When people see the words alcohol-free, they often assume it means a drink contains absolutely zero alcohol. The reality is a little more nuanced, and definitions vary depending on where you are in the world. That’s why you’ll sometimes see both 0.0% and 0.5% ABV products sitting on the same shelf.

Understanding ABV and the Rules

• ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume, the measure of how much alcohol is present in a drink.

• In much of Europe, the USA, Australia and beyond, drinks at or below 0.5% ABV are classified as alcohol-free. This is the globally accepted standard.

• In the UK, guidance is less clear. Drinks labelled as “alcohol-free” are ‘expected’ to contain no more than 0.05% ABV, while “de-alcoholised” can go up to 0.5%, however there is no specific legislation that mandates either of these definitions be strictly adhered to. You’ll often find 0.5% ABV drinks labelled as ‘Alcohol Free,’ where you’ll likely have to dig a little deeper to discover whether a drink has been de-alcoholised.

So, if ever wondered why some alcohol-free drinks in the UK are marked 0.0% and others 0.5%, it comes down to these definitions.

Can 0.5% Get You Drunk?

The short answer is no. Even if you consumed multiple servings of a 0.5% drink, it would not be enough to raise your blood alcohol content to an intoxicating level. For perspective, many everyday foods—like ripe bananas, fresh bread, or fruit juices—naturally contain trace amounts of alcohol in a similar range.This is why 0.5% products are widely accepted as safe for everyday consumption, and why so many countries adopt 0.5% as their benchmark for “alcohol-free.”

Who Should Pay Attention to Trace Alcohol?

While 0.5% is harmless for most people, some groups may want to stick with true 0.0% products:

• Those on medication where alcohol—even in tiny amounts—may interfere.

 • Pregnant people who want absolute peace of mind.

• Individuals with religious or cultural reasons to avoid alcohol completely.

For these groups, having clearly labelled 0.0% choices is essential.

[Shop the SENTIA spirits collection] 

The Gabyr, CASK, and Sentia Difference

At GABA Labs, we’ve created a portfolio that covers both globally recognised “alcohol-free” beers and 0.0% spirits—all of them functional, thanks to their blend of GABA-enhancing ingredients:

Gabyr Range (0.5% ABV, Alcohol-Free by Global Standards)

• Gabyr Stout – Rich, smooth, and satisfying, with the depth of a traditional stout and the added benefit of GABA-enhancing botanicals.
• Gabyr Pale Ale – Bright, refreshing, and hop-forward, delivering sociability and flavour, plus functional botanicals designed to support relaxation and connection.

[Shop Gabyr – link to Gabyr product pages]

CASK (0.0% ABV)

A bold, barrel-inspired drink with layered complexity, crafted entirely without alcohol and featuring the same functional GABA-enhancing ingredients for a truly mindful alternative.

[Shop CASK – link to CASK product page]

SENTIA Spirits (0.0% ABV)

A pioneering range of functional spirits, designed by neuroscientists to unlock the power of GABA, the neurotransmitter that helps us relax, bond, and connect.

[Shop the SENTIA spirits collection – link to collections page]

Beyond “Free From”: Building Something Better

While much of the industry focuses on removing alcohol and mimicking flavour, we’ve gone further. Our mission is not just to subtract alcohol but to add something meaningful: a science-led way to unwind, connect, and enjoy the ritual of drinking.

That’s the future of sociable drinks—whether you’re enjoying a Gabyr Stout at 0.5%, a complex pour of CASK, or raising a glass of SENTIA at 0.0%.