Looking for a refreshing sip that goes beyond the typical beer or long drink? Fear not, as Finland has a plethora of non-alcoholic options waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Join us on a journey to discover the intriguing world of booze-free Finnish beverages!
he Good Guys Kombucha: A Modern Twist on Tradition
In the Finnish kombucha scene, The Good Guys Kombucha stands as a major player, offering a contemporary take on a beverage with roots dating back thousands of years in Asia. Founded by a group of friends, this brand has made its mark on Finnish supermarket shelves and kitchens across the EU. With organic kombucha in enticing flavors, starter kits for home brewing, loose-leaf tea, and more, The Good Guys Kombucha provides a healthy alternative to sugary sodas.
Co-founder Krister Häll notes, “The best kind of feedback for us is to hear people say that drinking our kombucha genuinely makes them feel better.”
Poikain Parhaat: Crafting Authentic Finnish Flavors
Based in Tampere, Poikain Parhaat is on a mission to make authentic Finnish flavors accessible to all. Specializing in premium lemonades, iced tea, artisan meads, and seasonal beverages, this company was born from the success of its glögi (Finnish mulled wine) at a local Christmas market in 2016. Founder and CEO Nikolas Jokisalo expresses a commitment to growth and innovation, constantly exploring new ways to use unique Finnish natural ingredients.
“We will continue to aim for growth,” says Jokisalo.
KontioMehu: Sparkling Wines without the Spirits
For those desiring a glass of sparkling wine without alcohol, KontioMehu from Joensuu has the perfect solution. A family company with over 40 years of experience in berry farming, KontioMehu produces over 100,000 liters of non-alcoholic sparkling wines annually. With flavors like blackcurrant leaves, bilberry, cranberry, lingonberry, and rhubarb, their offerings are a delightful alternative. The popularity of their Lehtikuohu, a sparkling beverage made from hand-picked blackcurrant leaves, has surged, especially as a substitute for alcoholic welcome drinks.
CEO Pasi Kiiskinen notes, “Lehtikuohu, being similar in color to sparkling wine, is considered an excellent alternative.”
Nordic Koivu: Birch Sap Elegance
Nordic Koivu taps into the richness of Finnish birch trees to bring high-quality organic birch water to consumers worldwide. Harvested in early spring and manufactured using cutting-edge methods, Nordic Koivu’s birch sap is renowned for its natural vitality boost. Not only does the company provide birch sap for consumption, but it also conducts ongoing research on utilizing birch sap in cosmetics and the food and beverage industries.
Executive Vice President Susanna Luostarinen emphasizes, “It’s a healthy natural product.”
Nosht by Potential Foods: Fueling the Active Lifestyle
For the sporty types seeking non-alcoholic options, Nosht by Potential Foods is a game-changer. Founded by cyclist Petteri Kankkunen, Nosht offers gentle sports foods and drinks developed sustainably from natural ingredients. With a focus on providing energy without upsetting the stomach, Nosht’s high-energy sports drink and winter sports drink cater to athletes with a taste for excellence and a concern for waste reduction.
“It’s great to see our clients first comment on the excellent taste of our products and, only later, notice they’re gentle on the stomach, too,” says Kankkunen.
Sip, Enjoy, and Embrace the Finnish Flavors!