Alcohol Free

Alcohol-free is a term used to describe beverages that contain no alcohol, or a very small amount that is legally considered non-alcoholic. In the US, this typically means less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. This is often achieved through processes like vacuum distillation or by using special yeast strains that do not produce alcohol.

Manufacturers use the term 'alcohol-free' to appeal to consumers who wish to avoid alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons. It is most commonly found on beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits that have undergone processes to remove alcohol, as well as in some non-alcoholic cocktails and flavored waters.

The US FDA does not specifically regulate the term 'alcohol-free' beyond the general requirement for accurate labeling. Beverages labeled 'alcohol-free' are generally considered safe for consumption by the general population. International bodies like the WHO/IARC have classified ethanol (alcohol) as a Group 1 carcinogen, but this classification applies to alcoholic beverages, not those with negligible alcohol content.