Health experts agree that it's best for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding to cut out alcohol. The good news is that there have never been more alcohol-free alternatives.
Things have changed a lot for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Even five years ago, the options for women avoiding alcohol were slim. Orange juice or lemon, lime, and bitters were as good as it got.
But things are dramatically different; in fact, I don't think there has ever been a better time to forgo booze. The wide range of Zero-Alcohol wine, beer, and spirits that is available means that you don't have to miss out on your usual favourite.
This blog is based on readily available, general information only and not intended as medical advice in any way. Always consult with your healthcare professional first. According to experts at Your Fertility, even drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the time it takes to conceive. In addition to this, women who drink more than seven alcoholic drinks a week are more likely to experience fertility problems. Alcohol can also affect ovulation.
Experts advise that the safest option for women who are planning a pregnancy is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Alcohol also impacts men. Heavy drinking can reduce libido and negatively impact performance.
What are the effects of drinking alcohol when you are trying to conceive?
According to experts at Your Fertility, even drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the time it takes to conceive. In addition to this, women who drink more than seven alcoholic drinks a week are more likely to experience fertility problems. Alcohol can also affect ovulation.
Experts advise that the safest option for women who are planning a pregnancy is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Alcohol also impacts men. Heavy drinking can reduce libido and negatively impact performance.
What are the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
Gone are the days that doctors suggest a glass of stout to help with morning sickness. The research is now very clear – the safest amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy is zero.
The good news is that there is now a huge amount of choice when it comes to alcohol free drinks.
Does non-alcoholic wine contain alcohol?
Alc-free wine is a great alternative for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. But it’s natural to feel cautious about the things on put into your body, so it’s worth having a look at the way that non-alcoholic wine is made.
Essentially, alc-free wine is made in the same way as regular wine, using the same high-quality grapes. The big difference is that the alcohol is removed before bottling. This means that alc-free wine retains the character of the wine – they taste and smell like traditional wine.
There are several ways to remove the alcohol from wine, including vacuum distillation, spinning cone columns, and reverse osmosis.
However, alcohol-free wines can contain up to 0.5% ABV – this is about the same level found naturally in fruit juice. However, if you prefer to avoid even a trace of alcohol, there are still plenty of options.
Understanding ABV Thresholds
When shopping for non-alcoholic wine, the first thing to check is the alcohol by volume (ABV) listed on the bottle. In Australia, beverages containing more than 1.15% ABV are legally considered alcoholic and must carry a pregnancy warning label. Drinks with lower ABV are still considered alcoholic if above 0.5%, but they may not require a pregnancy warning label.
Most non-alcoholic wines fall into two groups:
-
0.0% ABV – completely alcohol-free, made either without fermentation or with all alcohol carefully removed.
-
Up to 0.5% ABV – de-alcoholised wines that may contain trace amounts of alcohol, similar to what occurs naturally in ripe fruit, kombucha, or even fresh bread.
This small difference can be confusing. If you’re pregnant and want absolute reassurance, 0.0% ABV wines are the safest choice. However, wines with up to 0.5% ABV are generally considered harmless, and it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor for personalised guidance.
Trace Alcohol in “Non-Alcoholic” Drinks: Is it Meaningful?
A common concern is whether the tiny trace of alcohol (up to 0.5%) in some non-alcoholic wines poses a risk. To put this into perspective:
-
A glass of orange juice can naturally ferment and reach around 0.3% ABV.
-
Ripe bananas may contain similar levels of alcohol.
-
Non-alcoholic beers and wines with ≤0.5% ABV typically deliver less alcohol than some everyday foods.
Most health experts agree that these traces are extremely unlikely to cause harm. However, as medical bodies state that no level of alcohol is proven to be 100% safe in pregnancy, some women may prefer to avoid anything above 0.0%.
Is non-alcoholic wine pregnancy safe?
Kathy Fray is a senior midwife and author of the book Oh Mama, she tells me that there is nothing in alc-free wine that is toxic to pregnancy.
“Alcohol-free wine is made the same way as conventional wine up to the bottling process, at which point all or some of the alcohol is removed, so the wine does retain its health benefits,” she adds.
Should I consult my doctor before drinking non-alcoholic drinks while pregnant?
It is always a good idea to talk to your health provider because they will be able to give you advice pertinent to your situation. Your health care provider can also give you advice on other ways to stop drinking alcohol and connect you to services that can help.
Popularity of Non-Alcoholic Wines Among Mums-to-Be
-
Growing Choices: Restaurants, bars, and retailers now stock premium non-alcoholic wines that look and taste the same as traditional wines.
-
Social Comfort: Expectant mums often choose these to enjoy celebrations like weddings, birthdays, or Christmas without feeling excluded.
