Non-alcoholic apéritifs tested: Which brands passed the taste and safety check?
More people are choosing alcohol-free drinks for celebrations. The trend has led to a wider range of non-alcoholic apéritifs on the market. The Austrian Consumer Information Association (VKI) recently tested 16 of these products to see how they compare. The VKI study found that eight of the tested apéritifs received a 'good' rating, while the other eight were rated as 'average'. Surprisingly, some of the pricier brands performed no better than cheaper supermarket own-brands.
Seven products contained azo dyes, which have been linked to hyperactivity and attention disorders in children. Five of these complied with EU rules by including a warning label, but Lyre’s and Rebels’ did not. Two other drinks included cochineal (E120), a red dye made from crushed insects, making them unsuitable for vegans. In taste tests, apéritifs with a strong bitter flavour scored the highest. The VKI also noted that non-alcoholic versions are much lower in calories than traditional alcoholic apéritifs. Full results are available in the latest issue of *KONSUMENT* and online.
The test highlights differences in quality, labelling, and taste among non-alcoholic apéritifs. While some brands meet EU safety standards, others fall short on warnings or vegan suitability. Consumers now have clearer guidance when choosing alcohol-free alternatives.
