What Does 'Non-Alcoholic' Actually Mean?

Maybe you've reached the non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits section of your local store. Maybe you're at your favorite restaurant. You're looking over your options and you notice that different drinks use different terms. You see labels such as "non-alcoholic," "alcohol-free," "0.0%," "dealcoholized," and "alcohol-removed," along with statements indicating that a drink contains less than 0.5% alcohol.

This can be a bit overwhelming. I originally assumed that non-alcoholic simply meant non-alcoholic, so if you've experienced confusion like I have, know you're not alone. Sometimes, we have to go beyond what we initially see because the labels on the packaging matter.

What do all these terms actually mean?

In the United States, a malt beverage labeled "non-alcoholic" can contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, or ABV. That doesn't necessarily mean it contains the full 0.5%; it could contain much less.

As for the other terms, while they may appear interchangeable, they aren't. "Non-alcoholic" typically means the drink contains less than 0.5% ABV, while "alcohol-free" indicates that no alcohol was detected. If a label reads "0.0%," the drink is marketed as having 0.0% ABV. "Dealcoholized" or "alcohol-removed" means the drink originally contained alcohol that was later removed; however, a trace amount may remain. Finally, "low-alcohol" is a separate category entirely and can contain considerably more alcohol than a non-alcoholic drink.

You can see these different labels among some of the largest brands in the category. Athletic Brewing's Run Wild IPA is labeled as containing less than 0.5% ABV, while Guinness 0 and Budweiser Zero are labeled 0.0%. FRE Wines takes yet another approach with its alcohol-removed wines, which begin as traditionally fermented wines before the alcohol is removed.

These descriptions may overlap. Recently, I tried Heineken 0.0 for the first time, and it is both a 0.0% alcohol-free beverage and a drink made by removing alcohol. I didn't have to play a guessing game because its name clearly states the ABV. While that was convenient, I've learned that it won't always be this straightforward.

Why Is There Any Alcohol at All?

Let's explore that "less than 0.5%" label a little further.

Trace amounts of alcohol can occur naturally in everyday foods and drinks because of fermentation. For instance, ripe fruit, bread, juice, and kombucha can all contain trace amounts of alcohol. What is fermentation and why does it create alcohol?

If we put on our Bill Nye goggles for a second, fermentation is a process in which microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria break down sugars. In beer production, yeast consumes sugar and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, which helps create the bubbles found in beer and other fermented drinks.

The key point is that containing a trace amount of alcohol is not exclusive to drinks marketed as non-alcoholic.

Are NA Drinks Right for Everyone?

Now that we better understand the labels, are NA drinks right for everyone?

For many people, including me, an NA drink containing less than 0.5% ABV fits the bill, whether we're cutting back, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, or simply choosing not to feel the effects of alcohol.

For others, including some people in recovery or anyone who needs to avoid alcohol completely, a 0.0% or alcohol-free option may be the better choice. You should also consult an appropriate medical professional when avoiding alcohol because of pregnancy, medication, a health condition, or another medical concern.

What's important is that everyone's needs are different, so understanding the label allows each of us to make the choice that is right for us.

What Should You Check Before Choosing a Drink?

Whether you're looking over your options at the store or ordering drinks while you're out, a few reminders can help you make your decision.

Make sure to check the front and back of the can or bottle for an ABV statement or wording such as "contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume." Remember that these terms aren't interchangeable, so don't assume "low-alcohol" means "non-alcoholic."

If avoiding trace alcohol altogether is important to you, look for a drink specifically labeled 0.0% or alcohol-free.

Brands may also make multiple drinks with different alcohol levels, so don't assume every beer, wine, or spirit from the same company falls under the same label. Check each bottle or can individually to make sure you're choosing the one that meets your needs.

When ordering at a bar or restaurant, you may not receive a can or bottle that clearly displays this information. Ask your server or bartender about the drink's ingredients and alcohol content. This is particularly important with mocktails, since some may contain bitters or other ingredients that include alcohol.

As with most things in life, it gets easier with time. Once you get the hang of it, you won't need a mental flowchart to understand which label applies to the drink you're purchasing.

My Approach With ANewSip

Everyone will have different preferences based on their own wants and needs, and I'm no different. Personally, I'm comfortable trying drinks across the non-alcoholic category, including those labeled as containing less than 0.5% ABV.

Understanding these differences will help me as I navigate NA beers, wines, and spirits. In each ANewSip review, I'll show the drink's ABV information whenever it is available, allowing you to clearly see where it falls and decide whether it's right for you.

Now that we better understand what "non-alcoholic" means, the next step is finding these drinks. In the next ANewSip guide, I'll cover where to find non-alcoholic beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink (or RTD) options, both in stores and online.

Until then, let's enjoy ANewSip.