-
Mindful Drinking Trend: Non-alcoholic options are increasingly part of the “mindful drinking” movement, making them more accessible and mainstream.
-
Personal Preference: Some mums-to-be prefer 0.0% labelled bottles for complete peace of mind, while others are comfortable with up to 0.5% ABV.
Why Expectant Mums Choose Non-Alcoholic Wines
-
Stay Included: Helps keep social rituals alive without alcohol risks.
-
Taste & Experience: Premium options mimic the flavour, aroma, and look of wine.
-
Celebrations Made Easy: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings.
-
Choice & Comfort: Flexibility to choose between 0.0% ABV and ≤0.5% ABV, depending on comfort level.
Wine alternatives
Wine alternatives aren't referred to as non-alcoholic wine because they don't follow traditional winemaking processes. They're modern drinks made without any alcohol at all for modern connoisseurs who are open to trying something a little different.
For example, NON has taken the wine alternative market by storm with their completely delicious drinks. According to NON, each bottle is crafted much like a tisane - all natural fruit, herbs, and flavours are steeped to create a combination of flavours and aromas similar to a quirky red Sparkling Shiraz, a light Pétillant Naturel, or a classic dry white wine or Aperitivo, to name a few.
The good news is that there are so many options available now that there is literally something for everyone. Here are my top picks:
[product name="altina-zero-proof-cocktail-light-me-up"]
The Altina Le Blanc is a 0.0% alcohol-free sparkling wine made from native Australian ingredients. With just 20 calories per serving, it features forestberry, wattleseed, crisp apple, green tea, and a hint of cayenne. No added sweeteners, vegan-friendly, and suitable during pregnancy, it offers full flavour without compromise.
Thomson & Scott Noughty
[product name="thomson-scott-noughty"]
Our best selling, Thomson & Scott Noughty is an alc-free sparkling wine that tastes just like French Champagne. It’s organic, vegan and only contains 17 calories per serve.
NON 2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu
[product name="non-2-caramelised-pear-kombu"]
This Australian made drink is an innovative mix of flavours, that taste similar to a French Farmhouse Cider. It combines all-natural ingredients including pears, kombu, ginger, cardamom, black tea, clove, vanilla, verjus and high-quality filtered water. It's zero alcohol and gluten free.
Erdinger Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer
[product name="erdinger-alcohol-free-wheat-beer"]
Erdinger Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer contains high amounts of folic acid as well as vitamins b12 and polyphenols. It was designed for sports recovery, but the same properties make it ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
FAQs
1. Can you drink non-alcoholic wine when pregnant?
Yes, many non-alcoholic wines are 0.0% ABV and considered safe during pregnancy. They allow you to enjoy the wine experience without alcohol.
2. Can pregnant women drink non-alcoholic wine?
Yes. Choosing wines labelled 0.0% ABV provides complete reassurance. Wines with up to 0.5% ABV contain only trace alcohol, which is generally considered harmless, but you can consult your doctor for advice.
3. Alcohol-free wine pregnancy – is it safe?
Most alcohol-free wines (0.0% ABV) are safe during pregnancy. Even de-alcoholised wines (≤0.5% ABV)with trace amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause harm, but personal comfort and medical guidance should always come first.
4. Is 0.5% alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Trace amounts like 0.5% ABV in de-alcoholised wines are usually considered safe and are comparable to naturally occurring alcohol in foods like fruit juice or bread. However, if you want absolute reassurance, stick to 0.0% ABV wines.
5. Is 0.0% ABV the same as non-alcoholic?
Not always. “Non-alcoholic” can sometimes contain up to 0.5% ABV, whereas 0.0% ABV guarantees no alcohol, making it the safest choice during pregnancy.
6. How is non-alcoholic wine made?
Non-alcoholic wines are made the same way as traditional wines, but the alcohol is removed through techniques like vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or spinning cone technology while preserving flavour and aroma.
7. Can I drink non-alcoholic wine while breastfeeding?
Yes, especially 0.0% ABV wines. Even trace amounts of alcohol in ≤0.5% ABV wines are unlikely to affect breast milk.
8. Are non-alcoholic wines vegan and sugar-free?
Many are vegan-friendly, preservative-free, and low in sugar and calories, making them a healthier alternative to regular wine or sugary soft drinks.
Non-alcoholic wine can be a safe and enjoyable choice during pregnancy, especially when you choose bottles labelled 0.0% ABV. Options with ≤0.5% ABV are unlikely to cause harm and are comparable to alcohol levels in everyday foods, though the decision comes down to personal comfort and medical advice.
