Pregnancy food guidance, in plain English
Alcohol-free (0.0%) beers, wines, and ciders are safe during pregnancy. Always choose products labelled 0.0% rather than 'low alcohol', which can contain up to 1.2% ABV.
Alcohol-free drinks have improved enormously in quality and variety in recent years, and they are a great way to feel included at social occasions without drinking alcohol. Products labelled 0.0% contain no detectable alcohol and are considered safe throughout pregnancy. The range now available in UK supermarkets and bars is excellent — 0.0% lagers (Heineken 0.0, Peroni 0.0, Lucky Saint), 0.0% wines, 0.0% prosecco alternatives, and 0.0% ciders are all widely available. It is important to know the difference between labelling categories: in the UK, '0.0%' means no detectable alcohol; 'alcohol-free' can legally contain up to 0.05% ABV; 'low alcohol' can contain up to 1.2% ABV. During pregnancy, stick to 0.0% products. Non-alcoholic spirits such as Seedlip and Gordon's 0.0 are also safe — they use distillation and botanical infusions but contain no alcohol.
NHS guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
In the US, beverages with less than 0.5% ABV are classified as non-alcoholic. Most US health organisations advise pregnant women to avoid any alcohol entirely, so 0.0% certified products are the safest choice.
These recipes are designed with pregnancy safety in mind.
A longer, lighter drink mixing 0.0% lager with homemade lemonade — refreshing and perfect for a summer barbecue.
An elegant, celebratory drink using 0.0% sparkling wine — beautiful for parties and special occasions.