Non-alcoholic
In the US, a beer or wine labeled "non-alcoholic" can contain a small amount of alcohol, up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. That's about the same as some fruit juices and kombucha. Most dealcoholized wines and NA beers land here: they're brewed or fermented normally, and then the alcohol is removed.
Alcohol-free
"Alcohol-free" (or "0.0%") is meant for drinks with no detectable alcohol. If you need truly zero, for pregnancy, medication, recovery or personal reasons, look for "0.0%" or "alcohol-free," not just "non-alcoholic." We compare labeled ABV, brand by brand, in the best non-alcoholic beer, the best non-alcoholic wine and the best non-alcoholic spirits.
Where common drinks land
| Drink | Typical alcohol |
|---|---|
| Kava, kanna and botanical elixir cans | Zero (check the can) |
| Adaptogen sodas and social tonics | Zero |
| Zero-proof spirits | 0% to under 0.5% (check the label) |
| Dealcoholized wine | Often up to 0.5% |
| NA beer | Often up to 0.5%; some are 0.0% |
| Kombucha | Trace amounts, varies |
The easy zero
If you want something that's zero alcohol and doesn't taste like a compromise, start with a can built from the ground up to be alcohol-free, rather than a beer or wine with the alcohol taken out. Botanical Brewing's kava cans say "zero alcohol" right on the label.
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kava if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Skip kava if you have a liver condition or drink heavily. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or medications that affect the liver, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Rules on kava vary by place. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can or shell is one serving. Don't mix kava with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
Is non-alcoholic the same as alcohol-free?
Not always. In the US, non-alcoholic beer and wine can contain up to 0.5% ABV. Alcohol-free or 0.0% means no alcohol.
Can non-alcoholic wine get you drunk?
At under 0.5% ABV it's very unlikely, but if you need to avoid alcohol completely, choose drinks labeled 0.0% or alcohol-free.
Do kava drinks contain alcohol?
Canned kava drinks like Botanical Brewing's are zero alcohol. Always check the label.
