Everyone's drinking mid-strength – but what actually is it?
News! News that may confirm fears! News that may present new opportunities! A report, published by KAM Insights, has found that, when out at the pub with friends, 50% of UK consumers would rather have two so-called 'mid-strength' drinks than one full-strength one. The report, entitled The Mid Strength Opportunity, also finds that 13% of consumers are 'coasting', meaning they're drinking more mid-strength drinks throughout the evening, so they can stay out for longer and keep tabs on how much alcohol they're consuming.
There's talk that this presents an 'opportunity' to develop the mid-strength category to meet this demand, but what defines a 'mid-strength' drink? Well, there's no legal definition, and the report doesn't land on an official ABV range, either. It focuses on drinks that are two-thirds the strength of a full-strength beer (let's say 2-3% ABV) and around half the strength of full-strength wine and spirits (6-7% ABV and around 20% ABV, respectively). Not to mention the fact that this report is brought to us by the Mid Strength Collective, a group of 12 businesses that produce and sell mid-strength drinks. I always feel a little cynical towards brand-funded reports whose findings seem to promote – surprise, surprise – a demand for the very brands that funded it.
That said, The Mid Strength Opportunity does feel relevant and timely. As the wine industry bites its nails over decreased alcohol consumption, this report is just the latest that lays bare why. The modern preoccupation with health and wellness, both physical and mental, is detailed as one of the main reasons behind a new interest in mid-strength drinks: the report finds that 38% of us are moderating our alcohol intake for a healthier liver, 25% for weight loss and 15% for better mental health.
This is, of course, great news for anyone who already makes lower-alcohol beverages, or for those with the equipment and means to create them (take a look at my earlier piece on low- and no-alcohol wines to see some ways that this is achieved). And, as temperatures rise due to global heating, alcohol levels in wine are rising, too, and some wines that are under a protected designated origin may by default be subject to a minimum alcohol strength, which may automatically rule them out from the mid-strength category.
The Mid Strength Opportunity coincides with a new proposed Drink Mid-Strength in March campaign (a new Dry January?), which I can see stretching out indefinitely as consumers seek different ways to moderate without compromising on the importance of the post-work drink with friends, that great British cornerstone of public life.
Bersano Monteolivo Moscato d'Asti DOCG £9.99 Waitrose, 5.5%. Moscato d'Asti has been mid-strength since way before it was cool. Sweet, sparkling, floral.
Small Beer 'The Original' Lager £13.20 for six (350ml) Majestic, 2.1%. I'm a big fan of Small Beer. Once only in bottles, but now also in cans. Crisp, classic.
Session Spirit 70cl £25.15 Master of Malt, 25%. Apparently makes 'G&Ts the strength of a beer'. Which kind of depends on how strong you like your beer.
Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett Schloss Lieser 2021 £16 The Wine Society, 7.5%. Another naturally mid-strength drink. Medium-sweet, with notes of peach and orchard fruit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
NHS first in the world to roll out ‘trogan horse' cancer treatment that ‘drastically slows disease'
A "TROJAN HORSE" therapy that sneaks toxic drugs inside and kills cancer cells is being rolled out on the NHS in England in a world first. It can stop the blood cancer myeloma from progressing for nearly three times longer than current therapies. 2 Paul Silvester having his treatment at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. Credit: PA The treatment, known as belantamab mafodotin or Blenrep, is an advanced form of chemotherapy. It delivers a powerful dose of cancer-killing medication directly into cancer cells, while limiting damage to healthy cells, reducing the risk of harsh side effects. Around 1,500 people a year with multiple myeloma, a rare, incurable cancer of the bone marrow, are expected to benefit from the treatment. Paul Silvester, 60, from Sheffield, is one of the first patients to receive the new drug through an early access programme. Diagnosed with myeloma in July 2023, Paul was initially given a different treatment, but when it failed to stop his cancer from progressing, doctors turned to belantamab mafodotin. 'I feel like this treatment has brought the party balloons back in the house,' he said. 'It has been amazing - within the first two or three weeks, after the first dose, I was in remission. "It gives me quite a lot of confidence in the drugs and it makes me more optimistic about the future. "I've been feeling well and I'm still quite active - that's what's important in terms of your quality of life. "One of my daughters is graduating from university in October and it's a goal for me to be there." British rock legend reveals he's fighting aggressive blood cancer and is undergoing treatment The therapy, developed by GlaxoSmithKline, is administered via infusion every three weeks alongside two other drugs: bortezomib and dexamethasone. Clinical trials showed it could delay the progression of myeloma for around three years, compared to just over a year for patients receiving commonly used drug daratumumab with the same combination. Following new guidance from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), the drug has now been approved for widespread NHS use in England. It's the first health system in the world to offer it routinely. Patients who have relapsed or not responded to earlier treatments will now be eligible for the therapy. The treatment has been nicknamed a 'Trojan horse' because of how it works. 2 Much like the famous story from ancient Greek mythology where soldiers hid inside a giant wooden horse to secretly enter the city of Troy, this drug hides a toxic payload inside an antibody that tricks cancer cells into letting it in. Once inside, it releases a powerful, cell-killing molecule that destroys the cancer from within, while sparing surrounding healthy cells. 'New hope' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said: 'Myeloma is an aggressive type of blood cancer, but we have seen a steady improvement in the outlook for patients over recent years as we have introduced new targeted therapies. 'I am delighted that patients in England will be the first to benefit from this new treatment, which has the potential to keep cancer at bay for years longer, giving people the chance of more precious time with friends and family. 'This treatment could be life-changing for many patients and their families, and that's why it is so important that the NHS continues to secure quick access to the latest, innovative treatments like this, at affordable prices to the taxpayer.' Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, added: 'We're delighted that people in the UK will become among the first in the world to access belantamab mafodotin for this indication. "This recommendation demonstrates our commitment to getting the best care to patients fast, while ensuring value for the taxpayer." Myeloma UK, a charity supporting those with blood cancer, has also welcomed the news. Shelagh McKinlay, its director of research and advocacy, said: 'It's fantastic to see the UK at the forefront of myeloma treatment. 'We have been working very hard for the last year to get this treatment approved and we know it will transform the lives of thousands of people with myeloma.' Health Minister Karin Smyth added: 'This groundbreaking therapy puts the NHS at the forefront of cancer innovation. "By harnessing cutting-edge 'trojan horse' technology, we're offering new hope to blood cancer patients across the country."
