Looking to cut back? Keep the vibe with alcohol-free, low-calorie rooibos drinks

You can still be the life of the party without alcohol. In 2026, “mindful drinking” and sober-curious choices are becoming a normal part of social life. People want options that keep the fun alive, but that are also lower in calories and keep the following day pain-free (Ansira, 2025; Good Culture Ingredients, 2026; Ward et al., 2025).

A major reason is increased health awareness. More adults are starting to see even moderate drinking as a health risk (Gallup, 2024; Movendi International, 2025). Health authorities in Europe are also pushing for more obvious cancer-risk warnings on alcohol labels, so consumers can make informed choices (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025; SHAAP, 2025). At the same time, the market for no- and low-alcohol drinks is growing, with forecasts pointing to continued expansion driven by increased demand (Beverage Daily, 2025; IWSR, 2025; Sustainalytics, 2025).

So, what are people looking for instead? Drinks that are delicious, refreshing, and low-calorie, without losing the social aspect of enjoying drinks with family and loved ones. People still want something that’s interesting and that they can speak about, just without alcoholic implications. That is where rooibos-based Sparkling Ice Teas and Cold Brews fit in perfectly. They’re something different that you can still speak about, they’re fun and delicious, just without the implications alcohol tends to have.

Sparkling Ice Teas: ready-to-drink, party-ready

Sparkling drinks just make a gathering feel more festive. They taste like the perfect weekend treat. Carmién Sparkling Rooibos Ice Teas are made to be enjoyed chilled, served on ice, and shared, without the alcohol. They are naturally caffeine-free and low in kilojoules, making them an ideal alternative when you want to cut back but still want something special to sip on (Carmién Tea, 2024). For the broader market, these rooibos-based gems fit in perfectly with 2026’s overall market shift toward “better-for-you” choices in social settings, especially among younger, wellness-focused consumers (Keurig Dr Pepper, 2025; NielsenIQ, 2025).

The Carmién Sparkling Ice Tea range

Carmién’s Sparkling Ice Tea range comes in three delicious flavours that enhance the natural, unique flavour of rooibos, with additional fruity twists for the ultimate refresher. Carmién Berry Hibiscus Sparkling Ice Tea is a bright berry flavour with a floral edge. It looks great in a glass and tastes like a treat. If you’d typically go for something like a strawberry daiquiri or berry cider, this is the perfect flavour for you.

The Carmién Geranium Mint Sparkling Ice Tea is crisp, clean, and ideal for anyone who would typically enjoy a mojito-style cocktail. It has the same sweetness as rum and sugar, but it’s perfectly balanced with a hint of mint.

We then have the Carmién Tangerine Grapefruit Sparkling Ice Tea, which is a citrus-forward option that’s light and lively. If you’re someone who loves a mimosa or something more citrusy like a paloma cocktail, this product may just be your new best friend.

Cold Brews: easy, refreshing, and fridge-friendly

Cold brew tea is one of the easiest adjustments you can make. Carmién Cold Brew teas are specially formulated to brew in cold water. Cold water pulls out flavour more slowly over time, which helps create a smooth, cleaner, sweeter-tasting cup (Carmién Tea, 2024). In 2026, convenience is a major driver. People want drinks that match busy schedules, gym bags, work days, and weekend outings (Good Culture Ingredients, 2026; FoodNavigator, 2025). Cold Brews are ideal for keeping the jug in the fridge full for a quick sip of something tasty, but also great for water bottles over ice while on the move.

Cold Brews for your everyday refresh

Carmién Cranberry Hibiscus Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is a sweet, slightly tart berry flavour and a bright, colourful brew. It suits the 2026 move toward lighter drinking, where people want refreshing options they can sip all afternoon and still feel good (Drinkaware, 2025; Vypr, 2026). If you love serving drinks at home, sangria-style in a jug, this is the perfect alternative.

Carmién Apricot Blossom Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is fruity and smooth, with an easy-going sweetness. If you love drinks like peach-flavoured iced tea or stone-fruit-based mixers, then this will serve as the perfect alternative.

For those who enjoy flavours of crisp apple with a cool mint finish, the Carmién Apple Mint Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is for you. This special blend also contains green rooibos, which is naturally higher in antioxidants than fermented, red rooibos.

Do you like pina colada without getting caught with a hangover? Carmién Coco Pine Cold Brew Rooibos Tea boasts tropical pineapple and coconut vibes. If you’re by the beach or chilling in the tropics, or simply just enjoy pineapple flavours at home, then this one is for you.

