What do you name a non-alcoholic gin or beer? Not ‘gin’ or ‘beer’!
Did you know you may not use the words ‘gin’, ‘beer’, ‘whiskey’ – or any other alcoholic beverage names – on the label of a non-alcoholic drink?
Because the Liquor Products Act (Act 60 of 1989) Regulations prescribe compositional standards for ‘wine’, ‘vodka’, ‘beer’, ‘cocktail’, etc, these terms are not permitted to be used on the label of a non-alcoholic drink, as they will not meet the requirements for the liquor product concerned.
Using the wording ‘alcohol-free’, ‘non-alcoholic’ or ‘virgin’ with these terms is also not a solution, as it implies that the product corresponds in composition to the alcoholic version from which the alcohol has been removed. What about ‘tequila-flavoured’, or ‘brandy-style’? The Department of Agriculture is of the opinion that these terms are ways to claim a similarity liquor-product class designations, and are therefore also not permitted.
Many manufacturers add the wording ‘non-alcoholic’ to their label, and rely on the brand name to communicate to the consumer that the product is a non-alcoholic version of that product. However, the labelling regulations (R. 146) require all foodstuffs to include a product ‘name’ on their main panel, which is defined as: a word or words giving a true description of the nature of the food product concerned, sufficiently precise to avoid misleading or confusing the consumer with regard to the true nature, physical condition, type of packing medium, style, condition and type of treatment it has undergone. Therefore, alternative descriptive names must be used.
But what do you use that gives the consumer an accurate description of what they can expect?
Here are some ideas for names that can be considered for non-alcoholic versions:
- Imitation gin and tonic: Juniper drink with tonic
- Flavoured spirit-based drink: Sparkling Botanical X-Flavoured Drink
- Daiquiri-style mocktail: Daiquiri-Style Strawberry-Flavoured Drink
- Beer: Malt-Flavoured Beverage
- Stout: Rich, Dark, Malt-Flavoured Drink
- Imitation tequila: Agave & Botanical Infusion
- Imitation gin: Juniper Drink
Also, remember the conditions for alcohol-related claims that are often used in addition to the above:
- Non-alcoholic: not more than 0.5% alcohol by volume
- Alcohol-free: not more than 0.05% alcohol by volume
Having regulations that are strict enough to protect one industry may at the same time be limiting for another industry. Finding suitable product names can be tricky! If you are considering this type of product, contact our FACTS Regulatory and Nutrition Team for assistance.
Other articles and resources you may be interested in:
Food product, thy name is…?
FACTS Juice Drinks.pdf
Liquor Products Act amendment: Beer no longer ‘grey’