The best approach is to check the label, choose what makes you feel most at ease, and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure. That way, you can celebrate milestones and social moments with confidence, while keeping your wellbeing and your baby’s health in mind.
Health experts agree that it's best for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding to cut out alcohol. The good news is that there have never been more alcohol-free alternatives.
Things have changed a lot for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Even five years ago, the options for women avoiding alcohol were slim. Orange juice or lemon, lime, and bitters were as good as it got.
But things are dramatically different; in fact, I don't think there has ever been a better time to forgo booze. The wide range of Zero-Alcohol wine, beer, and spirits that is available means that you don't have to miss out on your usual favourite.
This blog is based on readily available, general information only and not intended as medical advice in any way. Always consult with your healthcare professional first. According to experts at Your Fertility, even drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the time it takes to conceive. In addition to this, women who drink more than seven alcoholic drinks a week are more likely to experience fertility problems. Alcohol can also affect ovulation.
Experts advise that the safest option for women who are planning a pregnancy is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Alcohol also impacts men. Heavy drinking can reduce libido and negatively impact performance.
What are the effects of drinking alcohol when you are trying to conceive?
According to experts at Your Fertility, even drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the time it takes to conceive. In addition to this, women who drink more than seven alcoholic drinks a week are more likely to experience fertility problems. Alcohol can also affect ovulation.
Experts advise that the safest option for women who are planning a pregnancy is to avoid alcohol altogether.
Alcohol also impacts men. Heavy drinking can reduce libido and negatively impact performance.
What are the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
Gone are the days that doctors suggest a glass of stout to help with morning sickness. The research is now very clear – the safest amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy is zero.
The good news is that there is now a huge amount of choice when it comes to alcohol free drinks.
Does non-alcoholic wine contain alcohol?
Alc-free wine is a great alternative for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. But it’s natural to feel cautious about the things on put into your body, so it’s worth having a look at the way that non-alcoholic wine is made.
Essentially, alc-free wine is made in the same way as regular wine, using the same high-quality grapes. The big difference is that the alcohol is removed before bottling. This means that alc-free wine retains the character of the wine – they taste and smell like traditional wine.
There are several ways to remove the alcohol from wine, including vacuum distillation, spinning cone columns, and reverse osmosis.
However, alcohol-free wines can contain up to 0.5% ABV – this is about the same level found naturally in fruit juice. However, if you prefer to avoid even a trace of alcohol, there are still plenty of options.
Understanding ABV Thresholds
When shopping for non-alcoholic wine, the first thing to check is the alcohol by volume (ABV) listed on the bottle. In Australia, beverages containing more than 1.15% ABV are legally considered alcoholic and must carry a pregnancy warning label. Drinks with lower ABV are still considered alcoholic if above 0.5%, but they may not require a pregnancy warning label.
Most non-alcoholic wines fall into two groups:
-
0.0% ABV – completely alcohol-free, made either without fermentation or with all alcohol carefully removed.
-
Up to 0.5% ABV – de-alcoholised wines that may contain trace amounts of alcohol, similar to what occurs naturally in ripe fruit, kombucha, or even fresh bread.
This small difference can be confusing. If you’re pregnant and want absolute reassurance, 0.0% ABV wines are the safest choice. However, wines with up to 0.5% ABV are generally considered harmless, and it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor for personalised guidance.
Trace Alcohol in “Non-Alcoholic” Drinks: Is it Meaningful?
A common concern is whether the tiny trace of alcohol (up to 0.5%) in some non-alcoholic wines poses a risk. To put this into perspective:
-
A glass of orange juice can naturally ferment and reach around 0.3% ABV.
-
Ripe bananas may contain similar levels of alcohol.
-
Non-alcoholic beers and wines with ≤0.5% ABV typically deliver less alcohol than some everyday foods.
Most health experts agree that these traces are extremely unlikely to cause harm. However, as medical bodies state that no level of alcohol is proven to be 100% safe in pregnancy, some women may prefer to avoid anything above 0.0%.
Is non-alcoholic wine pregnancy safe?
Kathy Fray is a senior midwife and author of the book Oh Mama, she tells me that there is nothing in alc-free wine that is toxic to pregnancy.
“Alcohol-free wine is made the same way as conventional wine up to the bottling process, at which point all or some of the alcohol is removed, so the wine does retain its health benefits,” she adds.
Should I consult my doctor before drinking non-alcoholic drinks while pregnant?
It is always a good idea to talk to your health provider because they will be able to give you advice pertinent to your situation. Your health care provider can also give you advice on other ways to stop drinking alcohol and connect you to services that can help.
Popularity of Non-Alcoholic Wines Among Mums-to-Be
-
Growing Choices: Restaurants, bars, and retailers now stock premium non-alcoholic wines that look and taste the same as traditional wines.
