Less Sugar, More Integrity
- David Hodson
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
by David Hodgson, Founder, ZENO Alcohol-Liberated Wines.
The No & Low Alcohol Revolution Must Go Beyond Just Alcohol Reduction.
Consumers are embracing No & Low (NoLo) alcohol beverages as a step towards a healthier lifestyle, swapping traditional wines and spirits for alternatives that offer the ritual without the repercussions. But while the benefits of reducing or eliminating alcohol are widely understood—better hydration, improved sleep, fewer empty calories—there’s another hidden factor that often goes unchecked: sugar.
The hard truth is that many NoLo beverages compensate for the absence of alcohol with higher sugar levels, counteracting many of the health benefits consumers expect. If the movement towards healthier drinking is to be genuinely effective, the industry must address the double challenge—reducing both alcohol and sugar.
Why Sugar Matters
Excess sugar consumption is directly linked to weight gain, metabolic disorders, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Many consumers turn to NoLo beverages with the assumption that they are making a healthier choice, but if those drinks are packed with added sugars to replace body and texture, the trade-off becomes questionable at best.
At ZENO alcohol-liberated wines, we believe that true innovation in NoLo wine is not just about removing alcohol—it’s about redefining balance. Rather than relying on added sweetness to fill the gaps, we’ve spent over three years developing techniques that allow us to enhance the perception of natural grape sweetness without relying on excess sugar.
A Commitment to Less Sugar, More Integrity
For the 2023 vintage, ZENO has successfully reduced residual sugar levels by 30% compared to the previous vintage. While many commercial brands continue to add sugar for mouthfeel, ZENO refuses to take shortcuts. Says David Hodgson, ZENO Founder:
“Our approach focuses on natural grape expression, texture enhancement, and balance.”
This commitment to lower sugar has a tangible impact on calorie content. A 750ml bottle of traditional wine contains around 580 calories (or about 158 kcal per 175ml glass). By comparison, ZENO’s 2023 vintage wines average just 15.5 kcal per glass—an extraordinary reduction that supports those seeking to manage their health, weight, and fitness goals.
Beyond the Buzz - A Holistic Approach to NoLo
As NoLo beverages gain momentum, brands must go beyond merely not containing alcohol. Consumers deserve transparency and truly health-conscious choices—not just a lower-ABV product with hidden sugar pitfalls.
At ZENO, our philosophy is simple: alcohol-free should not mean compromise. By focusing on single organic estate varietals and reducing sugar while preserving balance, we are proving that alcohol-free wines can be both indulgent and mindful choices.
Hear more from ZENO Founder david Hodgson on ep#65 of the Low No Drinker Podcast
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