If you’re thinking about incorporating zero-alcohol drinks into your lifestyle, it’s important to understand the benefits as well as the risks associated with these alcohol-free alternatives.

What Are Zero-Alcohol Drinks?

Zero-alcohol products are drinks than contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, and are designed to mimic the taste, appearance and packaging of familiar alcohol drinks.

They’re traditionally produced by alcohol manufacturers as an alternative option for people wanting to reduce their alcohol consumption but have also been quickly adopted into bar and restaurant drink menus across the country.

The Rise of Zero-Alcohol Drinks

Zero alcohol and NoLo drink sales have doubled in Australia over the past five years. This rise in popularity has meant that they’re also being used as a harm reduction strategy by people looking to reduce their alcohol intake, are sober curious, or who may have problems related to alcohol.

Benefits of Zero-Alcohol and No Alcohol / Low Alcohol

An online survey by Stanford Medicine found that one of the top reasons people drink alcohol alternatives is to reduce their alcohol intake. These drinks can be a good option if you’re not wanting to give up the taste of alcohol, are sober curious, or want to limit alcohol in your lifestyle – and can also help avoid hassle that may come with that choice.

With alcohol seen as a common part of Australian culture, there’s no surprise it plays a central role in many people’s social lives. This often means that when you’re out for drinks with friends or coworkers, and noticeably not drinking, it can lead to increased pressure. Zero alcohol and no alcohol drinks can help dissuade questions about why you’re not drinking.

(Another tip shared by Counselling Online Peer Worker PnorkelPW is to use a stubby holder so people couldn’t tell whether you’re drinking or not.)

Risks of Zero-Alcohol and NoLo Drinks

While research has shown that zero-alcohol products won't cause the physical harms associated with alcohol (such as a hangover), they’re not without their own risks. Experts recommend that people who have problems related to alcohol avoid drinking zero alcohol drinks.

In 2023 Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri and psychiatrist and Monash University PhD Student Anthony Hew looked into the effects of zero-alcohol products (ZAPs) and why zero alcohol does not necessarily mean zero risk.

Increased Cravings

For people who have problems related to alcohol, drinking zero-alcohol or low-alcohol products can increase their cravings and psychological responses (such as an increase in heart rate and sweating).

Increased Intention

Studies have found that marketing and advertising about zero-alcohol products can result in increased intention and odds of purchasing and consuming alcohol.

Potential to Purchase

Zero-alcohol drinks are classified as food in Australia so aren’t subject to our liquor licensing law, which means there’s less restrictions on where you’ll see them. This lack of regulation about their placement means they have the potential to encourage people to purchase more alcohol.

Conclusion

The risks of engaging with zero-alcohol and low-alcohol (NoLo) drinks are important to understand if you or someone you know is looking to incorporate them as part of a harm reduction strategy or simply wanting to limit alcohol from your lifestyle. If zero-alcohol drinks are on the menu, remember the risks and keep in mind what works best for your journey.