Alcohol-Free Doesn’t Always Mean Healthy
Are We Replacing Alcohol With Preservatives? Here are the Clean Label Brands that Care
When my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I quickly started educating myself on how to help him. I wanted to know everything I could so that I could handle him and myself in the best way possible. I quickly discovered that monitoring his diet was incredibly important. He needed high-protein whole foods, complex carbohydrates, and more omega-3 fatty acids. I discovered that processed foods were even worse for kids with ADHD, and would not only mess his hormones but with his ability to focus. I also found that many food additives were particularly harmful for him.
Just like many wellness conscious consumers, I started turning around boxes, cans, and bottles in the grocery stores to read their nutrition labels before putting them in my cart. I wanted to eliminate as many harmful ingredients as I could from his and my entire family’s diet. I started cutting out products with high-fructose corn syrup, excessive amounts of sodium, dextrin, sucrose, artificial food colors, and certain preservatives like sodium benzoate, sodium phosphate, and sodium nitrites.
I was absolutely shocked at how many products had not just one, but several of those ingredients in them. It was quite devastating to find that most of the cereals, frozen meals, pasta kits, breads, and condiments we had been eating were extremely bad for us. Brands that I thought I could trust, I quickly learned that I couldn’t. The grocery store visits changed dramatically.
Since then, eating the right foods and monitoring what I buy for my kids has gotten easier, but certainly takes more time than it used to. However, knowing that it can damage our health, and make concentrating in school even harder than it already is, it feels worth the extra effort. I want my children to understand just how important their diets are, and I wanted to make it as simple as possible.
This is much easier said than done, of course.
When my kids go to birthday parties, their friend’s houses, or any other outings, the mass majority of the other children are drinking sodas and eating bags of Doritos while mine look sadly down at their water and fruit wishing that they could have more sugar and what seems like more fun. Just like the pressure I can feel when drinking less alcohol, they feel it with sugary drinks and salty snacks, and I get it! However, just how I would feel badly after a night of drinking, I know we also feel worse after consuming ‘foods’ that will make use feel rotten almost immediately.
When I started replacing my traditional alcohols with alternatives, I was at first too excited about the movement and the opportunity to “Drink Less and Live More” than I was about the preservatives I saw on their nutrition labels. Recently, however, I find myself unable to continue ignoring those ingredients. Why would I continually consume them in my drinks when I refuse to do it with my food?
If I am not going to drink alcohol, then why would I drink a bunch of preservatives? They’re horrible on my liver and doing damage to my body that I’m actively trying to an avoid in my daily diet. Some of the preservatives being used in these drinks, despite their very small amounts can do real damage long term, especially if we are wanting to drink them on a regular basis.
Drinking less alcohol for me has a lot to do with my physical, emotional, and mental health. When I cut processed foods out of my diet, I saw a true improvement in the way I felt, looked, and moved. When I started cutting back on alcohol, I saw an even more exaggerated change.
The preservatives we ingest on a daily basis are doing incredible harm to our bodies. Some of them are actually causing cancer. So, if I’m not going to drink alcohol- why would I drink that?
I want something that is not only elevated and delicious but is truly good for me.
Preservatives - Good or Bad?
We can’t honestly think about preservatives as all bad. Think about all the food we would waste if we didn’t have them! I’m not saying that I wouldn’t prefer a world where we only grew what we needed as we needed it and nothing went to waste, but unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. We need preservatives to keep things fresh and to keep molds, yeasts, and bacteria at bay. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be cautious about which preservatives are safer than others.
The preservatives used in bread for example, not so great. Potassium bromate, for example, is banned in several countries outside the US but is still used regularly in many American products.
If you are a wellness-conscious consumer like myself, you are taking the extra time needed to make sure that what you consume is nourishing and safe. We eat whole foods, do our research and make sure to find brands that we can trust. Despite what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be allowing, we have learned to avoid certain food additives and other ingredients.
It takes time to learn what is safe and what isn't.
You would think that labels, such as “BHA or GMO free” wouldn't be necessary. It would be nice if those ingredients were simply banned outright, however, that isn't the case. So, we must do our own research and make sure to scan the nutrition labels of what we purchase in order to eliminate unhealthy chemicals and food additives from our diets.
Many of the ingredients in processed foods have been associated with major health problems such as increased risk of cancer, hormone disruption and developmental harm in children. There are many loopholes being used to allow these harmful ingredients with the FDA classifying them as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) because of portion control.
