Food

I’m an RD, and These Are the 11 Alcohol-Free Drinks I Recommend During Dry January and Beyond

Among the plethora of alcohol-free drinks out there, discover the top picks a dietitian recommends to her clients. .

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Photo: MEDITERRANEAN
Published Dec 30, 2023

Written by 

Lauren Manaker, RD

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More people are choosing to live an alcohol-free lifestyle than ever before. In fact, according to Gallup News, 62 percent of adults under the age of 35 are active drinkers, which is down 10 percent from only two decades ago. As a registered dietitian, I am always excited to help people navigate their alcohol-free lifestyle if that is something they are motivated to do, and that includes figuring out the growing world of alcohol-free drink options because not having alcohol doesn’t mean that a drink supports your health.

Sure, zero-proof drinks are alcohol free, allowing the body to avoid being exposed to its toxins (fyi the World Health Organization refers to alcohol as a toxin), but some non-alcoholic drinks can be loaded with added sugars and nothing more.

Thankfully, there are plenty of choices out there that help people either avoid or limit their alcohol consumption, are free from (or extremely low in) added sugars, and taste great. Many alcohol-free drinks also have additional ingredients that support our health in various other ways, like by adding prebiotic fiber or adaptogens (herbs that can help your body cope with stress and boost overall health).

Among the plethora of alcohol-free choices out there, here are my top picks that I enjoy recommending to my clients who are embarking on an alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol journey.

11 alcohol-free drinks an RD recommends

1. Moment Drinks Cherry Hibiscus, $40 (12 pack)

Adaptogenic drinks are rising in popularity across the globe as their properties and benefits become widely known and further studied. Moment contains ingredients like ginseng and L-theanine, which combat fatigue1 and aid in focus2 respectively. At a base level, these adaptogens simply help you “adapt” to stressors, quite like alcohol does in those first few sips (although we all know how quickly that feeling can pass). The best part is that Moment Drinks contain no added sugars or artificial flavors, so you can rest assured that you’re only drinking the good stuff.

Moment Cherry Hibiscus is an effervescent option made with hibiscus tea and sweetened with bright black cherries and a dash of cinnamon. The addition of ashwagandha helps manage stress, and the l-theanine may help improve mental clarity.

2. Wildwonder Strawberry Passion, $40 (12 pack)

Wildwonder combines herbs and botanicals with luscious fruit flavors that are inspired by the healing tonics the founder’s grandmother would brew for her in China. It’s the first sparkling drink to contain both prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health, and it makes for an excellent, alcohol-free, effervescent option to pour into your champagne or wine glass.

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Lightly sweetened with agave nectar and monk fruit for only 6 grams of sugar, this drink is USDA Organic, vegan, and GMO-free. It’s also AAPI- and female-founded.

Wildwonder Strawberry Passion offers the taste of perfectly ripe strawberries and tart passion fruit juice for a naturally sweet and juicy refresher. Balanced with freshly brewed hibiscus and elderflowers, this variety makes for a satisfying pre and probiotic-containing mocktail drink choice.

3. POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice, $18 (6 pack) 

With the look and boldness of certain red wines, POM Wonderful pomegranate juice is a great alternative to your nightly glass of vino. Made with 100-percent pomegranate juice—so no added sugars—each serving of this juice provides 10 percent of your daily potassium needs, approximately the same amount contained within a single banana. Additionally, this juice is packed with antioxidants, as the pomegranates have been whole-pressed from the rind, pith, and arils. In fact, there are 700 mg of polyphenol antioxidants per cup of this juice.

4. Olipop Ginger Ale, $36 (12 pack)

Instead of drinking traditional ginger ale, Olipop’s version can satisfy that desire for a gingery drink with only 5g of added sugars (compared to 36g of added sugar found in a can of original). Olipop’s is also free from anything artificial, and it contains a whopping 9g of prebiotic fiber to support gut health. It’s also infused with sweet lime, tart quince, and real ginger root for a sharp, sophisticated flavor that makes it the perfect swap.

5. White Claw Non-Alcoholic Seltzer (available Jan. 1)

White Claw is known as one of the most popular hard seltzer brands in the world, and they’ve just introduced their first non-alcoholic option. This seltzer contains the same great taste as their original line plus hydrating electrolytes with only 2g of sugar per can—minus the cruddy hangover the next day.

