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At Dray Drinks, we’re all about beverages that make you feel good—without the crash, the hangover, or the sugar spike. One of the most common questions we get from wellness-minded sippers is: Are non-alcoholic drinks low in sugar? Are there sugar-free options?

The answer? Yes, but not always. Just like with traditional cocktails and wines, some NA drinks lean sweet, while others keep it clean. Whether you're watching your sugar intake for health reasons or just want something crisp and dry, we’ve got the lowdown (and low sugar) right here.

Why Sugar Sneaks Into So Many NA Drinks

Let’s be real: sugar makes drinks taste good. It adds body, balances bitterness, and enhances flavor. In traditional cocktails, wine, and spirits, alcohol does a lot of the heavy lifting flavor-wise. But when you take the alcohol out? You often need to fill that gap—and sugar is a common go-to.

In many NA beverages, especially ready-to-drink cocktails or adaptogen blends, sugar (or sweetener) is added to round out the flavor. And while a little sweetness can be part of a great sipping experience, too much can make things feel more soda-pop than sophisticated.

That’s why more brands are embracing a lower-sugar or no-added-sugar approach—because grown-up drinks shouldn’t feel like juice boxes in disguise.

How to Read the Sugar Stats on a Label

Understanding sugar content on labels can be a little confusing. When you scan the nutrition facts, you’ll see two important lines: “Total Sugars” and “Added Sugars.” Total sugars include everything naturally occurring (like sugars from fruit), while added sugars refer to sweeteners introduced during production, such as cane sugar, agave, or honey.

Why does this matter? Because some NA drinks are sweetened naturally, while others get a sugar boost to balance flavor. The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugars to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men. Some non-alcoholic drinks come in under 5 grams per serving—others can pack as much sugar as a soda. The key is knowing how to decode the label before you sip.

What Types of NA Drinks Tend to Be Lower in Sugar?

While each brand approaches sweetness differently, some general patterns make shopping easier. Botanical spirits and dry aperitifs, like Pentire or Three Spirit’s Livener, usually rely on herbs and spices rather than sugar to create flavor. NA wines from Studio Null and Lautus also tend to focus on crisp, dry profiles with minimal residual sugar.

Functional beverages like Recess Mood and De Soi often keep sugar low or use natural sweeteners like fruit juice or monk fruit. On the beer side, brands like Athletic Brewing and Best Day Brewing tend to range between 2–6 grams of sugar per can, depending on the style.

What About Artificial Sweeteners?

If you’ve ever taken a sip of something that tasted a little too sweet despite claiming “zero sugar,” chances are it was made with artificial or alternative sweeteners. These can include stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, sucralose, or allulose.

Some folks love these options for their zero-calorie appeal, while others avoid them due to aftertaste or digestive sensitivity. The good news is, there are plenty of brands that steer clear entirely—or offer transparency so you can make the call yourself.

Brands like Hiyo, Casamara Club, and Figlia offer balanced sweetness using fruit, herbs, or minimal natural sugars—no artificial stuff needed.

How to Shop for Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free NA Drinks

Check the nutrition label: Aim for drinks with <5g of sugar per serving if you’re keeping it low.

Avoid “sugar-free” if you’re sensitive to sweeteners: These may contain sucralose or erythritol.

Look for terms like “dry,” “unsweetened,” or “botanical”: These usually signal a more balanced flavor.

Choose wine or spirit alternatives over sodas or mocktails: These tend to be more restrained in sugar.

Ask the experts (that’s us!): At Dray, we can steer you toward our lowest-sugar selections on the shelf.

How Dray Supports Smarter Sipping

We know that sugar content matters—not just for people managing health conditions, but for anyone looking to feel better tomorrow. That’s why we label, sample, and select our products with intention, and we're always happy to help you find something that meets your goals without compromising flavor.

Whether you’re shopping in person at our South End or Central Square shops or browsing our online store, you’ll find a mix of dry NA wines, zero-sugar spirit alternatives, and functional bevs that are as refreshing as they are smart.

Want help finding your next low-sugar favorite? Just ask—we’re here to help.

Final Sip: Less Sugar, Still Delicious

You shouldn’t have to choose between flavor and feeling good. The world of non-alcoholic drinks is evolving fast—and these days, you can enjoy bold, complex, and satisfying bevs without a sugar crash waiting in the wings.

At Dray, we’re celebrating the balance: drinks that feel indulgent but don’t overload your system. Whether you’re sugar-free, sugar-light, or just sugar-curious, we’re proud to offer options that support your body and your joy.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific dietary concerns.