Are non‑alcoholic drinks healthier than the real thing?

In recent years, non-alcoholic drinks have surged in popularity. They're marketed as the smarter, healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages by brands like ours, but how accurate is that claim? 

From alcohol-free beers to sophisticated zero-proof cocktails, these options promise the same social experience without the downsides of alcohol. But are they truly better for your health?

Let's delve into it.

Consumers Drink n/a For The Health Benefits

In recent Mintel research 15% and 20% of consumers saw health benefits as part of the appeal of alcohol-free drinks, with health benefits and lower calories cited as the reasons people would opt for the non-alcoholic versions.

So if we know that's why people are choosing them, what makes them healthier?

Source: Mintel

Why Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Healthier?

Non-alcoholic drinks are generally considered healthier than alcoholic ones because they remove the main ingredient responsible for most health risks: ethanol (alcohol itself). Without it, the body avoids a range of negative effects that come with even moderate drinking.

Lower in calories 

Alcohol is energy-dense, providing about 7 calories per gram, so cutting it out can significantly reduce overall calorie intake - especially if you drink regularly. 

Healthier Organs

Alcohol puts strain on the liver, which has to process and detoxify it, and over time this can lead to liver disease. It can also raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems. Non-alcoholic drinks don’t carry these same risks.

Reduced Cancer Risk

Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen, meaning it can increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers, even at low levels of consumption.

Healthier Sleep

While alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it actually disrupts sleep quality and can worsen anxiety or low mood. Alcohol-free alternatives don’t have these effects, helping you feel more rested and clear-headed.

Overall, Alcohol Is Not Healthy

So removing it makes your drink a lot healthier.

There, we said it. Whether you're cutting back alcohol for weight loss, overall health or to function better as a person, you will be physically healthier by removing it.

Why? Because alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to cancers including breast, liver, and throat - even at low levels.

When you swap to a non-alcoholic version, no matter what your motive, you're putting less physical stress on your body and organs. Every time you drink alcohol your body is working overtime to burn it off, making you less efficient and potentially damaging your organs when done at excessive levels over long periods.

Liver disease is the most obvious, but rare, side effect of excessive drinking over long periods. However, the UK does seem to have an issue with it. In the financial year ending 2023, there were 27,085 hospital admissions in England where the primary diagnosis was alcoholic liver disease. When compared to countries like Sweden who had roughly 49,550 cases of liver disease identified across 21 years between 2001 and 2022, you can see that we are miles ahead of our European neighbours.

What About The Sugar Content?

This is where things get a bit more nuanced. While non-alcoholic drinks remove alcohol (a clear health win), they don’t automatically become “healthy” - especially when sugar is involved.

In fact, many alcohol-free drinks can contain as much - or even more - sugar than their alcoholic counterparts. That’s because when alcohol is removed, it often takes flavour with it, so manufacturers sometimes add sugar to improve taste.

Non-alcoholic doesn’t mean sugar-free, or clean, so if you’re switching for health reasons, it’s worth checking labels and choosing wisely. To be on the safe side, opt for a non-alcoholic spirit.

Our Clean G Alcohol-Free Spirit (0.0% ABV) is one of the healthiest options on the market with 12 cals/3g carbs/0g sugar per 100ml.

Health As Holistic

Health encompasses so many aspects, including socialising, community and relaxation so the idea isn't to remove something that gives you those things. For example, if going to the pub gives you an essential sense of community, then removing that altogether is not necessarily healthy.

The goal might be to swap that alcoholic drink for something non-alcoholic while still engaging in the fun, or zebra striping your drinks so you end up drinking less overall.

Want to learn more about all the exciting things you'll gain when you go alcohol free? Check out our recent blog on science-based benefits of cutting alcohol.