Understanding ABV: What’s the Difference Between 0.0%, 0%, and 0.5%?

At Sobr Market, one of the most common questions we get from customers is about alcohol by volume (ABV) in non-alcoholic drinks. Many people want to know the difference between 0.0%, 0%, and 0.5% ABV, and whether these beverages are truly alcohol-free.

The short answer? All of them are considered non-alcoholic. But there’s more to it than just numbers, and we’re here to break it down for you.

What Does ABV Mean?

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is the standard measurement of alcohol content in beverages. It represents the percentage of ethanol present in a liquid. For example, a regular beer typically has 4-6% ABV, while a wine may range from 12-15% ABV.

However, non-alcoholic beverages contain very little alcohol—often less than what’s naturally present in everyday foods.

The Legal Definition of “Alcohol-Free” in Canada

In Canada, the definition of “non-alcoholic” or “alcohol-free” varies slightly by region:

• Canada-wide: Any beverage under 1.0% ABV is legally considered “non-alcoholic.”
• Ontario: The province has a stricter threshold, defining 0.5% ABV and lower as non-alcoholic.

This means that whether a beverage is 0.5%, 0.0%, or anything in between, it is legally classified as alcohol-free or non-alcoholic in Canada.

Is There a Difference Between 0.0%, 0%, and 0.5%?

0.0% ABV

• Some brands specifically label their products as 0.0% ABV to emphasize that no detectable alcohol remains after production.
• This is often achieved through processes like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis to remove even trace amounts of alcohol.
• However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “more alcohol-free” than a 0.5% beverage—it’s just a different production method.

0% ABV

• Functionally the same as 0.0% but might be labeled differently based on the brand’s preference or marketing.
• Some manufacturers use 0% because it’s simpler and avoids confusion with decimal points.

0.5% ABV

• Many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits contain up to 0.5% ABV due to natural fermentation.
• This is far below the amount of alcohol needed to have any physiological effect.
• Scientifically, consuming a 0.5% beverage will not raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Everyday Foods That Contain More Alcohol Than Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Here’s something most people don’t realize: many common foods naturally contain more alcohol than a 0.5% beverage.

A glass of orange juice or eating a banana can expose your body to as much, if not more, alcohol than a non-alcoholic beer or wine at 0.5%. Yet, these foods are not labeled as containing alcohol because they fall well below any threshold for intoxication.

Will 0.5% ABV Raise Your Blood Alcohol Level?

No. Scientific studies have shown that beverages at 0.5% ABV or lower have no measurable effect on blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

• A 2012 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology tested the BAC levels of individuals consuming 0.5% ABV beverages. The results showed no significant increase in BAC.
• The human body processes trace alcohol amounts faster than it can accumulate.
• Even if you drank several bottles of 0.5% beer in a short time, your BAC would remain at 0.00% or undetectable levels because your body metabolizes it immediately.

In other words, drinking a non-alcoholic beer will not impair you or make you “buzzed” in any way.

Final Thoughts

At Sobr Market, we believe that all beverages at 0.5% ABV or lower should be considered alcohol-free based on scientific findings and real-world comparisons. There should be no distinction between 0.0%, 0%, and 0.5%, as none of them will increase your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

If you’re concerned about 0.5% ABV in your beverages, we encourage you to also evaluate the natural alcohol content in common foods like bananas, yogurt, bread, and orange juice—which often contain similar or even higher amounts of alcohol.

The bottom line? Enjoy your non-alcoholic beverages with confidence!