6. Kin Euphorics (prices vary)

Kin Euphorics has revolutionized the non-alcoholic game as they offer a vast plethora of drink alternatives that are made to look like the real thing. These drinks are infused with adaptogens instead of alcohol, and their drinks range from their “High Rhode” blend, which infuses caffeine and 5-HTP (an amino acid that can boost serotonin in the body) to induce sociality all the way to their “Dream Light” blend, which utilizes adaptogens, Reishi mushroom, and melatonin for a calm, sleep-inducing chill. They have a little something for everyone.

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7. Aplós, $48 (10 servings)

Aplós spirits come in “Calme” and “Arise” varieties that do just what their titles say. Their Calme variety contains broad-spectrum hemp to calm the body (so if you’re avoiding hemp products, watch out for this), while Arise contains a blend of adaptogens to aid in smooth conversation and social settings.

8. De Soi, $70 (12 pack)

Inspired by the French ethos of both pleasure and restraint, De Soi drinks are a non-alcoholic, sparkling alternative to your traditional aperitif. Created by both Katy Perry and master distiller Morgan McLachlan, these drinks contain—you guessed it—natural adaptogens to make you calmer, more focused, and less likely to react to stress during social situations. Their drinks really are alternatives to that well-loved aperitif as they come in four different mouth-watering flavors: Très Rosé, Golden Hour, Champignon Dreams, and Purple Lune.

9. Avec x Yes! Apples Fuji Apple and Cardamom Sparkling Beverage, $36 (12 pack)

Yes! Apples is a network of 50+ family-owned farms located in New York’s Upstate region, and they have officially collaborated with Avec to create a mouth-watering sparkling beverage. This drink is made with NY Fuji apples and world spices including cardamom, lemon verbena, tarragon, vanilla, and orange blossom to really capture that cozy winter taste. With only 5g of sugar per can, you don’t have to worry about overdoing it in terms of sweetness.

10. Longbottom Virgin Mary Bloody Mary Mix, $14 (4 pack)

Longbottom Bloody Mary mix is so delicious that it can be enjoyed without vodka and still be satisfying. It’s is made with quality ingredients like real tomato juice, onion puree, and capers. Bonus? This bloody mary option only contains 50 mg sodium per serving, which is far less than what other leading brands provide.

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11. Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholized Sparkling Rosé, $22 (per bottle) 

This dealcoholized wine gives the same satisfying bubbles and tart flavor as rosé, but minus the booze. Made with organic Spanish grapes, it truly tastes like the real deal.

  1. Arring, Noël M et al. “Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 24,7 (2018): 624-633. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0361

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  2. Giesbrecht, T et al. “The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 13,6 (2010): 283-90. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840

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FoodNutrition

Looking for a Nutritionist? This Online Service Makes It Easier Than Ever to Work With an RD

Fay Nutrition is on a mission to make nutritionists more accessible to Americans. We tried out the service—here is our honest review.

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Published Jan 29, 2025

Written by 

Christina Manian, RD

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As a registered dietitian (RD) with more than a decade of experience, I’ve worked in a range of healthcare settings over the years— from inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics to private practices—and the one issue that continues to plague all of these establishments is lack of insurance coverage for nutrition consultation.

Experts in This Article

Jason Rasmussen

Jason Rasmussen, Co-founder and CEO of Fay Nutrition

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While patients in a hospital can typically seek the counsel of an RD as part of their stay, many won’t be able to continue that care once they go home as insurance coverage in outpatient and private practice settings is hard to come by. If clients do have coverage, it’s often for a very limited amount of sessions (around two per year maximum) Given that proper nutrition is one of the primary ways to prevent several types of chronic diseases, working with a nutritionist on healthy eating habits is something that almost all adults could benefit from.

Thankfully, one company has made it their mission to address these long-standing issues for patients and nutrition professionals alike…and that company is Fay Nutrition. As an RD, I tested this online service to get firsthand insight into how it works, what it offers, and if it’s worth trying.

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What is Fay Nutrition?

