January is here, and with Dry January in full swing, many people are switching out their usual tipple for a non-alcoholic alternative. One question that pops up time and time again is: “Why aren’t alcohol-free drinks cheaper?” Let’s break down the most common myths and set the record straight.
1. Alcohol Is Actually Cheap
It may be a surprise, but raw alcohol itself is relatively inexpensive. What truly drives up costs for alcoholic drinks are the quality ingredients, labour-intensive processes, branding, and marketing. Removing the alcohol doesn’t remove those core production expenses— in fact there is more
2. The Crafting Process Still Happens
Most non-alcoholic beers and wines start life just like their alcoholic cousins—through brewing, fermenting, or vinification. Then they go through a de-alcoholisation process using specialised equipment that preserves the drink’s body and character. This extra step doesn’t come cheap and definitely isn’t as simple as “just leave out the booze.”
3. Flavour Boosters Aren’t Free
Alcohol naturally helps carry and enhance flavours. When it’s taken away, additional ingredients—like botanicals, essences, or other premium flavour enhancers—are often needed to maintain complexity and depth. These extra ingredients and processes elevate non-alcoholic drinks to premium-quality status, delivering the complex, satisfying flavours you’d expect from a top-notch beverage.
4. A Growing But Still Niche Market
Although non-alcoholic options are booming, they’re still relatively niche compared to the massive alcoholic drinks market. Producers don’t yet benefit from the same large-scale production or distribution networks. Smaller batches can mean higher per-bottle costs, but the upside is a wave of innovation and craftsmanship—perfect for anyone looking to explore new tastes and experiences.
So, the next time you pick up a non-alcoholic drink and question its price tag, remember the premium ingredients, specialised processes, and heaps of creativity that go into that bottle. Dry January or not, there’s plenty to celebrate about flavourful, carefully crafted non-alcoholic beverages. Cheers!