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Traumatic' clinics, ghost doctors killing patients… the new surgery hotspot Brits are rushing to despite stark warnings
One heartbroken mum has fought against ghost doctors since her son passed away BEAUTY COSTS 'Traumatic' clinics, ghost doctors killing patients… the new surgery hotspot Brits are rushing to despite stark warnings Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S time for Turkey to move over, there's a new country taking over as the hotspot for surgery, and it's an even longer flight. The destination has become so popular that the country's Tourist Organisation now offers 'plastic surgery certificates' for patients returning home with their brand new, unrecognisable faces. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Gangnam district is littered with almost 500 plastic surgery clinics Credit: Getty 10 Kwon Dae-hee, was just one of many patients whose surgery was performed by a ghost doctor and led to his death Credit: YouTube 10 The ghost doctor, who had just graduated medical school, was caught in action thanks to CCTV Credit: HANDOUT 10 Cosmetic surgery advertisements re rife in the countries capital of Seoul Credit: Getty In South Korea's capital Seoul, the streets of Gangnam are lit up with posters promising a full makeover with little down time. And with 457 plastic surgery clinics to choose from in the 15-mile area, you have more than enough options to pick from. Whether you're going for a nose job, chin implants, or a concoction of laser treatments, the surge in beauty treatments for a while left surgery tourists stuck in the airport, facing questions about why their passport photos didn't look like them. It's no secret South Korea has had global domination in recent years thanks to the rising popularity of K pop, but it's also their beauty scene that has tourists swarming there. In fact, skincare from the country is now so popular that Boots reveal one Korean beauty product sells almost every 15 seconds and K Beauty represents over a tenth of everyday skincare sales at the British retailer. And surgery in the country is one of the cheapest in the world, while a boob job would set you back £6,000 in England and £3,500 in Turkey, it will costs just £3,300 here. UK tourism to the country has skyrocketed in recent years, going from 44,000 in 2022 to 147,000 last year. It's also the country that performs the most plastic surgery in the world per capita, with an industry worth £7.9 billion, mainly down to tourists. 'Assembly Lines' A quick look at TikTok shows many Brits heading there for a quick makeovers at a cheap price, and it seems convenient too. Thuy, from the UK, jets to the country every single year for beauty treatments at Lamiche, a popular clinic for tourists. 10 Thuy headed to Korea for one day to get 12 laser treatments done Credit: tiktok/@xthuyle On her most recent trip, Thuy got 12 skincare treatments in a single go and while she admitted they were not for the 'weak-hearted', she did say the pain was ultimately worth it. Reviews online were not as keen on the practice, claiming it was like being in a factory, rushing people through to make a quick buck. One wrote: 'Factory-like experience, non-personal at all. They flood you with several treatment recommendations in one go, we were four people we all heard the same 'issues' with our face." Katie Price reveals the heartbreaking reason she's obsessed with surgery Another said: 'In one word: traumatic. You're moved around floors quickly and without time to make decisions about what is happening. "The treatment room is kind of spooky and the laser people come in and begin the treatments without warning or telling you what each treatment is. "Once the treatment began someone came in and halted it to make me sign consent forms and share side effects that hadn't been mentioned during the consultation. "I had a panic attack because one person started doing a treatment I had declined without warning. "None of the people doing the treatments spoke English, so while I was crying there was no way I could communicate with them." 'The consultation with the doctor was 3-5 minutes. Felt like on an assembly line. They didn't allow me to take pictures of my scanned skin. Better safe your money," penned a third. What are the risks of getting surgery abroad? IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad. It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards in different countries may not be as high. No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad. If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment. Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK. Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems. Source: NHS One of the larger problems with getting surgery in South Korea is the language barrier, as noted by some reviewers. The lack of communication during treatment is not okay. Lamiche Patient Many claim professionals couldn't explain what procedures they were having done or the pain they would experience. Another wrote: 'After you pay for the service, the interpreter leaves you in the hands of the nurses and doctors. "This is where things need to be improved. The lack of communication during treatment is not okay. "I was put in the worst pain I've ever felt and at no point during the first part of my treatment did the nurse stop to check if I was okay.' The lack of transparency means it can be hard to decipher what clients are genuinely experiencing and what is biased reviews. Fabulous has reached out to Lamiche Dermatology for comment. 