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Running a successful business in the hospitality industry is hard. But lately, things become even more complicated. People now follow different diets and business owners need to adapt fast to the changing customer behaviors.
Both non-alcoholic beverages and gluten-free cocktail drinks are gaining popularity. Vegan drinks are also alternatives customers at bars and restaurants are looking for. That’s because people are now more focused on living a healthier lifestyle.
Some people have discovered that they have a gluten and/or dairy intolerance. Others have noticed the impact different types of alcohol have on their system. These people now look for more alcohol-free options when enjoying brunch or fine dining with friends.
Previously, we discussed different types of vegan non-alcoholic drinks and how to add them to the menu of your restaurant. Now, we want to dive deeper into the topic of non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks, which are also important to have on the menu of your bar and restaurant in 2023.
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Non-Alcoholic Gluten-Free Drinks: Why Serve Them?
There are a few reasons why you need to look into offering special non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks. These drinks offer benefits to both customers and the restaurants that serve them.
To help you decide whether to add non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks to your offers, we’ve compiled the following list of benefits:
Key Takeaway: Serving various non-alcoholic gluten-free beverages will attract more customers to your restaurant that have specific dietary needs. Such beverages are a great way to diversify your menu and increase profits.
1. Expanding customer base
By offering non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks at your restaurant, you cater to a wider range of dietary preferences and restrictions. This inclusivity can attract customers who may otherwise struggle to find suitable drink options. People with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or those who choose to avoid alcohol also want to enjoy a nice fancy drink while having dinner with their friends.
By expanding your offers, you will attract such people and will provide a great customer experience they will talk about. And what better way to promote your restaurant than having satisfied customers who want to bring their friends there?
2. Riding on the wave of change
In the last few years, a lot more people consciously choose to live a healthier lifestyle. This led to many of the letting go of alcohol and choosing to eliminate gluten and lactose from their diets. Not all of these people are intolerant or allergic but still want to avoid such components in their food and drinks.
As a business owner in the restaurant industry, you should adapt quickly to the change and start offering what people want to get. From vegan wine and lattes with vegan milk, as well as CBD beverages to a range of non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks - you have a lot of bases to cover.
Restaurant marketing can be very challenging. But if you have a well-curated menu, you can attract customers with different lifestyles.
3. Setting your restaurant apart from the competition
Creating a diverse beverage program for your restaurant will surely set you apart from others in the area. When you have a seasonal menu or a permanent one, full of drinks, food and beverage pairing options will increase as well. As you can see, a diverse drink menu can certainly be a value proposition for restaurant brands.
When people can find great food and drink combinations at your restaurant, they will most likely visit again. Building a good reputation can even spark the interest of Michelin Star inspectors. Although drinks are not officially considered when getting a Michelin Star, building a great menu of quality dishes and drinks can bring you closer to this great recognition.
4. Increasing profitability
Non-alcoholic and gluten-free beverages often lead to higher restaurant profit margins compared to traditional alcoholic drinks. By diversifying your drinks menu, you have the potential to increase revenue and profitability, as these drinks can be priced competitively due to their specialty nature.
Plant-based milks, for example, are a common ingredient in lactose-free/gluten-free beverages, which makes them naturally a bit pricier. This means that typically, the special drinks on your menu will be at a higher price. However, because of the demand, you may be surprised by how much of them you can actually sell in a day. Just make sure you are pricing them drinks fairly so your prices are competitive.
Health Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Gluten-Free Drinks
One big reason to serve alcohol and gluten-free drinks at your restaurant is the health benefits they offer. Since they are plenty, however, we will look closely into them in the following paragraphs.
Suitable for gluten sensitivities and celiac disease
Customers at your restaurant with gluten intolerance or celiac disease will be looking for gluten-free alternatives. If they consume drinks with gluten, it can lead to digestive discomfort, inflammation, and damage to the small intestine. Offering gluten-free drink alternatives ensures that these customers at your restaurant can enjoy a beverage without risking adverse health effects.
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Improved digestion
Certain people may experience digestive issues when consuming gluten. By opting for non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks, individuals who are sensitive to gluten can avoid potential digestive discomfort, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Since alcohol can also be a trigger sometimes, having options that don’t contain any would be ideal.
Nutrient-rich alternatives
Gluten-free non-alcoholic drinks are created with different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. These drinks can provide a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which promote well-being.
Lower calorie content
Alcohol tends to be high in calories. By offering non-alcoholic drinks, your customers can enjoy refreshing and delicious options with lower calorie counts. This is especially beneficial for people watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hydration
Non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks, such as infused waters, herbal teas, or fruit juices, can help with hydration. Staying hydrated is crucial to maintain healthy skin, regulating body temperature, and supporting optimal organ function.
Reduced alcohol-related issues
with non-alcoholic options, people can avoid the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, such as increased blood pressure, liver damage, and addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Alcoholic Gluten-Free Drinks
This is a broad topic that raises a lot of questions. For that reason, we’ve also answered some common ones people have regarding non-alcoholic gluten-free drinks.
Are Mocktails Gluten-Free?
The majority of mocktails are gluten-free because their ingredients are mostly based on fruits, vegetables, and herbs. If the mocktail contains alcohol-free beer or wine that’s not specifically marked as gluten-free, it’s possible that the drink has gluten.
As a restaurant owner, it’s best to mark each drink that’s alcohol and gluten-free on the menu so customers can easily find what they want.
Which Soft Drinks Are Gluten-Free?
The most popular types of soft drinks are gluten-free according to their manufacturers. However, if health is the main reason to search for gluten-free options, it would be best to stick to freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.
Soft drinks typically contain added sweeteners, which can not be suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions.
Which Drinks Are Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
The non-alcoholic drinks suitable for people on a gluten-free diet are coffee, tea, water, fruit juice, soda, and some energy drinks. When getting canned drinks, there should be information on the label regarding any gluten content.
The most popular drinks worldwide (like coffee and tea) are naturally gluten-free and you can create any type of drink you like with them as a base component. You can get gluten-free beers, which can be alcohol-free as well.