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UK-based functional drinks producer Sentia Spirits is entering the alcohol-free cider category, as beverage makers increasingly look to science-led innovation to capture demand from consumers cutting back on alcohol without abandoning social drinking rituals.
The company, co-founded by neuropsychopharmacologist David Nutt, says it will launch Sentia Cider in February, positioning the product as a 'functional' alternative designed to promote relaxation and social connection without alcohol.
The move marks Sentia’s expansion beyond spirits-style alternatives into a mainstream cider format – a category with deep heritage in the UK but limited functional differentiation to date.
The launch comes as alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks continue to gain share across Europe, driven by health-conscious consumers reassessing alcohol consumption, particularly during the first quarter of the year.
Industry data shows growth in the category has increasingly been led by premium, flavour-led products rather than traditional soft drinks positioned as substitutes.
Sentia Cider is made using traditional cider apple varieties, including Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Redstreak, which are known in the UK cider industry for their balance of sweetness, acidity and tannin that typically contribute to depth and complexity in cider flavour.
Yarlington Mill and Dabinett are well-regarded bittersweet cider apple cultivars used in craft and 'real' cider production for body and aromatic complexity.
The beverage is positioned as a sparkling, alcohol-free cider aimed at adult palates.
While Sentia did not disclose details of its functional formulation, the brand is built around GABA-enhancing compounds developed by its parent company, GABA Labs, which focuses on alcohol alternatives informed by neuroscience.
Chief executive David Orren says the product was designed to challenge the idea that alcohol reduction equates to restriction, instead offering what he described as an “upgrade” to the drinking experience.
The positioning reflects a broader shift among no- and low-alcohol brands away from abstinence messaging and towards social, experiential value.
The cider will retail at £18 for a six-bottle case via Sentia’s direct-to-consumer channel, placing it firmly in the premium end of the alcohol-free market.
The pricing underscores a wider trend in the sector, where brands are seeking margin growth through functionality, storytelling and scientific credibility rather than volume-led competition.
