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At Dray Drinks, we’re here for joyfully intentional drinking—whatever that looks like for you. For many in our community, that includes living a vegan lifestyle, where compassion, wellness, and sustainability go hand-in-hand. So it’s only natural that we get this question a lot: Are non-alcoholic (NA) drinks vegan?

The short answer? Many are—but not all. From unexpected animal-derived ingredients to filtering agents you’d never think twice about, there are a few curveballs to look out for. The good news? We’re here to help you sip with confidence.

What Makes a Beverage Vegan?

If you’re new to vegan living, here’s the quick scoop: vegan beverages must be free from all animal-derived ingredients and not involve animal exploitation at any stage of production. That includes more obvious culprits like dairy, honey, and gelatin—but also sneakier ones like isinglass (a fish-derived clarifying agent), casein (milk protein), or carmine (a red dye made from insects—yes, really).

In the world of NA drinks, most brands lean naturally plant-based, but ingredients and processing methods still vary. That’s why transparency matters.

The Most Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Drinks

Non-alcoholic drinks look super clean and modern on the surface, but some still rely on traditional beverage-making practices that don’t align with vegan ethics.

In the wine and beer world, for instance, animal-derived fining agents have long been used to clarify liquid. These include:

• Isinglass (from fish bladders)
  

• Gelatin (from animal collagen)
  

• Casein (a milk protein)
  

• Egg whites (often used in traditional wine clarification)
  
  

These substances help remove particles that cause haze or sediment—but thankfully, there are now plenty of vegan alternatives like bentonite clay or pea protein that get the job done without the fish bits.

Are NA Wines Vegan?

Many are—but you’ll want to double-check. Dealcoholized wines are typically made just like traditional ones, which means they may have been fined with animal products before having the alcohol removed.

Brands like Surely, Studio Null, and Lautus are leading the charge in plant-based sipping, using animal-free fining agents and minimal intervention methods. These brands are also refreshingly transparent about their production practices, which is always a good sign.

When shopping at Dray, our team can help you spot vegan-friendly options in our NA wine section—and we’re always adding new selections.

What About NA Beers?

Beer gets its body and bitterness from grains and hops, so you’d think it would always be vegan. But like with wine, traditional clarification can be a problem.

Most modern breweries—especially those producing craft NA beer—have moved toward vegan-friendly methods, but not all will state this clearly. If you’re not sure, check the brand’s website or reach out directly. Brands like Athletic Brewing Co. confirm that their NA beers are completely vegan, and we carry several of their crowd-pleasing brews at Dray.

One quick watch-out: some seasonal brews may include honey, lactose, or even marshmallow flavoring that isn’t vegan. When in doubt, stick with core lineup beers or ask your friendly bottle shop staff for help. (Hi, that’s us!)

Are NA Spirits and Functional Beverages Vegan?

Now here’s where it gets fun. NA spirits and functional drinks are often built from botanicals, herbs, spices, and fruit—so the majority of them are naturally vegan and cruelty-free.

Brands like Pentire, Three Spirit, and Lyre’s offer vegan-friendly non-alcoholic spirits that bring complexity and flavor without any animal products. You can mix them into your favorite NA cocktail or sip over ice—totally guilt-free.

The same goes for adaptogenic drinks and sparkling wellness bevs. Brands like De Soi, Recess, and Moment all offer 100% plant-based formulas that focus on mood support and mindfulness, minus any funky additives.

Tips for Finding Vegan NA Beverages

Here’s your go-to list to help you sip animal-free and stress-free:

• Read labels carefully: Look for “vegan” badges or plant-based ingredient lists.
  

• Watch out for honey, dairy, and animal-based clarifiers: Especially in seasonal brews and wines.
  

• Ask the brand or retailer: Transparency is queen. Most brands are happy to clarify.
  

• Check the website or product page: Brands like Surely, Three Spirit, and Athletic Brewing list vegan status online.
  

• Shop with trusted retailers: Like Dray 💅—we do the vetting so you don’t have to.
  
  

How Dray Drinks Supports Vegan Living

We know that many of our customers are navigating more than one lifestyle choice at a time. Whether you're sober-curious and vegan, or just on a mission to align your drinking habits with your ethics, we’re here for it.

That’s why we curate with intention, stocking plenty of vegan-friendly options across every category: sparkling adaptogen bevs, zero-proof wines, botanical spirits, and NA beers that don’t compromise your values. Visit us in South End or Central Square, or browse our online shop where we’re working to make vegan-friendly filters even easier to navigate.

Need help finding something that checks all your boxes? Just ask—we love playing matchmaker between you and your next favorite sip.

Final Sip: Compassionate Drinking Never Tasted So Good

Being vegan is about more than just what’s on your plate—it’s about living intentionally, joyfully, and in alignment with your values. And when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks, you deserve just as much flavor, fizz, and festivity as anyone else.

At Dray, we’re raising a glass to all the plant-based sippers out there. You’re not just drinking better—you’re building a kinder, more sustainable future with every pour.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific dietary needs, always consult product labels or contact the brand directly.