Non-alcoholic explained
WHAT IS NON-ALCOHOLIC
The drink contains 0.5% or less Alcohol by Volume (ABV). Non-alcoholic drinks generally undergo some form of fermentation; however, the alcohol content is kept at 0.5% or lower by either halting the fermentation process early or removing any excess alcohol through a process known as de-alcoholising.
Anything that can ferment produces alcohol as it ripens and will therefore contain some alcohol. For example, a ripe banana can contain up to 0.5% alcohol. Alcohol (ethanol) is also naturally created within the human body as part of the digestive process.
WHAT IS DE-ALCOHOLISED
De-alcoholised drinks are fermented, but have the alcohol removed prior to being bottled. De-alcoholised drinks generally have a similar depth and complexity of taste that fermented (brewed) drinks have, yet with only a small trace of alcohol remaining.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL-FREE
The drink contains zero (0.0) ABV. Alcohol-free drinks are produced without any form of fermentation. Fermentation is the process in which sugar or starch is broken down and converted into alcohol or an acid.
SO, CAN I GET DRUNK ON NON-ALCOHOL DRINKS (0.5% ABV)?
In short, no. In theory 10x 0.5% ABV drinks (non-alcoholic) would equal a 1x 5.0% ABV drink (alcoholic). So, even if you were really enthusiastic and drank a whole bunch of non-alcoholic drinks, your body would process the tiny bit of alcohol in them faster than they can have an effect on you.
IS IT SAFE TO DRINK NON-ALCOHOL (O.5% ABV) DRINKS WHEN PREGNANT?
In principle yes, as some food and juices contain a similar tiny amount of alcohol in them (up to approx 0.5% ABV). Note however the general guidance experts give is that no alcohol is safe if you are pregnant. To play it safe you could opt for 0.0% ABV drinks for which we have a nice variety available across beers, ciders, distilled spirits, premium sparkling & non-sparkling grape juices.
Should you have any concerns or questions regarding this, rather be cautious and consult your medical practitioner first for advice.