The low- and no-alcohol drinks category includes products with very different ingredients and taste profiles. The label alone says little about whether a drink will suit a meal.

What to know

Compare sweetness, acidity, carbonation and serving temperature. Where alcohol content matters, read the stated ABV rather than assuming every product labelled alcohol-free follows the same convention.

Practical takeaway

A good comparison asks what the drink is designed to replace: a sparkling aperitif, a beer or simply a refreshing soft drink.