Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Safe During Pregnancy

If you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, the advice can feel endless: no sushi, no soft cheese, no wine. Alcohol, in particular, often comes with a clear message. According to the NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council), there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. For many women, that guideline creates confusion, especially when it comes to non-alcoholic alternatives.

The good news? Avoiding alcohol no longer means settling for fruit juice or sugary soft drinks. While health experts agree that women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding should cut out alcohol altogether, the range of high-quality alcohol-free wine, beer, and spirits available today has changed the landscape completely.

Alcohol has been linked to fertility issues, including disrupted ovulation, and heavy drinking can also affect male fertility and libido. Choosing alcohol-free options isn’t just about compliance; it can be a smarter, more satisfying choice. Today, women don’t have to miss out on the ritual or flavour of their favourite drink while prioritising health and safety.

Does non-alcoholic wine contain alcohol?

Alc-free wine is a great alternative for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. But it’s natural to feel cautious about the things put into your body, so it’s worth having a look at the way that non-alcoholic wine is made.

Essentially, alc-free wine is made in the same way as regular wine, using the same high-quality grapes. The big difference is that the alcohol is removed before bottling. This means that alc-free wine retains the character of the wine – they taste and smell like traditional wine.

There are several ways to remove the alcohol from wine, including vacuum distillation, spinning cone columns, and reverse osmosis.

However, alcohol-free wines can contain up to 0.5% ABV – this is about the same level found naturally in fruit juice. However, if you prefer to avoid even a trace of alcohol, there are still plenty of options.

The 0.5% ABV Debate: Is “Trace Alcohol” Dangerous?

Seeing “0.5% ABV” on a non-alcoholic wine label can naturally raise questions, especially during pregnancy, when advice often feels strict and uncompromising. Many mums-to-be worry that any number means risk. That concern is completely valid, and it’s worth gently unpacking what the label actually means.

Under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guidelines, drinks must declare alcohol if trace amounts occur naturally through fermentation. This alcohol isn’t added, and it’s not the same as drinking an alcoholic beverage. In fact, the same natural process happens in many foods that are widely accepted as safe during pregnancy.

Everyday examples include:

• Ripe bananas: up to 0.3–0.5% ABV

• Bread and burger rolls: up to 0.3–0.5% ABV

• Fruit juice and yoghurt: small, naturally occurring traces

These foods don’t increase blood alcohol levels or place extra strain on the body. A glass of 0.5% non-alcoholic wine is metabolised just as easily, with no measurable physiological effect.

The reassuring takeaway is simple: if eating a ripe banana doesn’t cause concern, a 0.5% non-alcoholic wine sits in the same category. It offers reassurance, choice, and a sense of normality, without compromising health or peace of mind.

Safety, Comfort & Calm: Understanding Non-Alcoholic Wine During Pregnancy

Pasteurisation & Food Safety: Why NA Wine Is Listeria-Free

Many pregnant women avoid unpasteurised foods because of Listeria, so it’s reasonable to ask whether removing alcohol makes wine less safe. Reassuringly, commercial non-alcoholic wines are pasteurised and sterile-filtered to ensure shelf stability and food safety. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, pasteurisation effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, including Listeria, in commercially produced beverages. This makes bottled NA wine very different from drinks like home-brewed kombucha, which can contain live bacteria and vary in safety. In short, professionally made non-alcoholic wine is a controlled, food-safe product, suitable for those avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.

The “Placebo Relax”: Supporting Calm Without Alcohol

Stress matters during pregnancy. Research cited by the National Institutes of Health shows that consistently high levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, can impact both mother and baby. While alcohol is not recommended, relaxation doesn’t come from alcohol alone. The familiar ritual of pouring a glass, along with the taste and aroma of wine, brings a sense of comfort. This psychological response, often called the placebo effect, can trigger dopamine release and reduce perceived stress. Enjoying a non-alcoholic wine allows for calm and routine without compromising well-being.

Sulphites & Heartburn: Is Alcohol-Free Wine Gentler?

