Best Non-Alcoholic and Alcohol-Free Drinks for Pregnancy and Beyond

During pregnancy there’s a long list of things to avoid, and alcohol is chief among them. Missing your favorite spiked drink? We’ve got good news: There’s been a recent explosion in the alcohol-free beverage industry. Gone are the days when your only choice was a sugary soda or a below-average alcohol-free beer. Now, you’ll find a variety of delightful non-alcoholic wines and spirits in your local grocery store.

But is non-alcoholic beer and other beverages actually safe for pregnant people? On a quest to answer this question, we consulted an expert to get the latest guidance. Read on for the full intel, and scroll down for our picks of the best non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy in pregnancy and beyond.

What is a Non-Alcoholic Beverage?

A non-alcoholic beverage is meant to look, taste and feel like its alcoholic counterparts.

That said, it’s important to note that non-alcoholic beverages can contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically less than 0.5 percent. “The amount of alcohol present can vary depending on the type of beverage and the method used to remove the alcohol,” explains Melissa Baker, a certified registered dietician nutritionist and contributor to FoodQueries. “Non-alcoholic beer may contain more alcohol than others, and some non-alcoholic wines may still have a small amount of alcohol due to the fermentation process.”

These drinks can be split into three categories:

• Non-alcoholic. Products that contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) are legally considered non-alcoholic. That said, they can contain trace amounts of alcohol. Read the label and consult your doctor if you have any questions about safety.
• Alcohol-removed. This term is typically used to describe wine-based products. Alcohol-removed wine (also known as de-alcoholized wine) is made using the same process as conventional wine to develop a full-depth of flavor. But once the fermentation process is complete, the alcohol is removed through various methods like distillation or filtration. Read labels carefully to decide if this is the right option for you.
• Alcohol-free. These drinks have zero detectable alcohol, and are made using ingredients such as fruit juice or soda water to create a similar flavor profile to drinks with alcohol.

Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Beverages While Pregnant?

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), there’s no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for baby throughout pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages if you’re expecting or even trying to conceive.

Since non-alcoholic beverages contain little to no alcohol, they can be a good alternative in pregnancy. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that, since some options can have trace amounts of alcohol, abstaining from drinking them eliminates the risk of any alcohol exposure. On the other hand, Heather Bartos, MD, an ob-gyn at Be. Women’s Health and Wellness in Frisco, Texas, says the amount of alcohol in these options would generally be considered “negligible."

Suffice it to say, consuming non-alcoholic drinks during pregnancy is a personal choice. Read the label before enjoying to evaluate the ABV of each drink, and reach out to your doctor with questions or for personalized advice. “It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming any new food or drink during pregnancy,” reminds Baker. And if you want to avoid even trace amounts of alcohol, opt for a blend that’s labeled alcohol-free with 0.0 percent ABV.

Another important note about these beverages: Some may contain certain types of herbs, root extracts or other ingredients which could be considered unsafe during pregnancy. Again, do your due diligence, and check in with your doctor for specific recommendations.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for Pregnancy

Nothing pairs with pizza or a burger like a cold one, but you’ll need to swap your favorite brew for a non-alcoholic beer during pregnancy. Here are some of our favorite non-alcoholic beers you can enjoy.

Best Non-Alcoholic Wine for Pregnancy

Many pregnant people miss having a glass of wine with dinner. Beat the craving, and reach for a glass of one of the best non-alcoholic wines for pregnancy.

Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits for Pregnancy

If spirits and liquors are more your jam, you’ll definitely need to switch to a zero-alcohol version while baby’s baking! Here, we’ve listed some of our favorite non-alcoholic spirits for pregnancy.

How We Chose the Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks

To decide which non-alcoholic beverages are the best options on the market, we read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products actually taste. We also did not consider anything with an ABV rating above 0.5% for safety reasons.
To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe to consume, we spoke with a registered dietician. We also read up on safety recommendations outlined by the Center for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

About the expert:

Melissa Baker, RDN, is a certified registered dietician nutritionist and contributor to FoodQueries.

Heather Bartos, MD, is an ob-gyn and the medical director of Be. Women’s Health and Wellness in Frisco, Texas. She is also the founder of The ME Spot, an online hub that aims to provide people with information on all things sex, self-care and health.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best of Pregnancy Winner for Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Fun Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Pregnant Women

Breastfeeding & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?