-
Social Comfort: Expectant mums often choose these to enjoy celebrations like weddings, birthdays, or Christmas without feeling excluded.
-
Mindful Drinking Trend: Non-alcoholic options are increasingly part of the “mindful drinking” movement, making them more accessible and mainstream.
-
Personal Preference: Some mums-to-be prefer 0.0% labelled bottles for complete peace of mind, while others are comfortable with up to 0.5% ABV.
Why Expectant Mums Choose Non-Alcoholic Wines
-
Stay Included: Helps keep social rituals alive without alcohol risks.
-
Taste & Experience: Premium options mimic the flavour, aroma, and look of wine.
-
Celebrations Made Easy: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings.
-
Choice & Comfort: Flexibility to choose between 0.0% ABV and ≤0.5% ABV, depending on comfort level.
Wine alternatives
Wine alternatives aren't referred to as non-alcoholic wine because they don't follow traditional winemaking processes. They're modern drinks made without any alcohol at all for modern connoisseurs who are open to trying something a little different.
For example, NON has taken the wine alternative market by storm with their completely delicious drinks. According to NON, each bottle is crafted much like a tisane - all natural fruit, herbs, and flavours are steeped to create a combination of flavours and aromas similar to a quirky red Sparkling Shiraz, a light Pétillant Naturel, or a classic dry white wine or Aperitivo, to name a few.
The good news is that there are so many options available now that there is literally something for everyone. Here are my top picks:
The Altina Le Blanc is a 0.0% alcohol-free sparkling wine made from native Australian ingredients. With just 20 calories per serving, it features forestberry, wattleseed, crisp apple, green tea, and a hint of cayenne. No added sweeteners, vegan-friendly, and suitable during pregnancy, it offers full flavour without compromise.
Thomson & Scott Noughty
Our best selling, Thomson & Scott Noughty is an alc-free sparkling wine that tastes just like French Champagne. It’s organic, vegan and only contains 17 calories per serve.
NON 2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu
This Australian made drink is an innovative mix of flavours, that taste similar to a French Farmhouse Cider. It combines all-natural ingredients including pears, kombu, ginger, cardamom, black tea, clove, vanilla, verjus and high-quality filtered water. It's zero alcohol and gluten free.
Erdinger Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer
Erdinger Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer contains high amounts of folic acid as well as vitamins b12 and polyphenols. It was designed for sports recovery, but the same properties make it ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
FAQs
1. Can you drink non-alcoholic wine when pregnant?
Yes, many non-alcoholic wines are 0.0% ABV and considered safe during pregnancy. They allow you to enjoy the wine experience without alcohol.
2. Can pregnant women drink non-alcoholic wine?
Yes. Choosing wines labelled 0.0% ABV provides complete reassurance. Wines with up to 0.5% ABV contain only trace alcohol, which is generally considered harmless, but you can consult your doctor for advice.
3. Alcohol-free wine pregnancy – is it safe?
Most alcohol-free wines (0.0% ABV) are safe during pregnancy. Even de-alcoholised wines (≤0.5% ABV)with trace amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause harm, but personal comfort and medical guidance should always come first.
4. Is 0.5% alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Trace amounts like 0.5% ABV in de-alcoholised wines are usually considered safe and are comparable to naturally occurring alcohol in foods like fruit juice or bread. However, if you want absolute reassurance, stick to 0.0% ABV wines.
5. Is 0.0% ABV the same as non-alcoholic?
Not always. “Non-alcoholic” can sometimes contain up to 0.5% ABV, whereas 0.0% ABV guarantees no alcohol, making it the safest choice during pregnancy.
6. How is non-alcoholic wine made?
Non-alcoholic wines are made the same way as traditional wines, but the alcohol is removed through techniques like vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or spinning cone technology while preserving flavour and aroma.
7. Can I drink non-alcoholic wine while breastfeeding?
Yes, especially 0.0% ABV wines. Even trace amounts of alcohol in ≤0.5% ABV wines are unlikely to affect breast milk.
8. Are non-alcoholic wines vegan and sugar-free?
Many are vegan-friendly, preservative-free, and low in sugar and calories, making them a healthier alternative to regular wine or sugary soft drinks.
Non-alcoholic wine can be a safe and enjoyable choice during pregnancy, especially when you choose bottles labelled 0.0% ABV. Options with ≤0.5% ABV are unlikely to cause harm and are comparable to alcohol levels in everyday foods, though the decision comes down to personal comfort and medical advice.
The best approach is to check the label, choose what makes you feel most at ease, and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure. That way, you can celebrate milestones and social moments with confidence, while keeping your wellbeing and your baby’s health in mind.
