The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Are They Cheaper?

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. This trend isn't just limited to teetotalers; it's capturing the interest of a broad demographic, including those who occasionally prefer a break from alcohol. But one question often arises: are non-alcoholic drinks cheaper than their alcoholic counterparts? Let's delve in.

Are They Cheaper?

Non-Alcoholic drinks aren’t necessarily cheaper than alcohol ones. It is similar to the price of alcoholic beverages despite factors such as alcohol tax. The reason for this is it is more expensive to make non-alcoholic drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks are made in the same way as regular ones, except the alcohol is removed at the end, creating an extra process. In addition to the extra work, much liquid is lost during this process. Hence, the manufacturer needs to get more out of it to sell, leading to high prices. 

Why aren’t non-alcoholic drinks way cheaper?

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are several reasons why some non-alcoholic drinks can be more expensive than alcoholic ones:

Economies of scale: non-alcoholic beverage sales are growing every year. However, they still need to be more popular than alcohol. Non-alcoholic beverages are still a growing market, and with smaller production runs, the economies of scale aren't as favourable as they are for more established alcoholic drinks. A study by the University of Cambridge suggested that the price will drop when more non-alcoholic beverages are added to the shelves.

Innovation and Production Costs: Creating a non-alcoholic drink that tastes similar to an alcoholic one requires innovation and sometimes a complex production process. Believe it or not, they have to produce the alcoholic version first then remove the alcohol in an extra process. This can drive up costs.

Quality Ingredients: Many non-alcoholic brands focus on high-quality, natural ingredients to enhance flavour and make up for the lack of alcohol, which can be more expensive.

Inflation: Besides the niche market and extra production costs, the UK is currently suffering high inflation rates for food & drink. This has exaggerated the issue and helped make non-alcoholic drinks more expensive despite the growing market share. For more information regarding inflation, check out our article on how the cost of living crisis affected my weekly shop. 

Non-Alcoholic vs Alcoholic Drinks

Historically, alcoholic beverages have commanded a premium price, owing mainly to production costs, taxation, and market demand. Non-alcoholic drinks, on the other hand, often have a reputation for being more affordable. However, this is only sometimes the case.

In the UK, the price of non-alcoholic drinks varies widely, depending on factors like brand, ingredients, and production methods. For example, artisanal or speciality non-alcoholic beverages, which mimic the taste and complexity of alcoholic drinks, can be priced similarly to their alcoholic equivalents. This is often due to the intricate processes involved in removing alcohol while retaining flavour or in crafting a drink that provides a similar taste profile without ever having alcohol in the first place.

On the other hand, more straightforward non-alcoholic options like sodas, juices, or mocktails generally come in cheaper than alcoholic beverages. This is because they lack the expensive ingredients (like premium spirits) and the complex manufacturing processes associated with alcoholic drinks.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try:

Nanny State (Pale Ale by Brewdog) - Starts at £5 for 4 x 330ml it's a low-alcohol pale ale designed for those who want the beer taste without the alcohol.

Big Drop Brewing Paradiso Citra IPA - A non-alcoholic beer priced at £5 for a 4 x 330ml pack and known for its citrus-heavy IPA taste.

Rochester Rum & Raisin Drink - Available for £5-6 It's an alcohol-free alternative to mulled wine, perfect for sipping in colder months.

Oddbird Blanc de Blancs - This non-alcoholic champagne alternative is available for around £13. It's known as the best non-alcoholic champagne alternative.

CleanCo Clean T Non-Alcoholic Tequila - Priced at around £16. This is an alcohol-free tequila, great for mocktails.

Nozeco Non-Alcoholic Prosecco - Priced between £3-4, it is the perfect replacement for a bottle of bubbly at an affordable price.

Gordons Non-Alcoholic Gin - For only £15-16 and crafted with premium distilled botanicals, just like the classic Gordon's London Dry Gin.

Non-alcoholic Guinness - Starting at £5 and arguably the best and closest to the original alcohol-free beverage. If you’re a Guinness drinker, I highly recommend it. 

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate without the need for alcohol or loads of money, why not visit our article on alcohol-free activities on a budget? Or, for more money-saving stories, check out our article on which supermarket brand is the cheapest and how much supermarket reward schemes can save you.