Japan’s non-alcoholic beverages provide tasty and safe alternatives

After moving back to Japan from the U.S., I have noticed a significantly wider variety of non-alcoholic drinks available here. My friends often opt for non-alcoholic beers and cocktails when they want to slow down their alcohol intake, and they claim that these drinks taste just as good as the real ones.

Personally, I prefer sake, which doesn’t seem like it would be a good option for a non-alcoholic version. With doubt and caution, I tried Gekkeikan Free. To my surprise, it was just like Gekkeikan Daiginjo.

Examples of non-alcoholic beverages

Japan pioneered non-alcoholic beer in 2009 with Kirin marketing it to reduce drunk driving. Asahi’s Dry Zero is the most popular choice with its crisp malt flavor and refreshing bubbles. Kirin’s Karada (Body) Free has a weight-reducing effect, owing to the fat-burning function of the picric acid stemming from the ripened hop.

Choya, the leading producer of plum wine, offers a non-alcoholic version of its signature drink. This version is made exclusively from plums grown on a contracted farm in Wakayama and mixed with soda. It contains no artificial sweeteners, coloring agents or other chemical additives.

Other drinks, such as chuhai, a mix of shochu and soda, of various flavors and even whiskey can be turned alcohol-free.

Real alternatives to alcohol

The availability of such a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages is a great advantage. It enables people with low or no tolerance towards alcohol to have options to drink. It also allows us to avoid the unpleasant after-effects of alcohol. During pregnancy, we can enjoy the company of good food and drinks without alcohol content.

The wellness benefits of non-alcoholic drinks mean that we can choose what we put into our bodies, with both short-term and long-term consequences in mind. I am considering purchasing some fat-burning beer to stock up in my fridge this spring.