There’s an explosion of grown-up no-alcohol beverages to savour on a long hot day. But just because they’re booze free doesn’t mean they’re automatically a healthy choice. Use this cheat sheet to help guide you through the jargon.
Check the label
Go to the “per serve” column and scour the nutritional label for sugar content. Remember that every 4g of sugar equals one teaspoon, so even though it may be branded as a healthy drink, it might contain hidden sugars.
Scan for artificial ingredients
Avoid any artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives. Some low-kilojoule drinks are loaded with chemicals, so try to avoid one with too many synthetic ingredients.
Get wise to marketing
Beware of “healthy” probiotic drinks, such as kombucha, that may be marketed as a health drink but actually contain high amounts of sugar, artificial additives and not enough probiotic cultures to actually be of benefit. Always double check the nutritional label first before purchasing.
6 TOP PICKS FOR SUMMER
REMEDY KOMBUCHA
Naturally fermented for more than three weeks, this brand is endorsed by I Quit Sugar author Sarah Wilson and contains live cultures and organic acids. Choose from an array of natural flavours, including Lemon, Lime & Mint, Pink Lady and Ginger Lemon.
NUDEHERBS FOCUS
Blended with natural herbs ginkgo biloba, ginseng, turmeric, rosemary and green tea, this tasty brew is created by Australian food scientist Dr Ali Karami and has less than 2.5g sugar per 100ml and also no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours.
FINERY 0%
Made with all-natural ingredients and comprising aromatic botanicals, delicate fruit juices and teas, this zero-alcohol beverage is free from sugar, carbohydrates, gluten and preservatives, with vegan-friendly options available.
ALTINA ZERO PROOF COCKTAIL
Vegan and free from added sugar, artificial flavours and preservatives, this handcrafted beverage is created with natural apple extract, botanicals and green tea extract. Lightly carbonated with hints of forestberry, wattleseed and green tea with just 2g sugar per 100ml.
NEXBA RASPBERRY & KIWI
This sparkling water contains zero sugar, is naturally sweetened with Stevia and contains natural flavours and colourings and is a good option if you prefer a more traditional fruity mocktail without probiotics, herbs, tea or botanicals. There’s also a pineapple version if Raspberry & Kiwi doesn’t take your fancy.
WILD LIFE BOTANICALS SPARKLING BLUSH
A non-alcoholic sparkling wine that contains rosehip tea, lemon balm, damask rose and a hint of strawberries, as well as being enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. Vegan and low in sugar at just 2.4g per 100ml, this award-winning beverage is the perfect alternative to champagne.