Carmién’s cold brew tea bags are made with Bioweb, a sustainable, non-plastic filter paper, which supports the wider 2026 focus on better choices, not only for your body but also for the planet (Carmién Tea, 2025; Sustainalytics, 2025).

Simple ways to serve them (and keep it social)

1. Pour Sparkling Ice Tea into a nice glass with ice, citrus slices, and fresh mint for a delicious mocktail.
2. Set up a cold brew jug in the fridge, then top up glasses with fruit and lots of ice.
3. Make it inclusive. Offer great alcohol-free options to your guests and be the perfect host.

Cutting back is not about missing out. It is about enjoying the moment, feeling good, and choosing drinks that match the kind of life you want in 2026.

Keeping up with market demand

For those who want to work with Carmién to develop alcohol-free, Private Label products such as these, or who simply need a reliable Bulk Rooibos supplier, now is the time to get in touch. With the demand for unique, alcohol-free drinks rising and with the global consumer base becoming more health-conscious, the food and beverage industry needs to shift its focus. Enquire about our B2B services today and start offering your customers healthier beverage options. We’d love to hear from you.

References:

• Ansira (2025) ‘2026 Alcohol Trends’. Available at: https://ansira.com/blog/2026-alcohol-trends/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Beverage Daily (2025) ‘Global low- and no-alcohol market data for 2025’. Available at: https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2025/01/29/global-low-and-no-alcohol-market-data-for-2025/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Carmién Tea (2024) 10022021_Carmien_Product_Catalogue_Oct2024_update_FINAL_lowres. Internal product catalogue (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Carmién Tea (2025) Carmien Tea_CSR Report_2024–2025. Internal CSR presentation (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Drinkaware (2025) ‘Drinkaware Monitor 2025’. Available at: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/research/drinkaware-monitors/drinkaware-monitor-2025 (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• FoodNavigator (2025) ‘No- and low-alcohol trends: Big growth, bold innovation, new markets’. Available at: https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/11/10/no-and-low-alcohol-trends-big-growth-bold-innovation-new-markets/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Gallup (2024) Reporting on US perceptions of moderate drinking risk. Available via: https://movendi.ngo/policy-updates/2025/03/19/new-survey-reveals-how-people-in-the-us-view-alcohols-risks/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Good Culture Ingredients (2026) ‘Consumption habits: non-alc trends 2026’. Available at: https://www.goodcultureingredients.com/blog/consumption-habits-non-alc-trends-2026 (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• IWSR (2025) ‘Five key trends shifting the beverage alcohol market in 2025’. Available at: https://www.theiwsr.com/insight/five-key-trends-shifting-the-beverage-alcohol-market-in-2025/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Keurig Dr Pepper (2025) ‘State of Beverages 2025’ (as referenced in industry reporting). Available at: https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/11/10/no-and-low-alcohol-trends-big-growth-bold-innovation-new-markets/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Movendi International (2025) ‘New survey reveals how people in the US view alcohol’s risks’. Available at: https://movendi.ngo/policy-updates/2025/03/19/new-survey-reveals-how-people-in-the-us-view-alcohols-risks/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• NielsenIQ (2025) ‘Non Alcohol Is No Longer a Niche, It’s a Billion-Dollar Movement’. Available at: https://nielseniq.com/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• SHAAP (2025) ‘Empowering consumers: the right to know about alcohol and cancer risk’. Available at: https://www.shaap.org.uk/empowering-consumers-the-right-to-know-about-alcohol-and-cancer-risk/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Sustainalytics (2025) ‘Tapping into the rise of no- and low-alcohol: opportunities and risks’. Available at: https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-research/resource/investors-esg-blog/tapping-into-the-rise-of-no–and-low-alcohol–opportunities-and-risks-for-beer–wine–and-spirits-companies (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• The Spirits Business (2025) ‘World Spirits Report 2025: low & no’. Available at: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/world-spirits-report-2025-low-no/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Vypr (2026) ‘The rise of low and no alcohol drinks in 2026’. Available at: https://vyprclients.com/the-rise-of-low-and-no-alcohol-drinks-in-2026/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• Ward, P.R. et al. (2025) ‘Reducing heavy drinking through the “sober curious” movement…’ Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12188140/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
• WHO Regional Office for Europe (2025) ‘Alcohol labels should warn of cancer risk’. Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/14-02-2025-alcohol-labels-should-warn-of-cancer-risk–says-new-who-europe-report (Accessed: 15 January 2026).