8 Reasons to Consider Stocking Up on Non-Alcoholic Ciders
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We all know that cider is one of the world’s most beloved beverages. We drink it to relax, celebrate, party, come together as friends and family, and simply to enjoy its crisp flavor.
Something about the mouth-watering combination of apple and the biting alcohol fosters a drinking experience unlike any other.
But what about non-alcoholic cider?
Of course, here in the U.S., the term “cider” is somewhat ambiguous. What Europeans refer to as “cider” is often called “hard cider” in the U.S. Now that the brewing of alcoholic cider has become more widespread in the U.S., you never quite know what somebody means by “cider” until you ask. For the sake of this article, we use “cider” to mean the alcoholic version.
While we absolutely love a good cider, there’s plenty going for non-alcoholic cider too. Here’s why you should consider stocking up on some of the soft stuff.
- Nutritional Benefits
Unlike more heavily processed apple juice and alcoholic ciders, non-alcoholic ciders contain a vast array of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients that are good for your health.
Unfiltered, non-alcoholic cider is high in polyphenols—compounds that have an antioxidant effect on the body. Antioxidants reduce the risk of common diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Of course, most cider is quite high in sugar and should get consumed in moderation.
Soft cider is also high in potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, all of which are essential micronutrients that you need in your diet.
Unfiltered soft cider can help to regulate your bowels too, as it contains plenty of fiber. This fiber is removed during the filtration process in hard cider.
- It’s a Good Substitute for Alcohol
If you’re taking a break from alcoholic drinks, it’s always a good idea to have an alternative for those occasions when you feel like something tasty and refreshing. This is doubly true when holidays and social occasions come around.
Watching your friends and family enjoy their beers, ciders, and wine while you sip water can be a bit of a downer. Soft cider will scratch that itch for something sweet and festive without the alcohol content.
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying hard cider, a break from alcohol now and then is good for your body, especially if you happen to be recovering from an illness or trying to get in shape.
If you’re an athlete and don’t want to drink while you’re preparing for an important event, soft cider is a tasty, healthy alternative.
- It Hydrates You
Soft cider is predominantly made up of water, which is one of the reasons it leaves you feeling so refreshed. The sugars and nutrients help you feel energized while the high-water content hydrates you.
The alcohol in hard cider acts as a diuretic, which causes you to lose more water than you’re absorbing, even though you’re technically taking in plenty.
Soft cider doesn’t have that problem, which makes it a perfect choice for hot summer afternoons when your body needs plenty of water to keep you going.
- It’s Healthier than Soda
Okay, to be fair, most things are healthier than soda. But soft cider sates the same craving for a sweet, refreshing drink that soda does without depositing a metric ton of sugar into your gut.
Unlike soda, soft cider has a variety of health benefits, actually re-hydrates you, and contains far less sugar than any non-diet soda on the market.
Overconsumption of sugary sodas is one of the main contributors to the high rates of diabetes and obesity in the U.S. Finding a healthier alternative to soda is an investment in your long-term well-being and it’s a tasty way to do so.
- Drink it Chilled or Warm with Spices
Soft cider is the perfect beverage for any occasion in any weather. In summer, fill your biggest pitcher with ice and serve chilled, refreshing cider to your grateful guests. Whether you’re having a cookout or trying to catch a tan, there’s nothing more welcome than an ice-cold glass of soft cider to keep the thirst at bay.
In winter, put it in a pot, add some cloves and cinnamon sticks, and leave it to simmer for a little while. Soon enough, you’ll have a delicious, naturally sweet, spicy, warm beverage to heat you up from the inside out. This recipe has an especially festive kick to it, making it an ideal addition to every Thanksgiving and Christmas table.
- Make A Family-Friendly Festive Drink
Kids are naturally curious, which makes it difficult to enjoy anything restricted to adults only during the holidays. Whether it’s eggnog, buttered rum, or mulled wine, the kids are bound to badger you for a taste or a glass of their own.
Luckily, kids are pretty easy to satisfy. Making some hot apple cider with a few gentle spices thrown in is the perfect “special holiday drink” that can be “just for them,” leaving you and the rest of the adults to drink whatever you want in peace.
- It’s Low in Calories
Many people are surprised to learn that alcoholic beverages are packed with calories. What’s more, alcohol actively stops your body from converting calories into usable energy. There are only around 100-120 calories in a glass of soft cider, and that energy can be used more readily than the calories in alcoholic beverages.
Soft cider is a fantastic low-calorie drink that still leaves you feeling satisfied. It also means that if you’re counting calories, you can still enjoy other treats like premium hand-crafted chocolates guilt-free.
- Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar
Soft cider doesn’t have the longest shelf-life and will start to ferment if left for too long. That doesn’t mean it’s useless, though!
Once cider has gone past its prime, you can simply let it ferment until it becomes apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a useful cooking ingredient and has a range of health benefits backed by exciting new research.
There you have it! 8 great reasons why you need to stock up on non-alcoholic cider—and stay stocked up.
