The short answer
“Alcohol-free” doesn't mean zero alcohol. For dealcoholized wine, the limit is a maximum of 0.5% by volume. New EU labeling rules for “alcohol-free” and “0.0” take effect from September 19, 2027.
What currently applies to dealcoholized wine
The EU Commission classifies it as follows: Dealcoholized wine contains a maximum of 0.5% ABV. If the value is higher but still below the minimum alcohol content of the original wine type, it's called partially dealcoholized. This rule applies to wine. You can't draw conclusions from it for beer or non-alcoholic spirit alternatives.
New labeling from September 19, 2027
Regulation (EU) 2026/471 has been adopted, but the labeling rules only apply from September 19, 2027. From that date, the following terms are provided for:
| Term | Requirement under the new rule |
|---|---|
| alkoholfrei | Maximum 0.5% ABV |
| additionally 0.0% | Maximum 0.05% ABV |
| alkoholreduziert | More than 0.5% ABV and at least 30% below the minimum alcohol content of the relevant category before dealcoholization |
Why both versions sit side by side on the shelf
Additionally, the note “produced through dealcoholization” is set to appear on the bottle in the future. Bottles labeled before September 19, 2027 under the old rules may still be sold off. That's why old and new labels will sit side by side on the shelf for a while.
Don't read “0.0” as a promise that there's absolutely no alcohol at all. The new limit of maximum 0.05% ABV makes that clear. What applies to your specific bottle is stated on its label and by the producer.
Four questions before you buy
First: What product type is stated on the label? Second: Is an alcohol content or an upper limit given? Third: Does the figure apply to exactly this variant, or only generally to the brand? Fourth: Is this value enough for whatever standard you want to meet?
If the product name just says “without” or “zero,” check the back label or the data sheet. If the information is missing, ask the producer about the specific product. Marketing for the whole range doesn't substitute for this information.
In a mixed drink, every ingredient counts. A liqueur or alcoholic bitters will alter a drink even if its base beverage is labeled 0.0. The zero on one bottle doesn't automatically apply to the finished glass.
“0.0” says nothing about sugar
Alcohol content and the nutrition table answer different questions. Check sugar and calories separately if that matters to you. Whether a product is vegan or contains allergens likewise doesn't follow from the zero.
This article explains labels. It doesn't replace medical advice or a decision you make for personal or religious reasons. If a specific limit matters to you, rely on the information for the specific product.