menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

‘I tried five non-alcoholic bottles of fizz for Dry January - one just made me cringe’

3 1
19.01.2025

Non-alcoholic drinks are the future. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself - and anyone that will listen - during Dry January this year.

The public health campaign was first started by Alcohol Change UK in 2013 and this year, 15.5 million people are estimated to be taking part in the initiative. Having given it a go a few times, I can confirm that a month off the booze can help improve sleep quality and boost overall wellbeing, amongst other benefits.

Whilst sales of non-alcohol drinks typically soar during the first month of the year as we all embark on new goals, there’s been a real shift in appetite from consumers over the last few years towards cutting back or totally removing alcohol.

READ MORE: 'I tried 12 non-alcoholic beers for Dry January - one was so bad it was undrinkable'

As such, the no- and low-alcohol sector is booming. Now, rather than an afterthought, brands and supermarkets are putting out an impressive variety of options, dedicating entire aisles to low-ABV beers, dealcoholised Champagnes and alcohol-free tinned cocktails.

In the UK, alcohol-free drinks have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.05% or less, while low-alcohol drinks have an ABV of 1.2% or less. And those with 0.5% or less are classed as dealcoholised.

Brewers have been leading the pack with low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers that now are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. It means that for those used to grabbing a cold one from........

© Manchester Evening News


Get it on Google Play