Fay Nutrition is an online platform that connects board-certified registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDs and RDNs) to individuals through insurance-covered virtual or in-person appointments. It’s also the nation’s biggest and fastest-growing network of dietitians.

Fay was started by Jason Rasmussen, co-founder and CEO of Fay Nutrition. “Both my mom and sister are registered dietitians, and before starting at Harvard Business School, I was helping them with their private practice,” he said. “What I learned was that many dietitians struggled to accept insurance and open a private practice, yet so many people needed the help of an affordable, personal dietitian.”

Rasmussen soon made it his mission to empower RDs and make medical nutrition therapy more affordable and accessible to Americans. “In America, over half of adults1 have one or more preventable conditions linked to eating patterns, but access to nutrition care has been gate-kept by prohibitively high costs and obstacles for dietitians to accept insurance,” he explained. The company aims to help millions of Americans live longer, healthier, and happier lives through the power of nutrition.

My Experience Using Fay Nutrition

A platform linking you to RDs that take your insurance certainly sounds alluring, but what is it actually like to use? Here’s how my test run went.

Given that I was trying the platform on a demo, I was given a special link with an accompanying payment method to use upon signing up. For at-home users, you’d sign up as you would for any other service, inputting your basic personal and payment information (for co-pays if you have any). You then enter your health insurance information. If you don’t have health insurance, your journey on the platform will end here as it hinges upon this prerequisite.

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From there, it offered me a list of RDs to choose from based on my location, insurance company, and primary nutrition concern. With each listed RD, you can read a little bit about their philosophy and what areas of nutrition they specialize in.

The first RD I chose wasn’t actually available to see new clients—which was a little confusing, to be honest—but the next one I picked was. However, even though available for both virtual and in-person appointments, this next RD was located in Connecticut—a very long drive from my home in Colorado for an in-person session. If I hadn’t been looking for a virtual appointment, this would have required additional time and searching to find a Colorado-based RD.

Thankfully, virtual worked for me, so I went with the Connecticut-based RD and was able to get an appointment within a week of booking, which is impressive given that many outpatient and private practice RDs are booked out for weeks (if not longer). Booking was simple and I received plenty of helpful email communication after the fact, sharing everything I needed to know before the appointment, as well as frequent appointment reminders. Logging into my appointment was just as simple—I clicked the Zoom link in the email and entered right into the meeting.

My RD was very competent with an impressive 25 years of experience working in a range of settings with a variety of patients. She did all the right things when it came to an initial consultation: inquiring about my medical history, family history, basic biometrics, typical eating patterns, activity level, and more. She then offered very sound nutrition advice (I opted to receive general nutrition information) that was catered to me, recommending balanced eating practices that included all the major food groups (in line with my dietary preferences) to provide the correct amount of macro- and micronutrients.

We also had a candid conversation about who I was and what I was up to. This RD had nothing but positive things to say about working with Fay as a long-time professional in the field. She explained how Fay took care of all the behind-the-scenes insurance work, freeing up RDs to see more clients and often landing patients several covered appointments. This has allowed her to have long-standing relationships with Fay clients, making an even bigger impact on their health through nutrition therapy.

She shared several Fay client success stories with me and assured me that she was being compensated competitively by the company—all things I love to hear as an RD who supports other RDs.

Final Thoughts

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Pros and Cons of Fay Nutrition

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use
  • Accessible, no matter your location
  • Works seamlessly with your insurance provider

Cons:

  • Fewer options for in-person appointments
  • Only accessible for those with insurance
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Overall, I think Fay Nutrition is providing a great service for both RDs and patients. Throughout my career, I’ve seen time and time again how problematic a lack of insurance coverage for nutrition services can be for those who need it.

Fay addresses this by doing the grunt work for users and dietitians—a middleman that serves both sides. This enables more Americans (with health insurance) to receive nutrition care, while also empowering RDs to build up their businesses. The company also has an extensive vetting process for new hires (according to the RD I spoke to), ensuring that only experienced and well-qualified providers are featured on the platform.

So if you’re seeking nutrition consultation and have health insurance, it’s more than worth logging onto Fay to see what your options are. It’s far quicker and less frustrating than calling your insurance company for coverage confirmation and then doing additional leg work to find covered RDs in your area.

