Thatchers Zero Review
A crisp and refreshing British alcohol-free cider with familiar apple flavour, lively carbonation and a noticeably sweet finish.
Pros
Cons
Thatchers Zero Review
Thatchers has been producing cider at Myrtle Farm in Somerset for four generations, so expectations were reasonably high when I tried its first alcohol-free cider. Thatchers Zero is made using bittersweet apples and a dedicated production process designed to retain the appley aroma and familiar character of a traditional British cider.
It pours a bright golden colour with plenty of carbonation and gives off a strong, pleasant fruit aroma. The first impression is unmistakably cider-like, with crisp apple flavour, gentle acidity and a refreshing finish. In that respect, it is more convincing than many alcohol-free ciders that drift too far towards apple juice or fizzy soft drink.
The main drawback is the sweetness. Although the cider initially tastes dry and refreshing, the finish is sweeter than I would ideally want, and the body is a little thin compared with a full-strength cider. It can also be quite fizzy when first poured, so it benefits from being served in a proper cider glass rather than drunk straight from the bottle.
Thatchers Zero worked particularly well alongside a Thai meal, where its sweetness and carbonation helped balance the spice. It would also make an easy summer drink for barbecues, picnics or evenings in the garden. Overall, it is a reliable and accessible alcohol-free cider, even if cider purists may want something drier and more substantial.
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Best Served & Pairing
Best served:
Serve Thatchers Zero well chilled at around 3–5°C. Pour it slowly into a cider glass or large stemmed glass to control the lively carbonation and allow the apple aroma to open up.
Pairing recommendation:
Its sweet apple character and refreshing fizz work well with Thai food, curries, pork dishes, sausages, burgers, barbecue food, fish and chips, mature cheddar and picnic snacks. It is particularly effective alongside mildly spicy dishes.
Where to buy alcohol-free ciders
How Thatchers Zero Compares
| Drink | Score | Style | ABV | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thatchers Zero | 70 | Traditional British apple cider | 0.0% | Crisp, accessible and refreshing, although slightly sweet and light-bodied |
| Galipette 0% | 73 | Semi-sweet French apple cider | 0.0% | Richer apple flavour with bright acidity and lively carbonation |
| Pulp Alcohol-Free Cider | 75 | Craft apple cider | 0.0% | A more balanced craft-style option with stronger cider character |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thatchers Zero completely alcohol-free?
Thatchers Zero is labelled as a 0.0% ABV alcohol-free cider. Always check the latest bottle or retailer listing if avoiding alcohol for medical, religious or personal reasons.
What does Thatchers Zero taste like?
It has a familiar apple-cider aroma, crisp fruit flavour, gentle acidity and a sweet, refreshing finish.
Is Thatchers Zero sweet?
Yes. It has a medium-to-sweet profile and tastes sweeter than many traditional dry ciders, although serving it very cold helps keep it refreshing.
How many calories are in Thatchers Zero?
The existing MyDryBar review lists 130 calories per 500ml bottle, equivalent to approximately 26 calories per 100ml. Check current packaging because recipes and pack sizes can change.
Does Thatchers Zero taste like real cider?
It has a convincing apple aroma and familiar cider flavour, although the body is lighter and the finish sweeter than a conventional full-strength cider.
Is Thatchers Zero vegan?
Yes. Thatchers states that its ciders are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Is Thatchers Zero gluten-free?
Yes. Thatchers states that its ciders are gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs. Check the latest packaging if this is medically important.
Does Thatchers Zero contain sulphites?
Yes. The product information states that it contains sulphites for freshness.
How is Thatchers Zero made?
It is produced from bittersweet apples grown in southwest England using a specialist fermentation process developed to preserve appley aromas and crisp refreshment while keeping the alcohol content at 0.0% ABV.
What food pairs well with Thatchers Zero?
It pairs well with Thai food, curries, pork, sausages, burgers, fish and chips, mature cheddar, barbecue dishes and picnic food.
How should Thatchers Zero be served?
Serve it well chilled at approximately 3–5°C and pour it slowly into a cider glass to manage the lively carbonation.
Where is Thatchers Zero made?
It is made by Thatchers at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, Somerset, England.
Has Thatchers Zero won any awards?
Yes. It has received a Taste of the West Gold Medal and was named Best No and Low Cider at the 2020 Imbibe No and Low Taste Awards.
Who is Thatchers Zero best suited to?
It suits mainstream cider drinkers who want a widely available 0.0% option with familiar apple flavour and do not mind a sweeter finish.
Is Thatchers Zero worth buying?
Yes. It is an accessible and refreshing alcohol-free cider, particularly when served very cold or paired with spicy food, although dry-cider drinkers may find it too sweet.
⭐ MyDryBar Final Verdict
Thatchers Zero is a tasty and refreshing mainstream alcohol-free cider with a pleasant apple aroma and enough genuine cider character to make it a dependable alternative to the alcoholic version.
It is best served very cold and pairs well with spicy food, barbecues and relaxed summer drinking. The sweetness, light body and lively carbonation prevent it from ranking among the very best alcohol-free ciders, but its wide availability and familiar flavour make it an easy option for supermarket shoppers.
Score: 70/100 – Decent
Would I buy it again? Yes, particularly for a barbecue or with spicy food.
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