Many brands have launched low-alcohol beverages in recent years. From alcohol-free Carlsberg Pilsner found in convenience stores to low ABV cocktails served in luxury hotels, these beverages are gaining popularity among young women and young people who do not have drinking habits. Having low-alcoholic beverages, we can enjoy the happiness brought by drinking without easily getting drunk.
Low-alcoholic beverages with low calories and sugar
According to Nielsen's data in 2019, the demand for low-alcoholic beverages has increased by 193%. They are preferred for the "low-calorie and low-sugar" specifics. In particular, the disadvantages of beer included causing "beer belly." People who are afraid of getting fat are therefore looking for traditional beer alternatives.
A large number of studies have shown that long-term inhalation of excessive alcohol can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cirrhosis and other diseases. It is due to the ethanol and acetaldehyde in alcohol can destroy DNA, increase the level of estrogen (estrogen is closely related with breast cancer formation), help releasing carcinogens in tobacco, produce active oxygen free radicals and nitrogen free radicals, and also change the metabolic mechanism of folic acid, noting that folic acid deficiency may lead to an increase in the risk of tumors in certain tissues and organs.
Differences between traditional and low-alcohol beverages
Drinks with an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) between 0.05 and 1.2% can be categorized as low-alcohol drinks. While there are various low-alcohol beverages, let’s look at beer and wine between their standard and low-alcohol version.
| Traditional beer (330ml) |
Low-alcohol beer (330ml) |
|
| Around 5% |
Around 0.4% |
|
| Calories |
Around 115.5 kcal |
Around 66 kcal |
| Standard wine (a glass) |
Low-alcohol wine (a glass) |
|
| 11% - 13% |
3% - 7% |
|
| Calories |
Excessive alcohol consumption, even by consuming low-alcohol beverages, may lead to health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and strokes. A moderate amount of drinking for men and women is 2-3 units per day and 3-4 units per day respectively. For your reference, a glass of wine is approximately 1.5-3 units and a pint of bitter is just a little above 2 units.
Low-alcoholic beverages: a wide variety choice of flavors
Low-alcoholic beverages may act as an option for people to satisfy their cravings. Different countries and companies produce different low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beer with a variety of tastes. Some are similar to traditional flavor, while some do not have an adequate taste or aftertaste of beer, particularly sour or slightly sweeter. Some beers will add hop extract and carbonating agent to enhance the flavor and texture.
Looking for Hong Kong's light-drinking bars
Many bars in Hong Kong offer low-alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for us to enjoy a healthy drink!
- The Old Man
- Potato Head
- Hutong
- Horizonte Lounge (Western-style bar at Wood Hotel, Jordan)
Have a relaxing time during the weekend, enjoy a light-drinking time with friends! While the COVID-19 social distancing rules will probably still apply over the festive period, consider stocking up on supplies for your low-alcohol home bar. Simply place orders at your fingertips via online platforms such as HK Liquor Store, HK Brew Craft, and even Foodpanda Mall. Raise a toast to good health!
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