  1. Buttorff C, Ruder T, Bauman M. Multiple Chronic Conditions in the United States. Rand Corp.; 2017.

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Food

The 6 Best Dairy-Free Creamers That Are a Delicious Upgrade to Your Coffee Routine

Move over cow's milk—here are six of the best dairy-free creamers for all types of coffee lovers, recommended by dietitians.

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Photo: W+G Creative
Updated Jan 29, 2025

Written by 

Alexis Berger

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There are tons of alt-milks available, including well-known heavy hitters like almond and oat, as well as some dark horses, like rice, coconut, chia, potato, pistachio, and more. This variety of alt-milk extends to coffee creamers, too. Whether you’re into non-dairy creamers due to a lactose intolerance or sensitivity, have a goal of reducing the environmental impact of your grocery choices, or simply like the taste, there’s an abundance of choices. The less-great news? If you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, having a ton of options can make even the smallest decision feel overwhelming. (Cue you just trying to pick the best dairy-free creamers at the store, and not having the slightest clue of which to put in your cart.)

Experts in This Article

Alyssa Northrop

Alyssa Northrop, RD, is a massage therapist and registered dietitian based in Minneapolis.

Caroline Thomason

registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator

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But back to the good news: Registered dietitians are here to break down everything you need to know about dairy-creamer alternatives—including the benefits of giving one a shot and ingredients to look for (and avoid). Plus, their recs for the best options for every creamer need.

The best dairy-free creamers, at a glance:

Best oat:Oatly Oatmilk Creamer, $6Best almond: Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer, $5Best coconut: Laird Superfood Turmeric Superfood Creamer, $14Best flavored:Elmhurst Dairy-Free Creamer, $6Best unsweetened:Nutpods Original Coffee Creamer, $5Best functional:Rising Tide Focus Creamer, $22 

Benefits of non-dairy creamers

Having a lactose intolerance isn’t a required prerequisite for buying a non-dairy creamer. “Dairy-free creamers are a great option for a variety of reasons—perfect for people who follow plant-based diets, have dairy or lactose sensitivities, or simply want to explore new flavors and textures in their coffee or tea,” says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a licensed dietitian nutritionist based in Washington D.C. “Many dairy-free creamers also align with environmental or ethical preferences and are fortified with similar nutrients.”

Many are also lower in their saturated fat content, a type of fat that, when over-consumed, can be associated with elevated cholesterol and health outcomes like high blood pressure and heart disease. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that saturated fat account for no more than 10 percent of an adult’s daily intake. “A 2 tablespoon serving of half and half contains double the amount of saturated fat as many dairy-free creamers,” says Alyssa Northrop, RD. (She caveats, though, that despite being dairy-free, coconut-based creamers typically contain about the same amount of saturated fat as a dairy option.)

What to look for in a dairy-free creamer

There are some key green lights to look for on a non-dairy creamer’s label to indicate it’s worthy of adding to your mug. “Opt for creamers with whole food ingredients like nuts, oats, or coconuts as the base,” says Thomason. To pack an extra nutritional punch, look for products that contain fortified nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, and B12, she adds.

What to avoid in dairy-free creamers

Not all dairy-free creamers are created equally. After all, just because a product is plant-based doesn’t automatically make it better for you, and according to Northrop and Thomason, with regard to dairy-free creamers, added sugars and artificial sweeteners are top ingredients to keep an eye on. “One downside to dairy-free creamers is that [many] contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners and flavorings,” says Northrop. “I recommend avoiding dairy-free creamers with artificial sweeteners or excess added sugars—aim for no more than 4 grams of added sugars per tablespoon serving, but less is better.

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But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you take your morning beverage on the sweeter side. In this case, Thomason suggests opting for creamers sweetened with plant ingredients, like monk fruit—and we have some suggestions below. Get ready to drink up.

Shop the best dairy-free creamers

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Best oat: Oatly Oat Milk Creamer — $6.00

Oatly’s Original Oatmilk is what made the brand a household name, but within its now-extensive product line (which includes goodies like oat-based ice cream and cream cheese) is its Oatmilk Creamer. It’s available in three flavors—vanilla, sweet & creamy, and caramel—and is free of saturated fat. “Oatly creamers are creamy, versatile, and made from oats, offering a subtle sweetness and rich, frothy texture,” says Thomason. “They’re perfect for coffee, lattes, or even tea, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability is a bonus for eco-conscious folks.”

