We live in a world that values speed, simplicity and convenience; this way of life has given rise to the popularity of packaged goods and refreshments like soft drinks and RTDs, that often come in the form of a can.
Whether it’s a BYO family gathering, backyard BBQ or picnic in the park, you’ll most likely find a fridge or esky full of soft drinks and RTDs – but what are some of the differences between the two, and are there advantages and disadvantages of consuming one over the other? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of pre-packaged drinks!
We all know what soft drinks are, but what exactly are RTDs?
You may have heard the term RTD, which stands for ‘ready-to-drink’ – this refers to drinks that are pre-mixed and ready for consumption. RTD beverages fall into several categories, including alcoholic seltzers, pre-mixed alcoholic drinks (such as rum and cola); pre-mixed cocktails; and wine-based drinks and cocktails in cans, including de-alcoholised wines.
The appeal of soft drinks
You might be opting for canned soft drinks for all sorts of reasons – maybe you’re the designated driver, or you have kids to care for; perhaps you’ve never been a drinker, or you’re taking a break from booze. You probably choose soft drink cans because they’re light, transportable, easy to chill, unbreakable and pack better in the esky! They also provide a great pick-me-up during that mid-afternoon slump and complement salty snacks and meals.
But…they contain so much sugar and so many kilojoules
On the downside of regular canned soft drinks, the majority are high in sugar and kilojoules. Classic colas, for example, contain around 35 grams of sugar (seven teaspoons!) in a 330ml can – or 10 grams per 100ml. And a couple of single-serve cans (at around 670kj/161cals) can really bust your recommended daily energy intake.
A better alternative: Alcohol-removed RTDs in cans
Like soft drinks, RTDs are convenient, lightweight and transportable – on top of this, they’re ideal to take to an outdoor venue, event or gathering like the beach, a picnic, camping or boating – anywhere where glass isn’t suitable or permitted. Aluminium is also more sustainable – it has a lower carbon footprint than glass bottles and a higher recycling rate, with 100 per cent of the packaging being recyclable.
But if you’re wanting to opt for something healthier – but just as refreshing – why not try an alcohol-removed RTD? There are so many benefits, and you don’t have to compromise on taste or quality!
Your choice in canned alcohol-removed wines
At Edenvale, we have two delicious alcohol-removed beverages in convenient slim-line cans. Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee and Edenvale Aperitivo Spritz are just as refreshing and delicious as their alcoholic counterparts, and an adult alternative to sweet soft drinks.
A bitter-sweet true aperitif, Aperitivo Spritz is characterised by notes of citrus, spice and floral blossom in a sophisticated sip that will transport you to Italy’s Amalfi coast; it’s a drink that immediately says ‘summer’.
You’ll want to enjoy Aperitivo Spritz with grazing platters of salty snacks and robust cheeses; charcuterie, olives, crisps, and crostini are perfect partners.
Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee is fresh and lively with rich fruit flavours – subtle yet fragrant aromas of ripe apples, subdued tropical fruit and citrus. Also a great aperitif, Sparkling Cuvee is your delicious all-rounder accompaniment to spicy foods, seafoods (especially oysters), desserts and fresh fruit.
As well as being lighter to carry, both alcohol-removed wines are also lighter in kilojoules and lower in sugar than traditional soft drinks. Sparkling Cuvee has just 3g of sugar and 59kj/14cal per 100ml. Aperitivo Spritz has just 5.9g of sugar and only 105kj/25cal per 100ml.
Of course, canned non-alcoholic wines are not just about putting these wines in cans; it’s about making these drinks more convenient, so they fit into your lifestyle. That is what RTD (ready-to-drink) products are all about. No fuss, no messing around. And with our alcohol-removed wine alternatives, no guilt, and no missing out on taste. The only thing you’ll miss out on is the hangover!
You can order Edenvale alcohol-removed wines for your summer celebration directly via our online shop.