AF drinks can be a divisive topic because some people don’t see the point and question why they cost as much as alcohol (because of the process of removing alcohol), but others rely on them, and they play an integral part in sober curiosity. Although I personally don’t use them, I’m still an advocate for their place.
When I stopped drinking in 2015, Becks Blue was the only option, and as I wasn’t really a beer drinker, I didn’t see the point, so I’d go for soft drinks instead.
The AF drinks market has grown over 500% since then, and the European AF market reached €7.7bn last year, estimated to reach €13.2bn next year. Much has changed.
During my sobriety, I’ve had many late nights at weddings or parties where I’ve only drunk soft drinks, and I’ve woken up feeling mildly anxious. It was strange at first, but I learned it was a combination of the sugar and caffeine consumed late at night, lack of sleep, and overstimulation. Sugar and caffeine hangovers are real, and there’s a reason people try to cut off caffeine before the evening. Like alcohol, they mess with our sleep.
Unless you’re drinking water, there is always a trade-off with what you consume. Swapping AF drinks for high sugar or high caffeine alternatives might not be the healthiest choice, but AF drinks have many advantages over alcohol.
~ provides choice
~ no next-day nausea
~ preserves ritual of having a drink
~ allows non-drinkers to not feel left out
~ eliminates health risks that come with alcohol
~ allows non-drinkers to avoid being sober shamed
~ shines a spotlight on the sober curious movement
~ saves money and cals in the long run (unless you want 10 pints of AF beer)
~ opens a discussion on why people are choosing LOW&NO, promoting intentional consumption
As far as cons go, compared with alcohol, I don’t see any. However, they can be more expensive than soft drinks, and some people may find being in a bar or holding a drink that looks like alcohol triggering.
For me, it just comes down to intention and balance. I'm not anti-alcohol, I’m pro-choice. And AF drinks bring choice. They offer a great alternative for those wanting the ritual of drinking without the alcohol.