Heartburn is common in pregnancy because hormonal changes relax the muscles that keep stomach acid down. According to the health experts, alcohol can worsen reflux by irritating the digestive system. While non-alcoholic wine still contains sulphites, it removes ethanol, a key inflammatory trigger, according to Reframe. Many people find alcohol-free wine gentler on digestion, especially when choosing low-acid styles. Options like non-alcoholic Pinot Grigio are often better tolerated and can be a more comfortable choice for sensitive stomachs.

Storing Non-Alcoholic Wine Safely During Pregnancy

Because non-alcoholic wine contains little to no alcohol, it doesn’t have the same natural preservative protection as traditional wine. That’s not a problem; it just means storage matters a bit more, especially during pregnancy, when digestive comfort is important.

The Simple Rule

Think of non-alcoholic wine like milk, not wine.

Best-Practice Storage Tips

• Refrigerate after opening: Always place opened NA wine in the fridge, even if it’s a red.

• Use within 3–5 days: For best taste and safety, consume within this window.

• Seal tightly: Re-cork or use a wine stopper to reduce exposure to air.

• Check before pouring: If the smell or taste seems off, it’s best to discard it.

Why This Matters During Pregnancy

Without alcohol acting as a preservative, non-alcoholic wine can spoil more quickly once exposed to air. While spoilage doesn’t usually mean serious harm, it can cause stomach upset, bloating, or nausea, symptoms that are already common in pregnancy and best avoided.

Handled correctly, non-alcoholic wine is a safe, enjoyable option. A little care with storage ensures it stays fresh, gentle, and worry-free, so you can enjoy it with confidence and peace of mind.

What are the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy?

Gone are the days when doctors suggest a glass of stout to help with morning sickness. The research is now very detailed – the safest amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy is zero.

The good news is that there is now a huge amount of choice when it comes to alcohol free drinks.

Best Non-Alcoholic Wines for Pregnancy

Cravings can change from week to week, and the good news is that today’s non-alcoholic and wine-alternative options make it easy to match the mood without alcohol. Below is a simple, curated guide based on common pregnancy cravings.

Non-alcoholic Sparkling Wines For the Celebration

Perfect for milestones, dinners, or when you just want something festive.

• Thomson & Scott Noughty –Our best-selling alcohol-free sparkling, often compared to French Champagne. It’s organic, vegan, low-calorie, and celebratory without being sweet.

• Altina Le Blanc – A 0.0% sparkling made with native Australian botanicals. Crisp, dry, and refreshing with no added sweeteners.

Non-alcoholic Red Wines For the Savoury Cravings

When you’re missing depth and structure rather than sweetness.

• Altina Liberate Pepperberry Shiraz – A bold, dry red style with dark fruit, subtle oak, and native pepperberry spice. A great choice when you want something grown-up and food-friendly.

Recommended: Buy Best Non Alcoholic Red Wines

Alcohol-Free Low Sugar/Cal Wines For the GD Mum 

Designed for those managing blood sugar without sacrificing flavour.

• NON 2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu – A zero-alcohol, zero-added-sugar wine alternative crafted like a tisane. Complex, savoury, and satisfying without glucose spikes.

Each of these options offers flavour, balance, and reassurance, so you can choose what suits your body and cravings best.

Popularity of Non-Alcoholic Wines Among Mums-to-Be

• Growing Choices: Restaurants, bars, and retailers now stock premium non-alcoholic wines that look and taste the same as traditional wines.

• Social Comfort: Expectant mums often choose these to enjoy celebrations like weddings, birthdays, or Christmas without feeling excluded.

• Mindful Drinking Trend: Non-alcoholic options are increasingly part of the “mindful drinking” movement, making them more accessible and mainstream.

• Personal Preference: Some mums-to-be prefer 0.0% labelled bottles for complete peace of mind, while others are comfortable with up to 0.5% ABV.

Why Expectant Mums Choose Non-Alcoholic Wines

• Stay Included: Helps keep social rituals alive without alcohol risks.

• Taste & Experience: Premium options mimic the flavour, aroma, and look of wine.

• Celebrations Made Easy: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings.

• Choice & Comfort: Flexibility to choose between 0.0% ABV and ≤0.5% ABV, depending on comfort level.