Removing the alcohol from a drink removes the calories from the alcohol. But that says nothing about the rest. And the rest—the sugar, the additives, the syrups added to compensate—is precisely where the real difference lies between a good alcohol-free bottle and a bad one.
Here are five statements we often hear. Some are true. Others less so. All deserve to be discussed.
In short Alcohol provides 7 kcal per gram—removing it automatically reduces the calories. But some alcohol-free drinks compensate with sugar. The rule: read the sugar content on the label, not just the calories. At Gueule de Joie, the selection guarantees a maximum of 2 to 4g of sugar per 100ml—three times less than the average alcoholic beverage or typical soda.
"Alcohol-free drinks have fewer calories than alcohol." True — but incomplete.
Pure alcohol provides 7 kcal per gram. This is more than carbohydrates (4 kcal/g) and almost as much as fats (9 kcal/g). Therefore, removing alcohol from a drink reduces its calorie content.
A glass of classic rosé at 12.5% ABV (10cl): approximately 80-85 kcal. The same volume of dealcoholized rosé: 20 to 35 kcal depending on the brand. A classic lager at 5% ABV (25cl): approximately 120 kcal. A non-alcoholic lager: 15 to 35 kcal per 100ml.
But this comparison only holds true if the producer hasn't replaced the alcohol with something else. That's where things get complicated.
→ Our selection of alcohol-free wines · Non-alcoholic craft beers
"All alcohol-free drinks are low in sugar." False.
This is the most dangerous misconception. When you remove the alcohol from a beer or wine, you also lose a large part of the flavor, roundness, and length on the palate that the ethanol provided. The industrial temptation: to compensate with sugar.
The result: flavored non-alcoholic beers (lemon, raspberry, ginger) can contain up to 6-8g of sugar per 100ml, according to a 2025 survey by Swiss Radio and Television (RTS). On average, standard non-alcoholic beers contain about 1g more sugar than their alcoholic counterparts—which is still moderate. But some highly flavored varieties approach the levels of diet sodas.
Sugar is exactly where you should look first on a non-alcoholic beverage label. Not calories—sugar.
→ Low-sugar selection — less than 2.5g/100ml
"A non-alcoholic craft beer is necessarily lighter." Not automatically.
The idea is sound, but the reality is more nuanced. What matters is the manufacturing method and the recipe — not just the "artisanal" label.
The best craft non-alcoholic beers are designed from the ground up to be at that alcohol level — that's the method of Beer manifesto, Gueule de Joie Brewed in Belgium at 0.3% ABV, without dealcoholization, no added sugars, and no artificial flavorings. The result: a very controlled calorie profile.
But some non-alcoholic craft beers, especially rich styles like stouts or certain IPAs, can reach 40-65 kcal/100ml depending on the ingredients. A well-made industrial beer can be lighter than an ambitious craft beer. The key is to read the technical specifications, not just the label.
→ Our manifesto beer, Gueule de Joie (Joyful Mouth)
"Non-alcoholic spritz is light." True — if you choose well.
A classic Aperol Spritz: 130 to 170 kcal per glass depending on the proportions. A well-made non-alcoholic spritz (bitter base, sparkling water): 30 to 50 kcal.ISH Mojito The ready-to-drink version has 38 kcal per 100ml — comparable to kombucha.
The rule remains the same: ready-to-drink cocktails that are very fruity or flavored may have a higher sugar content. Check the product information before buying.
→ Ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails · ISH Mojito
"Choosing alcohol-free for calorie reasons is a restrictive approach." False.
This is perhaps the most interesting one to debunk. Reducing calories isn't necessarily the driving force behind choosing alcohol-free drinks—and it doesn't have to be. But when the result is objectively better for the body, it's an added benefit to what was already a choice based on taste and enjoyment.
At Gueule de Joie, our position has been clear since 2019: we select drinks that are low in calories and sugar because it's a quality criterion—not because our customers are on a diet. A low-sugar drink is one whose flavors aren't drowned out by sweetness. It's an honest drink.
→ The Demanding Profile · Functional beverages
What you should look for on a label
Not calories first. Sugar.
Less than 2.5g/100ml — that's the level of the low-sugar selection From Gueule de Joie. Natural aromas dominate, not sweetness.
2.5 to 4g/100ml — the average price range for well-made soft drinks. Acceptable, especially for beers or rosés with character.
Above 6g/100ml — territory of highly flavored versions. This is not a deal-breaker, but it is a signal: the drink is compensating for a lack of flavor with sugar.
Misconceptions to Forget
"Alcohol-free = sugar-free." No. Sugar is independent of alcohol — and that's often what makes the difference in quality.
"All the calories are in the alcohol." Not only that. Residual carbohydrates and added syrups also contribute.
"Handmade = necessarily light." Not automatically. It's the brewing method and the recipe that determine the calorie profile, not just the label.
"The taste without alcohol implies more sugar." That's what some industrial producers do. Not the artisans who do good work. The proof is in every bottle of our selection.
Read also
- Alcohol-free beer after sports: myth or genuinely good habit?
- How to set up your own alcohol-free summer bar
- The entire low-sugar selection
frequently asked Questions
Do non-alcoholic drinks make you gain weight?
Well-chosen non-alcoholic drinks are significantly lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts. However, some flavored varieties compensate with added sugar. Check the sugar content on the label—it's the best indicator.
How much sugar is in a non-alcoholic rosé?
High-quality dealcoholized rosé wines contain 2 to 4g/100ml. The Gueule de Joie selection guarantees this maximum level according to the categories.
Is a non-alcoholic cocktail lower in calories than a classic cocktail?
Yes, generally speaking. A classic Aperol Spritz is around 130-170 kcal depending on the proportions. A well-made non-alcoholic spritz: 30 to 50 kcal. The ISH Mojito: 38 kcal/100ml.
Is alcohol-free suitable for people monitoring their blood sugar?
Low-sugar, alcohol-free drinks (less than 2g/100ml) are generally compatible with a sugar-controlled diet. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Where can I find really low-sugar non-alcoholic drinks?
There low-sugar selection de Gueule de Joie only includes drinks with less than 2g of sugar per 100ml.
Sources
Caloric value of alcohol (7 kcal/g)
- Nutritional composition of beverages — Wikipedia
- Alcohol calorie calculator — Dietitian-Nutritionist-Health.com
- Vin et calories — Wine In Moderation
Calories in wines and rosés
Calories and sugar in non-alcoholic beers
- Non-alcoholic beers: fewer calories, more sugar — RTS, July 2025
- Non-alcoholic beer calories: how many does it really contain? — Already drunk?
- Top 23 Sweetest Non-Alcoholic Beers — NomDUneBiere.com
- The calorie content of non-alcoholic beer — Le Petit Ballon
Non-alcoholic cocktails
- ISH Mojito Product Sheet (38 kcal/100ml) — Gueule de Joie
- Alcohol and Weight Gain — Clinique de la Croix d'Or
Gueule de Joie data (2 to 4g sugar/100ml, low-sugar selection)
Gueule de Joie — France's first alcohol-free wine shop since 2019. Over 450 carefully selected wines, available in 72-hour delivery anywhere in France.