Pros: 

  • Available in three flavors
  • Tastes smooth and not overly sweet
  • Free of saturated fat

Cons: 

  • Includes added sugar, but a moderate 4 grams per serving
  • No unflavored or unsweetened version available
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Best almond: Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer — $5.00

Northrop recommends Silk’s Vanilla Almond Creamer to folks who like a sweeter cup of coffee. “It’s free of artificial flavors and sweeteners, contains 4 grams of added sugars, and lends a yummy vanilla flavor with a creamy consistency,” she says. Reviewers agree that the texture is smooth.

Pros: 

  • More affordable than other options
  • No saturated fat per serving

Cons: 

  • No sugar-free (or naturally sweetened) option
  • No added vitamins or nutrients
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Best coconut: Laird Superfood Turmeric Superfood Creamer — $14.00

Powdered creamer offers several built-in benefits: You can easily bring it with you to mix your ideal beverage on the go and it has a longer shelf life than most refrigerated liquids. And this option from Laird Superfood features just two ingredients: coconut milk powder and turmeric spice. It’s snagged more than 13,500 five-star reviews on Amazon with folks saying they particularly love that it has minimalist ingredients and a great, creamy taste. 

It also features naturally occurring MCT, an energy source that’s particularly popular for folks who follow a ketogenic nutrition plan (but you don’t need to be keto to enjoy it in moderation). Just be mindful that the ingredient also means the powder includes saturated fat, which should be consumed in general in moderation. 

Pros: 

  • Versatile powder formula
  • Zero added sugar
  • Only ingredient is coconut milk powder

Cons:

  • Includes 9 grams of saturated fat per serving of 2 Tbsp
  • Features low amounts of potassium and iron
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Best flavored: Elmhurst Oat Creamer — $6.00

Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and made without added gums or oils, you may be left wondering what Elmhurst’s oat-based Dairy Free Creamer does contain. According to reviewers, the versatile option—it’s available unsweetened or in French vanilla, caramel macchiato, pistachio, and chai spice—has everything you need for a delicious cup of dairy-free coffee: It blends well, tastes creamy and sweet enough (with regard to the flavored options) without being overpowering. 

“Made with minimal ingredients, Elmhurst’s creamers are simple, creamy, and free from unnecessary additives,” says Thomason. It’s also available in four flavors, in addition to an unsweetened option, allowing you optimum variety. “The pistachio-based creamer is especially smooth and blends beautifully in coffee—it’s my personal favorite.”

Pros: 

  • No saturated fat
  • Five flavor options (including unsweetened)
  • Sweetened options include just one gram of added sugar per serving
  • Blends well into coffee

Cons: 

  • Must purchase in packs of two or six at most online retailers
  • Some report that the carton leaks
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Best unsweetened: Nutpods Original Coffee Creamer — $5.00

With more than 3,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, nutpods’ original unsweetened almond-coconut creamer is a great pick for folks looking for a plant-based, dairy-free creamer that’s free of sugar, saturated fat, and an ingredients list longer than a CVS receipt. Reviewers say they love the taste and texture, say it froths nicely, and for anyone who isn’t sold on an unsweetened creamer, nutpods has you covered with 16 flavor options.

Pros: 

  • Available in 16 flavors and variety packs
  • No saturated fat per serving
  • Zero sugar in the unsweetened edition

Cons: 

  • Doesn’t include added nutrients or vitamins
  • Some say it doesn’t blend well into coffee
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Best functional: Rising Tide Focus Creamer — $22.00

Want to add a functional boost to your morning cup of joe? Rising Tide’s Focus Creamer is a vegan, dairy-free coffee enhancer formulated to boost cognitive function, memory, and concentration. The creamer’s key ingredients include organic coconut milk powder, organic coconut sugar, and organic Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, an adaptogen sometimes linked to supporting mental clarity and focus. Stir it in your coffee and enjoy.

Pros: 

  • Blended with adaptogens for mental clarity
  • Blended with acacia fiber to support digestion
  • Versatile powder formula

Cons: 

  • Expensive
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