In the alcohol-free beverage space, within a community of businesses and people focused on mindfulness and healthier living, you might think it would be safe and easy to avoid some of the harmful ingredients that we find in processed foods. Sadly, that isn’t always the case.
3 of The Most Commonly Used Preservatives & Additives Used in NA Spirits
Potassium Sorbate:
Used to preserve everything from food, to drinks, to skin care products, Potassium Sorbate suppresses the formation of molds and yeasts. The good news is that Potassium Sorbate breaks down and does not accumulate in the body. It turns into water and carbon dioxide. However, in-vitro studies are suggesting that it can be toxic to DNA and have a negative effect on immunity if not monitored well.
Sodium Benzoate:
Much like Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate is another popular additive used commonly in sodas, packaged foods, and personal care products as a way to prolong shelf life. While many will argue that this ingredient is harmless when used properly, there has been more and more of an argument against it as it has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
For the most part, it seems that Sodium Benzoate is typically safe. The concern comes when it is mixed and combined with ascorbic acid or citric acid (vitamin c). When these two ingredients combine, they create Benzene which is a known carcinogen. Which, if you notice, many of the products using Sodium Benzoate are also using Citric Acid. Although the low levels found in beverages are deemed as GRAS by the FDA, be sure to consider just how much you are drinking of those products.
According to some studies, they have also found that Sodium Benzoate is linked to an increased risk of health concerns for anyone dealing with issues such as ADHD, obesity, and inflammation problems.
Xantham Gum:
Used commonly as a thickening agent, many alcohol alternatives are concerned with things such as ‘mouth-feel’ and work to recreate the same sensations you get when drinking traditional spirits. Xantham gum is created when sugar is fermented with a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. It is a soluble fiber that your body cannot break down or digest which has led to some issues with digestion.
We can think of preservatives in a more positive way by acknowledging that without them, even more of our goods would spoil and end up as waste without them, however, we must also consider the risks associated with them. If you are looking to make it easier, let’s look at some brands making sure they are all-natural and healthy.
Alcohol-Free & Preservative Free - Clean Labels!
10 Different Brands That Care As Much As You Do
Rasāsvāda Restorative Spirits are so much more than alternative spirits, they are products made to enhance and enlighten the pathway towards wellbeing. The mindful mindset behind this spirit is one I believe we should all embrace. Founder Connor Godfrey created Rasasvada because he wants you to press pause and embrace the present moment with all of your senses engaged.
Using only wild-harvested ingredients known for their wellness properties and sourced directly from remote regions and lush farmlands across the globe, Rasasvada goes above and beyond to bring you something truly remarkable.
Packed with daring and robust flavors, I feel like I’m actually “having a drink”. When traditionally drinking, I typically love scotch, whiskey and bourbon. I love deep, red and dry wines. When I order a drink, I like bold. So, when I go to (hopefully) order a NA cocktail, I want it to be just as vibrant and not filled with juice and sprite.
Rasāsvāda gives you flavor, function, and fun all without sugar, calories, or additives. If you are really looking to go clean, this one is it. If you are also looking for adult-like flavor and sophistication, you won’t find it anywhere like this. The ingredients are packed with nutritional value and have the added perk of ancient homeopathic remedies and health benefits.
Their three flavors include Black Ginger, Ruby Artemisa, and Rose Bergamot. Reach out anytime for my favorite recipes.
For Bitter For Worse - Another staple in my fridge, For Bitter For Worse has been winning awards like “Best Ethical Brand” because of their efforts in avoiding lab-derived ingredients as well as being extremely eco-conscious.
Shelley Elkovich, the founder of For Bitter For Worse, recognized the rising consumer discernment and refused to take short-cuts with her products. She uses only the highest grade organic ingredients and even went so far as to monitor the type of Monk Fruit they used by using only the organic fruit vs the extract that is mixed with Erythritol.
She pointed out just how powerful the preservative chemicals are (even when used in small amounts) and has studied the effects of artificial additives and refined sugars. For Bitter for Worse is here for those trying to build a healthy lifestyle for themselves without sacrificing joy or pleasure.
Fermented to allow shelf-stability, For Bitter For Worse provides elevated flavors that are all-natural and healthy. I love these products for the simplicity of pouring a ready-made drink that is complex and delicious. They also make amazing mixers and can create outstanding cocktails.
