RTD Versus Soft Drinks: What’s The Difference, And What Are The Benefits?

We live in a fast-paced world where simplicity and convenience have never been more in demand; the popularity of on-the-go packaged consumables continues to rise – one you’re probably already familiar with, pre-packaged drinks! Usually in the form of a can, soft drinks and RTDs are great to bring along to picnics, backyard barbies or any kind of party or gathering for that matter – But is there any difference between the two? The short answer is yes! But is one healthier than the other? Does one taste better than the other? The good news is, there are answers to all of these questions! So, let’s deep dive into the world of soft drinks and RTDs.

Firstly, we all know what soft drinks are and what makes them so appealing. They taste great and they’re ideal if you’re the designated driver, or you have kids to care for; perhaps you’ve never been a drinker, or just taking a break from booze. They’re also super lightweight, transportable, easy to chill, unbreakable and pack better in the esky! Not to mention they’re a great pick-me-up during that mid-afternoon slump and complement salty snacks and meals.

On the downside, most soft drinks 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. The question remains, do RTDs do any better?  

Now, RTD might be a term you’re unfamiliar with. Simply put, RTD stands for ‘ready-to-drink’ and refers to drinks which are pre-mixed and ready for consumption. Variations of RTDs include 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. Like soft drinks, RTDs are convenient, lightweight and transportable – on top of this, 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!

Edenvale have a decadent range of wine/sparkling using grapes grown in Australia’s finest wine regions, carefully created using the same winemaking techniques as traditional wine, before the alcohol is gently extracted.

They have two delicious alcohol-removed wines in convenient, environmentally friendly 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 screams ‘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 are also lighter in kilojoules and much lower in sugar than traditional soft drinks. Sparkling Cuvee has just three grams of sugar per serve and 147.5 kj/36cals (59kj/14cal per 100ml). Aperitivo Spritz has just five grams of sugar per serve and only 263kj/63cal (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 Edenvale’s 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 Edenvale’s online shop.