Nolo or NoLow: develop the perfect flavoring signature and benefit from this trend

The NoLow or Nolo trend, a fusion of the terms “No” and “Low”, symbolizes a revolution in the world of beverages. Originally popularized by initiatives such as “Dry January”, this phenomenon has persuaded a segment of the population to limit their alcohol consumption throughout the year, in favor of NoLow beverages. So much so that many manufacturers, as well as smaller producers, have seen the Nolo movement as a real opportunity. Today, many companies are riding this wave by offering dry (alcohol-free) versions of historically alcoholic beverages. However, to stand out in this increasingly competitive market, these players must constantly innovate. Their objective: to continually find new recipes incorporating beverage flavors that give consumers the sensation of drinking alcohol without the inconvenience.

Fortunately, Metarom is there to support these producers in their search for the flavoring signatures that will enable them to create tomorrow’s best NoLow beverages.

The NoLow concept: a growing trend

NoLow is no longer just a passing fad, but a genuine revolution in our consumption habits. The principle is simple: reduce or even eliminate alcohol from beverages, while preserving their taste pleasure. This market quickly found its audience, as many French people now drink NoLow beverages, with a strong predominance among young people aged 18 to 25.

This change is motivated by reasons of health, well-being and a desire for moderation. NoLow drinks maintain the social and festive aspect of drinking, without the negative effects of alcohol.

The success of alcohol-free alternatives continues to grow, leading to a proliferation of product launches in this category and increasingly tough competition in this market.

NoLow trend: dry versions of all alcoholic beverages

The range of NoLow beverages is vast and varied, and now includes all originally alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and spirits:

• Alcohol-free gin with botanical, spicy and citrus aromas
• Alcohol-free rum punctuated with pastry, fruity and vanilla notes for a white rum, or spicy and caramelized notes for a dark rum
• Alcohol-free whisky enriched with smoky, woody and leathery notes to mimic the complex flavoring profile of a traditional whisky

The NoLow movement has also spawned a new trend in the world of beverages: the mocktail. Mocktails are increasingly sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails that take their cues from their alcoholic counterparts:

• Alcohol-free Spritz: a blend of water, sugar syrup and sparkling white wine flavours with notes of elderflower
• Alcohol-free Moscow Mule made with water, sugar syrup, aromatic caramel and extracts of ginger and lime

Designing a NoLow drink is therefore a complex exercise. This means creating a non-alcoholic beverage that respects the codes, aromas and taste pleasure of an alcoholic beverage.

Thanks to detailed flavoring wheels, Metarom offers manufacturers the possibility of choosing and combining flavors to obtain the ideal taste profile for a NoLow beverage. These flavors for soft drinks and NoLow drinks will help you meet the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages, by creating unforgettable taste experiences.