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Explainer
Why Does Alcohol-Free Beer Say 0.5%?
The labelling of alcohol-free beer as containing up to 0.5% ABV is rooted in regulatory standards that vary internationally, creating confusion among consumers. Despite the perception that this small amount of alcohol is significant, many everyday foods and beverages naturally contain similar or higher levels of alcohol, challenging the notion that 0.5% ABV in beer is consequential.
Historical Context of Alcohol-Free Labelling
The historical context of alcohol-free labelling in the UK is shaped by evolving regulations and consumer perceptions. Initially, the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 set the groundwork, allowing products with up to 0.05% ABV to be labelled as "alcohol-free" . Over time, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has maintained this threshold, despite international variations where the limit can be as high as 0.5% ABV, such as in the EU and the US . This discrepancy has led to ongoing debates and consultations aimed at harmonizing standards to support small breweries and provide clearer guidance for consumers . The Licensing Act 2003 further clarified that drinks with 0.5% ABV or below do not require a license, reflecting a broader understanding of what constitutes an alcohol-free product .
Comparative Labelling Standards: UK vs. EU and US
The UK, EU, and US have distinct approaches to food labelling, reflecting their regulatory philosophies and consumer priorities. In the US, the FDA mandates detailed nutrition facts, including serving size, calories, and daily values for various nutrients, with a focus on clarity and consumer understanding through larger fonts and bold text . Conversely, the EU's system, governed by the EFSA, emphasises uniformity by listing nutritional information per 100g or mL, which facilitates easier comparison across products but often uses smaller fonts and less bold text . The UK aligns closely with EU standards but has its own specific regulations, such as the Food Labelling Regulations 1996, which set thresholds for terms like "alcohol-free" . Additionally, the US requires food additives to be listed by their common names, whereas the EU uses E numbers, a system that can complicate transatlantic trade . These differences underscore the challenges manufacturers face when navigating multiple regulatory environments.
Alcohol in Everyday Foods
Many everyday foods and drinks contain small amounts of alcohol due to natural fermentation processes. For instance, ripe bananas can have up to 0.4% ABV, while bread, especially those using yeast, can contain between 0.18% and 1.28% ABV depending on the type. Fruit juices like grape, orange, and apple can develop alcohol content ranging from 0.04% to 0.86% ABV as they age. Fermented dairy products such as yogurt and kefir also contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically around 0.02% ABV. Kombucha, a popular fermented tea, can have up to 0.5% ABV. Even condiments like soy sauce and mustard, as well as vinegar, can contain varying levels of alcohol due to their fermentation processes. These examples illustrate that the presence of alcohol in everyday foods is more common than many people realize, challenging the perception that only beverages labeled as alcoholic contain ethanol.
UK Alcohol-Free Beer Options
The UK offers a diverse array of alcohol-free beer options catering to various tastes and preferences. Popular brands such as Heineken, Estrella, and Corona provide 0.0% ABV versions of their classic beers, ensuring that consumers can enjoy familiar flavours without the alcohol content. Additionally, craft breweries like Bristol Beer Factory and Lervig offer alcohol-free beers, including IPAs and fruit-infused varieties. There are also a new class of non-alcoholic beer that offers a relaxing buzz, fulfilling the missing piece in no/low alcohol, like IMPOSSIBREW®. The availability of these options in supermarkets, specialised online stores, and local breweries ensures that consumers have easy access to high-quality, alcohol-free beers across the UK.
Best Alcohol-Free Beer?
IMPOSSIBREW stands out as the best overall option for those choosing to drink less due to its unique Social Blend™, which aids relaxation in a way that other alcohol-free beers do not, providing satisfaction without the need for alcohol. With only 27 calories per 440ml can (6 calories per 100ml), it is one of the lowest-calorie alcohol-free beers available, and it contains no sugar. Additionally, it is 100% vegan and has been awarded the UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Beer by the World Beer Awards. IMPOSSIBREW contains less alcohol than many everyday foods, such as ripe bananas (0.5% ABV), burger rolls (1.2%), or orange juice (up to 1%), making it a great choice for health-conscious consumers. For those with gluten sensitivities, their lager option is gluten-free. For a risk-free taste, try their Welcome Bundle with a love-it-or-return-it guarantee.
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We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
The Social Blend™ by IMPOSSIBREW® is designed to provide a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the negative effects of alcohol. It achieves this through a combination of nootropic herbs and active plant-based ingredients that work synergistically to promote relaxation and stress relief.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
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