Pursuing the taste of alcohol with "Alcohol Flavor Retained Manufacturing Method" and "Throat Feel Real Manufacturing Method" - Suntory survey "Results of 100 Alcohol Lovers Trying 'Non-Alcohol Sakaba' for the First Time"

Special Site for "Results of 100 Alcohol Lovers Trying 'Non-Alcohol Sakaba' for the First Time"

https://www.suntory.co.jp/non-al/sakaba/lp/about/

Video for "Results of 100 Alcohol Lovers Trying 'Non-Alcohol Sakaba' for the First Time"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qha4Da8Kho

Suntory Holdings Limited conducted the "Results of 100 Alcohol Lovers Trying 'Non-Alcohol Sakaba' for the First Time" survey to introduce the appeal of "Non-Alcohol Sakaba Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic" to more people. In this survey, 100 alcohol lovers were asked to drink "Non-Alcohol Sakaba Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic" with the product name concealed and provide their "taste impressions."

The "Non-Alcohol Sakaba" brand is a non-alcoholic beverage that uses "de-alcoholized extract" obtained by removing alcohol from carefully selected alcoholic beverages, aiming for an authentic taste like real alcohol. It has been well-received as a non-alcoholic beverage that allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of authentic lemon sours, highballs, and wines as you would at a bar.

In the survey, 90% felt that "Non-Alcohol Sakaba Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic" was "alcoholic (1% or more alcohol)." Furthermore, it received high marks for its compatibility with meals due to its "refreshing, unsweetened taste" and "bitterness and aftertaste reminiscent of alcohol." The survey results showed that even alcohol lovers could experience not only the taste but also "the sensation of having drunk alcohol despite it being non-alcoholic."

Videos and photos of the actual survey are available on the special page. Please check out the real voices of alcohol lovers.

[Survey Summary]

◆ 90% of alcohol lovers recognized "Non-Alcohol Sakaba Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic" as "alcohol (1% or more alcohol)."

In addition, 92% responded that it "pairs well with meals," and 83% said they "would like to buy and drink it."

◆ Comments included "It had a characteristic aftertaste of alcohol" and "It really makes you feel like you're drinking."

Satisfaction with the alcohol-like taste was expressed, such as "It's refreshing and not sweet, which is like alcohol," and comments on its compatibility with food, such as "It seems to go well with meals" and "It seems to go well with fried chicken."

Survey Overview

Survey Method: Central Location Test (CLT) *After tasting with the product name concealed, a questionnaire and interview were conducted.

Target Audience: 100 men and women aged 20 to 60 who responded in a preliminary survey that they are "alcohol lovers," "drink at least once a month," and "have not drunk Non-Alcohol Sakaba."

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

Men

7

13

10

11

9

Women

10

10

10

10

10

Survey Date: March 29, 2026 (Sun)

Detailed Survey Results

Q1. Regarding the lemon sour you drank, what percentage of alcohol content did you perceive?

The results showed that 37% perceived "1-3% alcohol content," 45% perceived "4-5%," and 8% perceived "6% or more," with 90% believing it was "alcoholic beverage."

Q2. Were you surprised by the "alcoholic feel" of the lemon sour you drank, which exceeded your expectations?

The total of "Applies" and "Somewhat applies" was 79%, indicating that even alcohol lovers could fully experience the "alcoholic feel."

Q3. To what extent did you feel the lemon sour you drank would "pair well with meals"?

The total of "Pairs very well with meals" and "Pairs with meals" was 92%, clearly demonstrating its compatibility with food.

Q4. To what extent did you feel the lemon sour was one you would "like to buy and drink"?

The total of "Would like to buy and drink" and "Somewhat would like to buy and drink" was 83%, indicating that the taste is accepted by alcohol lovers.

In-Person Interview Results

In the in-person interviews where participants were asked about the specific taste, many voices expressed a sense of "alcohol-likeness," such as "It's refreshing and not sweet like alcohol," "It has a bitterness and aftertaste characteristic of alcohol," and "It seems to go well with meals."

(Regarding the lemon flavor)

"It's delicious because it's not cloyingly sweet, and you can directly feel the sourness and bitterness of the lemon. It also seems to go well with meals. It's like a crisp lemon sour." (Male, 20s)

"I thought it was very delicious with its refreshing mouthfeel, the sourness of the lemon, and a moderate bitterness." (Female, 40s)

"The lemon flavor is just right with a pleasant sourness. The throat feel is good, and the carbonation is strong and stimulating, making it delicious." (Male, 30s)

(Regarding deliciousness)

"I thought it was a delicious lemon sour because it's not too sweet and has a moderate carbonation stimulus. Since it's not too sweet, it seems to go well with meals too." (Female, 50s)

"The refreshing citrus aroma is just right. The taste is also bitter, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel, and it's delicious." (Male, 60s)

"I felt it was delicious because the balance of sourness and sweetness of the lemon was conveyed well in the first sip. The lemon aftertaste remained firmly even after continuing to drink, leaving a good impression." (Male, 30s)

(Regarding aftertaste and refreshingness)

"It's delicious with the lemon aroma and taste, and it's refreshing. The aftertaste is also clean, making it very easy to drink." (Female, 50s)

"I really liked that it's easy to drink with its refreshing sourness and clean aftertaste." (Male, 40s)

"It's delicious with a refreshing taste that isn't sweet. I thought it had a stylish taste with a spicy flavor like spices in addition to the lemon." (Female, 20s)

[Suntory Representative's Comment on Survey Results]

"We are very pleased that many alcohol lovers felt they were drinking alcohol in this survey. During development, we focused on achieving a crisp aftertaste and moderate bitterness characteristic of lemon sours, and a refreshing, less sweet mouthfeel, aiming for 'the sensation of having drunk alcohol despite being non-alcoholic.' We also received high marks for its compatibility with meals, and we want to deliver this as a new, easily enjoyable option for everyday evening drinks to more people."

Minari Kai, Non-Alcohol Department, Future Creation Division, Suntory Holdings Limited

About the "Non-Alcohol Sakaba" Manufacturing Method

[1] Alcohol Flavor Retained Manufacturing Method

Using Suntory's proprietary "de-alcoholization technology," which removes alcohol from carefully selected spirits with minimal heat applied, we have achieved an authentic taste that is just like the real thing.

[2] Throat Feel Real Manufacturing Method

Focusing on the stimulating sensation that alcohol provides in the throat, we meticulously adjusted the balance of ingredients to replicate that throat feel even in a non-alcoholic beverage. From the initial impact to the end of the drink, we have retained a satisfying, alcohol-like mouthfeel.

By retaining the authentic aroma and throat feel, it enhances the deliciousness of food and is a taste that pairs well with meals.

Product Outline

"Non-Alcohol Sakaba Lemon Sour Non-Alcoholic"

Volume: 350ml Suggested Retail Price (excluding tax): 141 yen Alcohol Content: 0.00%

Volume: 500ml Suggested Retail Price (excluding tax): 190 yen Alcohol Content: 0.00%

Formulated with "de-alcoholized extract" from carefully selected shochu, and using our unique "lemon encapsulation technology" to miniaturize the refreshing lemon aroma, we have created an authentic lemon sour-like taste that enhances the fruitiness of the lemon. You can enjoy an alcohol-like satisfying mouthfeel.

"Non-Alcohol Sakaba"

Enjoy the deliciousness of authentic lemon sours, highballs, and wines as you would at a bar with this non-alcoholic beverage.

https://www.suntory.co.jp/non-al/sakaba/

▽ For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact:

Suntory Customer Service Center https://www.suntory.co.jp/customer/