proof! We've become pretty accustomed to these numbers and approximately how they will effect us, should we choose to consume them.

But what about non-alcoholic drinks? What if we are intending to refrain completely from booze? Are alcohol-free drinks really alcohol-free?

0.0%... 0.5%... Alcohol-Free... Alcohol-Removed... Non-Alcoholic (NA)... Dealcoholized... Low-Alcohol

It can be confusing and overwhelming to pick the right bev for you (or a friend), especially if you're new to this category of drinks!

So let's get right into it with the difference between all these labels, then we'll talk about why someone would or would not want to consume them and why in the world people want to drink bevs with no alcohol in the first place!

Because the truth is, non-alcoholic bevs are for everyone, and we want to empower you to make the right peresonal choice.

0.0% ABV

0.0% alcohol by volume is just as it sounds! Absolutely no alcohol and no traces of alcohol. These beverages are usually formulated with different flavors and acids to emulate the flavor of your favorite wines or mixed drinks.

However, they usually don't contain alcohol at any point in the process of formulating. They don't undergo fermentation and have no potential of residual alcohol content.

Some delicious, popular examples of this type of beverage are Grüvi Bubbly Rosé and Dry Secco. These are completely alcohol free and safe for anyone to drink.

"Alcohol-Free"

The term "alcohol-free" tends to be associated with 0.0% ABV. However, the term is often used as a general description for events, businesses, and beverages that are "free" of the typical boozey drinks and culture.

So if you are looking for true 0.0% beverages, always double-check that the term "alcohol-free" isn't just a company's marketing tagline and that the actual percentage is what you're looking for. The ABV should always be listed on a can or bottle or you can ask a bartender/server.

0.5% or "Less Than 0.5%" ABV

This is the FDA required classification for non-alcoholic beverages and is definitely the American standard for this category! This is the required label for beverages that have undergone fermentation and were then de-alcoholized by one method or another. You can read more about those methods here!

This miniscule amount of alcohol is to account for any residual alcohol from fermentation, since it cannot be guaranteed that it is 0.0%.

However, it is always less than 0.5% and has been scientifically proven to not be possible to become inebriated from these beverages.

"Alcohol-Removed" or "Dealcoholized"

These labels likely refer to 0.5% ABV beverages (or "non-alcoholic" beverages) as the label infers that the drink contained alcohol at one point and it was removed by one method or another.

"Non-Alcoholic"

As described above, this is the most common term for non-alcoholic drinks (go figure!). Though not the "sexiest" term, it is the most accurate and encompasses anything that falls under 0.5% ABV.

"Low Alcohol"

By United States regulations and standards, low alcohol should encompass beverages between 0.5% and 1.2% ABV. Beverages of this classifications are not very common in the U.S. but are a little more so in places like Europe.

So if you are abroad or see something saying "low alcohol," make sure to check on the actual ABV %.

*HOT TIP: If someone makes a non-alcoholic cocktail and adds typical cocktail bitters to it, bitters usually include alcohol and would increase the ABV of the cocktail. Though it would still be low, the final product may be higher than the 0.5% ABV.

Double-check with your bartender which bitters they use, as there are alcohol-free bitters brands that are available, too!

To some people, it's all the same as the amount of alcohol in any "non-alcoholic" drink is miniscule enough that the consumer would likely never achieve a "buzz" or detrimental health effects from it.

However, to others it is an important distinction! Each person has the right to their personal choice and reason for doing so.

Although non-alcoholic beverages have been deemed as safe for most adults, you may want to consult a medical professional if you have a certain medical condition, are on medication, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

This is totally up to you! If you're obstaining to live a healthier lifestyle or just to moderate, we don't think you can go wrong with these choices.

Of course, some people in recovery for alcohol/substance use disorder have abstained completely from non-alcoholic beverages, as the taste and ritual of drinking them can be triggering for old behaviors and lifestyles.

Luckily today, there are so many booze-free beverage companies, including many that don't resemble the flavor of alcohol at all!

These might be better options for those looking to kick alcohol completely but still want something fun to drink. Some examples are Élevé, Hop Wtr, Ollipop, Immorel, Aguabonita, and so many more!

You might hear other terms like "zeroproof" or "booze-free" or "spirit free", which (at this current moment of time) is more of a general sense of what a drink, event, business, or lifestyle is like, rather than referring to its actual alcoholic content.

There are also functional beverages which are usually CBD, THC, adaptogenic, or botanical infused bevs. These typically don't taste like alcohol but may or may not be a good choice for you, depending on the potency of the ingredients and your desired feel of your bevs.

We hope this helps clear up all the buzz words and confusing labels that might be floating around out there. We want you to make the best decision for you and to enjoy your booze-free night, month, or life!