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What Is Meant By Alcohol-Free?

by Chris

What is meant by alcohol-free? This depends on the type of product in question but, generally, we mean a product contains no, or only small traces of, ethanol-based alcohols.

To explain this further we'll look at the specific product types individually.

Drinks

The terms used to describe drinks in which the alcohol has been extracted are controlled by government regulations.

In the UK these types of drinks are split into the following categories:

Alcohol-free: Contains 0.05% alcohol or less
De-alcoholised: Contains 0.5% alcohol or less
Low-alcohol: contains more than 0.5% but no more than 1.2%

And, of course, we have non-alcoholic drinks, ie drinks that contain no alcohol at all (0%).

In most of Europe the situation is less complicated. Drinks containing up to 0.5 per cent alcohol are classed simply as alcohol-free and they do not use the ugly word de-alcoholised.

Some of our drinks contain up to 0.5% of alcohol by volume. To put this into context, a normal glass of fresh orange juice can naturally contain up to 0.5% alcohol. Malt vinegar you put on your chips is about 0.2% alcohol.

Each product page clearly states how much (if any) alcohol is present in the product.

We sell only drinks containing up to 0.5% alcohol, we do not sell any products that fall into the 'low-alcohol' group containing up to 1.2% alcohol.

Chocolates

Alcohol is often present, albeit in small amounts, in confectionery. Most people will realise that chocolate liqueurs contain significant amounts of alcohol such as whiskey, brandy, rum, or sherry.

Many people do not realise that chocolates describes as 'truffles' may also contain some alcohol. For example, a rum truffle will, as the name suggests, normally contain rum and not a 'flavouring' substitute.

Few people realise that vanilla essence, common in many confectionery products, is normally extracted using alcohol and can contain around 35% alcohol. Not all vanilla contains alcohol, some are synthetic and alcohol-free.

In most cases, other than liqueurs, levels of alcohol in chocolates are very low. Although the content is low, the product still contains added alcohol and so would be prohibited in some cultures.

Most of our chocolate products contain no alcohol. The vanilla in our own-brand luxury alcohol-free truffles is alcohol-free. Where we know a product does contain natural vanilla this is clearly stated in the product description.

Health and beauty products

Alcohol is a toxin and an irritant. It can cause skin dehydration, inflame skin problems and promote signs of ageing.

Despite its potentially damaging side effects, alcohol is used in a wide range of cosmetics, beauty products and perfumes including essential oils as it is an effective 'carrier' and preservative.

We have carefully selected a range of quality alcohol-free health and beauty products specially prepared to give exceptional benefits without the harmful elements of alcohol.

Most of our products are also made entirely from natural ingredients, some are organic, others are perfume-free. We also have products free from additives such as aluminium that has been linked to an increase in some cancers.

Some of our products will contain essential oils which are formulated in alcohol. The actual level of alcohol in such products will still be very low. Where we are aware a product contains alcohol-based essential oils, we will say so on the product description.

If you require a 100% alcohol-free range for religious reasons, we can recommend the Saaf range of cosmetics which are Halal. Other products, such as those made by Tom's Of Maine, are also 100% alcohol-free including using alcohol-free witch hazel and alcohol-free essential oils.

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