Four Winning Flavors
Eva’s Spritz
Rose City Fizz
Smokey Number 5
Saskatoon
Curious Elixirs Booze-Free Cocktails- The New York Times has been calling Curious Elixirs the “Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks” for three years in a row. They come in 8 different flavors and are filled with herbs, adaptogens and all organic ingredients with zero refined sugar or preservatives.
Each flavor was crafted by a team of world-class bartenders, herbalists, and food scientists to guarantee customer satisfaction. Each number has different botanical ingredients and adaptogens that will help you feel good and elevate your drinking experience.
Unwilling to skimp on flavor or quality, Curious Elixirs has made sure to go above and beyond since the start. Go ahead and read the label on these; you won’t be disappointed.
Pick Your Favorite Flavors:
No. 1 - Negroni
No. 2- Dark & Stormy meets Spicy Margarita
No. 3 - Cucumber Tom Collins
No. 4 - Sicilian Blood Orange Green Mandarin Spritz
No. 5 - Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
No. 6 - Pineapple Pain Killer
No. 7 - Elderflower French 77
No. 8 - A limited release! Black & Blue Amaro Digestif
De Soi - Katy Perry knows the harm of alcohol and wanted something for herself to help on her more stressful days. Her non-alcoholic aperitifs are adaptogenic and full of healthy-for-you ingredients. Named for the French phrase maîtrise de soi, which means ‘self-control’, De Soi was made in the spirit of mindful drinking.
They have four very distinct and unique beverages that vary in flavor from tart, to bitter, to citrus and now include a more traditionally flavored Rosè wine alternative. The four flavors include, Champignon Dreams, Golden Hour, Purple Lune, and Très Rosé. Each product has a different adaptogen to help you de-stress, but also include amino acids to boost your serotonin levels. Drink them straight from the can or make it a moment by getting yourself a bottle and pouring it in a wine glass.
With all these bold flavors on the list, you may be looking for something more subtle and delicate. Rock Grace is perfect for anyone looking to relax and experience a more gentle moment for themselves.
Alcohol-free, sugar-free, sulfite-free, calorie-free, preservative-free and completely guilt-free, Rock Grace is my self-care go-to that truly helps me slow-down and breathe.
Rock Grace is a mood setter and was formulated by the beautiful Anne Hulett to be there in a way that few other drinks can. Made with rose water, raspberry, and other delicate botanicals, Rock Grace uses adaptogens like Rhodiola that are harder to find in other functional alternatives. The Sparkling RGLOW is my personal favorite when I am looking for something to celebrate with. New Year’s Eve will be made extra special every year because of it.
Try the Original, Sparkling, Ruby, or RGLOW.
Parch Agave Cocktails - No subtle flavors here. Parch is made with love and with the spirit of the desert. I know I keep calling these products unique, but it’s because each one of these drinks truly sets themselves apart from the rest. Unlike the rest, Parch has taken on the traditional flavors of tequila and mezcal.
You will be hard pressed to find another tequila substitute that accomplishes was Parch does. This brand is particularly impressive because of its ability to truly trick you into thinking you’re having the real thing. I have given many tasting with Parch and get the same feed back every time. People are always incredibly impressed with how well the rich, smokey agave flavors pull through in their Spiced Piñarita.
They do have more sugar than some of the others but it comes from all natural agave and are still way less than any traditional alcoholic cocktail. They refused to use artificial sweeteners or any other low-calorie substitute and made sure to stick to the highest organic standards. They also have the added bonus of being FUNctional! With a proprietary blend of adaptogens, Parch has been formulated to help you feel good too.
Try both flavors! Prickly Paloma & Spiced Piñarita
Mocktail Club - Founded by the incredible, Pauline Idrogo with a mission to provide healthy and fun options for anyone looking to drink less or remove alcohol from their diets, Mocktail Club is preservative free and uses only quality, sustainable, and organic ingredients.
Mocktail Club’s bold flavors do more than just excite your taste buds, they are also extra good for you and have prebiotics and antioxidants. Beyond that, Pauline makes sure that 1% of their sales goes to supporting clean water access globally. She was helping the environment and being a part of the global movement towards sustainability long before it was cool.
These mocktails are the real deal and are perfect for someone who likes something a little sweet but still healthy. With no refined sugars, they use only monk fruit and/or agave. They can be drank as is, extended with sparkling water, or used as a mixer.
