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Sentia Spirits, the UK-based functional drinks producer co-founded by neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt, is expanding beyond its core spirit alternatives into the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the launch of Sentia Cider.

Scheduled for release in February, the new product represents a strategic entry into the mainstream cider category—a sector with deep roots in UK beverage culture but historically limited functional differentiation. Sentia aims to disrupt this space by positioning its alcohol-free cider not just as a substitute, but as a functional tool for "relaxation and social connection."

Leveraging Neuroscience for Functional Value

Unlike standard alcohol-free ciders that focus solely on flavour replication, Sentia’s proposition is built on the proprietary research of its parent company, GABA Labs. While specific formulation details remain proprietary, the brand is known for utilising a blend of botanical ingredients designed to target the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter system, mimicking the "sociable" effects of alcohol without the associated ethanol.

This move aligns with a broader industry trend where beverage makers are turning to science-led innovation to capture the growing demographic of consumers who are cutting back on alcohol but refuse to abandon social drinking rituals.

Premium Ingredients: Heritage Apple Varieties

To ensure the product appeals to discerning adult palates, Sentia Cider is crafted using traditional British cider apple varieties, including Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, and Redstreak.

• Yarlington Mill & Dabinett: Renowned bittersweet cultivars used in craft production to provide body and aromatic complexity.

• Redstreak: Adds necessary acidity and tannin structure.

By utilising these specific cultivars, Sentia aims to deliver the balance of sweetness, acidity, and tannin complexity associated with "real" cider, distancing itself from the sweeter profile of mass-market soft drinks.

Shifting the Narrative: From Restriction to 'Upgrade'

David Orren, Chief Executive of Sentia, stated that the product design challenges the traditional narrative that alcohol reduction equates to restriction. Instead, Orren describes the product as an "upgrade" to the drinking experience, focusing on experiential value rather than abstinence.

This positioning reflects a wider shift in the "No & Low" alcohol sector, where brands are increasingly marketing social benefits and mood enhancement over simple health avoidance.

Commercial Strategy and Pricing

Sentia Cider will retail at £18 for a six-bottle case via the brand’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel. This price point places the product firmly at the premium end of the alcohol-free market, signalling a strategy focused on margin growth through functionality and storytelling rather than volume-led price competition.