MemCast
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India caps non‑alcoholic fermented drinks at 0.5 % ABV, while the U.S. allows up to ~1.2 %.
  • The 0.5 % limit classifies kombucha as a non‑alcoholic beverage, avoiding liquor licences.
  • In the United States the limit is higher (≈1.2 %), enabling “hard kombucha” with 5 % ABV.
  • These differing thresholds affect formulation, labeling and distribution strategies.
MattNikhil Kamath00:19:05

Supporting quotes

you can't sell a product above 0.5% alcohol Matt
in the US changed to 1.2 or one or something like that Matt

From this concept

Regulatory Landscape for Low‑Alcohol Fermented Beverages

The conversation highlights how alcohol‑by‑volume limits, sugar‑based taxation and differing international standards shape product design, pricing and market entry for kombucha, tonic water and other craft drinks.

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