Alcohol-free, de-alcoholised and low alcohol: what the labels mean
In the UK, "alcohol-free" means 0.05% ABV or less, "de-alcoholised" means 0.5% or less, and "low alcohol" means 1.2% or less. (GOV.UK)
These descriptors come from government guidance rather than law, and they're stricter than in most other countries. Across much of Europe and beyond, a drink can be called alcohol-free at up to 0.5%, so an imported beer labelled alcohol-free may contain more alcohol than a British one with the same label.
What about "0.0%" and "non-alcoholic"?
"0.0%" usually means the drink contains no detectable alcohol, although it isn't a separate category in the UK guidance. Under the same guidance, "non-alcoholic" is reserved for communion and sacramental wine, which is why most UK no and low alcohol drinks use one of the three terms above instead. (Campden BRI)
Is the UK definition changing?
Possibly. In its 10-year Health Plan for England, published in July 2025, the government committed to consulting on raising the alcohol-free threshold to 0.5% to bring it into line with international standards. (Drug and Alcohol Review)
Does 0.5% matter?
For most people, a drink at 0.5% contains very little alcohol compared with a glass of wine at 13%. If you need to avoid alcohol completely, for medical reasons or during pregnancy, check the ABV on the label rather than relying on the word "alcohol-free".
Why it's worth exploring
The quality of alcohol-free wine, beer and spirits has improved enormously in the last few years. Having something you genuinely enjoy for a night off makes cutting back far easier than reaching for sparkling water out of duty.