Each flavor was inspired from Pauline’s travels across the globe. With each flavor, you will be transported from city to city and get to relish in special moments. No alcohol needed. ThefFour inspired flavors include Manhattan Berry, Havana Twist, Capri Spritz, and Bombay Fire.
You will find Sarilla in my cooler every single time. I don’t get on a boat, go to the beach, or head out on a road trip without it. It is my go-to chug-able alternative when I’m not feeling like NA beer which is quite often because with Sarilla I get the added benefit of higher quality ingredients that help boost my mood and they are gluten free.
Depending on the season, I have my favorites, but each flavor is special and sourced with love. When drinking Sarilla I feel empowered knowing that I am not only doing something good for my body but also helping others in need.
Beyond founding Sarilla, Sara Stender Delaney has been working as a global activist for several years. Free from artificial ingredients, her tea leaves come from Rwanda where she started her nonprofit organization, the Africa Healing Exchange (AHE). Established to assist Rwandan Genocide survivors with trauma healing, the AHE has an incredible social impact and is helping our world in more ways than one.
Sarilla is 100% plant-based, organic, and made with regenerative ingredients that are minimally processed and grown in biodiverse soil without pesticides. The flavors include Apple Black Tea, Lemon Black Tea, Ginger White Tea, Hibiscus Green Tea, Tulsi Lime Infusion, and Vanilla Rooibos Infusion.
Now in four amazing flavors, All the Bitter is a range of alcohol-free bitters than are apple-cider vinegar based and functional! If you know me, I keep a bottle of the New Orleans Bitters with me all the time just in case I have an alcohol-free emergency and find myself in a place where alternatives are scarce. A few dashes of these bitters in a sparkling water and I’m all set!
These herbal, gut-friendly bitters are not only versatile and extremely necessary behind any bar, they are also all-natural and preservative free. Beyond that, All the Bitter is made with organic and wild foraged raw botanicals! Free from all major allergens, you can feel good about this purchase and imbibe with relief.
They have four regular flavors: Aromatic, Orange, Lavender, and New Orleans. However, their founders, Carly and Ian, are always playing around and creating new exciting concoctions! Keep up to date with them @allthebitter on Instagram and you might get lucky enough end up fun Chocolate Mole bitter!
Verjus! A simple, yet remarkably powerful ingredient made of young, tart grapes that are pressed into liquid deliciousness. Combine it with other natural ingredients like herbs, fruits, vinegars, and teas and you can create an amazing variety of delights ranging from smokey, to spicy, to fruity, or herbaceous or any combination therein.
Founders, Katie and Scott Mitic of Kally got extra excited with all the different possibilities available to them and came up with a beautiful range of options that easy combat traditional wines and sparkling champagnes. No need for any nasty add-ins or sugars, Kally is all-natural and organic. Each product has its own special story and fantastic pairing. Take a progressive way forward on your next wine pairing and try Kally instead!
I recommend trying all of their different products, still and sparkling. Their range includes the Golden Sparkler, Rosè Sparkler, Berry Fennel, Orchard Sage, and a traditional Verjus that is great for cooking.
The Choice is Yours - Consider Mindfulness
Here’s the truth of it. This isn’t written with the intent of calling out brands that are using preservatives. We are in this together, trying like hell to provide alternatives for mindful and sober consumers. In order to do that, brands are looking to get their products up on the shelves with the other traditional brands - to make a statement and to change the way our culture looks at drinking. If we want to be up there with those brands, we need to be shelf stable and in order to be shelf-stable, then we need preservatives.
If we want a certain ‘mouth-feel’ when going for traditional taste and texture with our one-for-one replacements to tequila, gin, etc., then we are going to use the ingredients to make that happen.
This is where moderation and mindfulness comes in. I know I’m not perfect and will probably never be able to avoid every potentially harmful ingredient out there, but I can moderate.
We have one body, one heart, and one mind. It is our responsibility to take care of it. It is up to us to manage how often we exercise, what we eat, and whatever else we choose to consume. It’s even up to us to manage our habits but learning how to do that and do it well takes time and education.
When it comes down to it, it’s your choice. Whether you are wanting this in home and you are fine with it in the fridge or you want it pretty on your bar cart, it’s up to you to do what works best for you. My recommendation always is to simply be considerate and respectful to your body. Honor yourself with your daily choices. It is extremely hard to completely avoid everything ‘bad for you’. However, we can be mindful and monitor the amounts we ingest and hopefully work towards more effective ways to preserve our products.
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Cheers, friends!