Why Alcohol-Free Drinks Often Cost as Much as Their Alcoholic Versions

If you’ve ever browsed a supermarket shelf or a bar menu, you might have noticed something puzzling: the alcohol-free or non-alcoholic version of your favourite beer, wine, or spirit often costs the same – or even more – than the regular version. At first glance, it seems counterintuitive. After all, shouldn’t removing alcohol make the drink cheaper?

The reality is a little more complex. Creating a great-tasting non-alcoholic drink isn’t as simple as leaving the alcohol out. Breweries, wineries and distilleries must invest in advanced methods such as vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or arrested fermentation to remove or avoid alcohol while preserving flavour. These processes take extra time, equipment and expertise, which all add to the cost.

Non-alcoholic beverages are typically made with the same base ingredients as the alcoholic version – malt, hops, grapes, botanicals, and so on. In many cases, the producers don’t cut corners on quality because consumers expect the same depth of flavour and aroma. Those premium ingredients carry the same costs, whether or not alcohol is present.

Another reason for the similar price tag is that alcohol-free drinks are still a niche segment compared to traditional alcoholic beverages. Smaller production runs mean fewer economies of scale, so the cost per unit remains higher. A big brewery may produce millions of litres of regular beer,  but only a fraction of that in alcohol-free beer, which naturally increases unit costs.

Producers also spend heavily on research to perfect recipes, testing multiple iterations before landing on a product that satisfies consumers. They invest in distinctive packaging and marketing to position their non-alcoholic lines as premium rather than “lesser” alternatives. These costs factor into the final price you pay.

While non-alcoholic drinks may not incur the same excise duties as alcoholic ones, they’re still subject to VAT, logistics fees, import duties (if applicable), and retailer margins. Shipping, storage, and refrigeration costs don’t change simply because a drink has little or no alcohol.

Finally, price reflects perceived value. Many people choosing non-alcoholic options are looking for a sophisticated, adult drink – not just soda. They’re willing to pay for a product that mimics the experience of wine, beer, or spirits without the alcohol. Brands price accordingly to maintain a premium image.

Non-alcoholic doesn’t mean “cheap” – it often means “crafted differently.” Between specialised production, premium ingredients, and smaller batch sizes, alcohol-free drinks can actually cost more to make than their alcoholic counterparts. The next time you pick up an alcohol-free beer, wine, or spirit, you’re not just paying for what’s missing – you’re paying for the expertise, quality, and care that went into creating it.