Alcohol-Free Aperitifs Impress in VKI Test

At festive occasions, non-alcoholic alternatives are increasingly filling the glasses. The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) has recently tested 16 non-alcoholic aperitifs: Eleven non-alcoholic bitter aperitifs, which are mostly consumed as "Spritz" with de-alcoholized sparkling wine and/or soda, four non-alcoholic gin alternatives, and one non-alcoholic drink that is advertised with a special "effect" due to, among other things, an increased caffeine content.

Largely Good Results in VKI Test

It was checked which ingredients and additives are contained in the drinks according to the labeling, as well as the information on nutritional values and allergens. A major focus was also on the tasting. Overall, the result was positive: Eight products were rated "good," eight "average." Many alternatives were convincing in terms of taste. However, there were criticisms regarding the often numerous colorants contained.

Criticism of Contained Colorants

To achieve an appealing red or yellow-orange color effect, manufacturers use colorants. Several products contain azo dyes (such as E110, E122), sometimes several per drink. Azo dyes are listed on the label of seven products. "Azo dyes are suspected of leading to hyperactivity and attention disorders," explains VKI nutritionist Nina Eichberger. "Foods containing the colorants E 102, E 104, E 110, E 122, E 124, and E 129 must therefore carry a corresponding warning that they can impair activity and attention in children." Five products meet this requirement, but this warning is missing in the non-alcoholic aperitifs from Lyre’s and Rebels. "Children should not consume such non-alcoholic alternatives anyway - on the one hand, to not get them used to the taste, on the other hand, because critical azo dyes and caffeine may be contained," warns Nina Eichberger.

Two tested products also contain the colorant "Carmine" (E120). This provides a red coloring and is obtained from dried female cochineal insects. Due to its animal origin, foods containing carmine are not suitable for vegans. In addition to colorants, the tested drinks often contain other additives such as preservatives and acidifiers, as well as flavors.

Fewer Calories Than Alcoholic Variants

"For adults who want to avoid alcohol and save calories, these products can be an interesting alternative," says Nina Eichberger further. Non-alcoholic alternatives contain significantly fewer calories: While alcoholic bitter aperitifs like Aperol or Campari Spritz usually contain about 160 to 250 kcal per serving, non-alcoholic aperitifs are around 60 to 90 kcal per ready-mixed drink. The tested non-alcoholic gin alternatives from Gordon's, Seedlip, or Rick have almost no calories, as they consist almost entirely of flavored water. For comparison: Classic gin with around 40 percent alcohol comes to about 240 kcal per 100 ml. Mixed as a Gin Tonic, this results in about 150 kcal per drink. The non-alcoholic version comes to just under 60 kcal per drink.

Taste Convinced Consumer Testers

During the tasting, those non-alcoholic aperitifs that have a pronounced bitter taste, similar to Campari, were particularly convincing. Sweet or artificially tasting alternatives, on the other hand, met with less acceptance. A high price does not guarantee better quality: Some of the most expensive products did not perform better in the test than cheaper private labels. 

The detailed test results are available here as well as in the current issue of KONSUMENT.

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