If you’ve ever wondered why premium non-alcoholic beers, wines and “mocktail spirits” sold at Craftzero can sometimes feel pricey, you’re not alone. Despite the lack of alcohol, many zero-alc beverages command a premium - and there are good reasons for it.
1. Premium Production Costs & Complex Processes
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Non-alcoholic drinks often require specialised de-alcoholisation technology (like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis) to remove alcohol while retaining flavour. These machines are expensive and using them adds cost.
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Because you’re essentially producing a “real” beer or wine first and then removing the alcohol, the cost per unit stays high.
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These processes also consume more energy and water, adding to manufacturing costs.
2. Small-Scale, Niche Production
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Non-alcoholic brews are often made in smaller batches, especially in craft breweries, because demand is still growing. This means they can’t benefit from the same economies of scale as mass-produced alcoholic beers.
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Many non-alc brands position themselves as premium or artisanal, using high-quality or even organic ingredients to deliver sophisticated flavour.
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Some non-alcoholic drinks also use premium botanicals and unique flavour extracts — Altina Drinks is a great example - which naturally increases ingredient and production costs.
3. Price Positioning & Market Perception
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Because non-alcoholic options are still relatively niche, they’re often marketed as premium “wellness” or luxury alternatives, allowing brands to set higher prices.
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There’s also a psychological factor called price anchoring: consumers compare zero-alcohol drinks to their alcoholic counterparts, which themselves can be expensive and assume similar pricing is justified.
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Surprisingly, because non-alcoholic drinks don’t attract alcohol excise tax, the higher price isn’t due to government duty. The markup often reflects the brand’s positioning and production cost.
4. Brand Values & Ingredients
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Many non-alc beverage makers emphasise natural, locally sourced or organic ingredients. These cost more but appeal to consumers seeking quality.
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Skilled brewers with expertise in no (or low) alcohol processes are required, which means labour costs are high.
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Because flavour is harder to deliver without alcohol (which naturally enhances taste), brands often add extra botanicals or flavour enhancers, increasing costs.
5. Distribution, Packaging & Marketing
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Smaller brands and craft producers don’t always have large-scale distribution networks, so transportation and logistics cost more proportionally.
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Packaging for non-alc drinks is often designed to look premium, reinforcing their higher price tag.
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Marketing plays a big role: non-alc brands invest in building brand identity and educating consumers on why “zero is the new bold,” which adds up.
What Does This Mean for Craftzero Customers?
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When you buy non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirits from Craftzero, you're paying for more than just "no alcohol" - you're paying for craftsmanship, innovation and quality.
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Many of the brands we stock at Craftzero prioritise natural or Australian-grown ingredients, so you're getting a thoughtful and premium product.
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With smaller production runs and limited-scale craft operations, these niche zero-alc options necessarily cost more — but as demand grows, that could change.
While some zero-alcohol drinks can be more expensive than their alcoholic peers, the higher cost reflects the complex production, premium ingredients and innovation behind each bottle or can. At Craftzero, you’re not just buying a “virgin drink”. You’re supporting the future of mindful, high-quality alcohol-free drinking.
If you're ready to explore the world of non-alcoholic drinks but aren’t sure where to start or want great options without the higher price tag, browse our best-selling drinks and discover drinks on sale. There's a drink to suit every budget!
Happy (non-alcoholic) drinking! 🥂