10 The adverts are a constant reminder of the chase of beauty Credit: Getty Ghost Doctors But assembly line laser treatments aren't the worst beauty dangers in the country. The rise of beauty tourism in the country has put such a strain on the industry that it has led to 'ghost doctors' operating on unknowing patients. 10 University student Kwon Dae-hee Kwon and his mother Lee Na Geum before his untimely death Credit: HANDOUT 10 Kwon Dae-hee's mother Lee Na-geum has fought for CCTv in operating rooms after her son's death Credit: Reuters While many will have consultations with certified doctors, they disappear once the patient has gone under, swapping them for less qualified surgeons to complete the operation. It is, of course, illegal, but it was a common occurrence in South Korea for years until one mum refused to back down after her son died during a relatively simple plastic surgery. On 8 September 2016, Kwon Dae-hee, a university student, went to a plastic surgery clinic called Center A in Seoul to get his jaw 'fixed'. Kwon had been bullied since his school years because of his prominent chin, so he decided to spend £4,000 to get it slimmed down. The 24-year-old trusted the clinic, which boasted it was '14 Years In Business Without A Single Medical Accident." The surgery is relatively easy and quick to perform, taking around one to two hours, but Dae-hee was on the operating table for hours before slipping into a 49-day coma and ultimately dying from his injuries. I immediately felt that I needed that evidence. Lee Na-geum The plastic surgeon called for an ambulance at 11:30pm that night, reports Rotten Mango, claiming Kwon was conscious but had low blood pressure and may need a transfusion. But when Kwon arrived, doctors were frantically trying to save his life as his heart had stopped for two minutes and he had lost two-thirds of the blood in his body. The day after the surgery, the plastic surgeon went to the hospital, claiming the procedure went on as normal and offered CCTV footage of the operating room to prove it It is not a requirement nationwide, but some clinics do so to increase trust. 'I immediately felt that I needed that evidence,' said Kwon's mother, Lee Na-geum. He was declared brain dead the next day, and while Kwon lay in a coma, his mother watched the footage over 500 times, trying to piece together what went wrong. 'Blood Mopped 13 Times' In the footage, the surgery starts at 12:56 p.m. when the plastic surgeon begins to cut Kwon's jawbone. There were also three nursing assistants in the room. 10 Kwon Dae-hee was left bleeding out with nursing assistants mopping his blood 13 times Credit: YouTube 10 His mum sat and watched the footage over 500 times to get justice for her son Credit: Reuters After an hour, the first plastic surgeon left, and another doctor entered the operating room. The two surgeons entered and left the room, but for almost 30 minutes, there was no doctor in the operating room at all, although nursing assistants were present. The clinic advertised that the head doctor would operate from start to finish, but the CCTV showed that was not the case. While he did cut Kwon's jaw bones, the rest of the surgery was completed by a doctor with no plastic surgery license and who had just graduated from medical school. The surgery finally finished at 4:17 p.m., more than three hours after it started, according to the footage. According to Kim Seon-woong, the former law director of the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons, who has run a plastic surgery clinic for 25 years, jaw surgery like the one Kwon had should take an hour and a half or less for an experienced doctor, reports CNN. When the surgery was over, both of the doctors went home, leaving nurses in charge of Kwon. Kwon's mother looked on as blood poured out of his body onto the floor while nurses did nothing to stop it. Instead, they corrected their makeup or looked at their cellphones. In total, they mopped the bloody floor 13 times. When medical professionals evaluated the footage, they found he had likely lost three times as much blood as what the doctors had said when they called the emergency services. 'I don't think this ghost doctor checked how much blood my son shed,' she added. 'I was so angry at that fact. Had just one of the three doctors checked how much he bled,' she said, 'but no one did.' Despite Kwon's death, the clinic stayed open and continued to advertise that it had gone 14 years without a patient experiencing any accident. The clinic closed in 2020. It is unclear why. His mother and father moved to Seoul to protest outside parliament daily for CCTV to be in every operating room since Kwon died. In 2021, the law was passed, and the plastic surgeon was sentenced to involuntary manslaughter and imprisoned for three years. However, not everyone is pleased with CCTV in surgery rooms. The bill had faced criticism by doctors, hospitals and several medical groups in the country, including the 140,000-member Korean Medical Association (KMA). They claim the move will violate patient privacy and discourage doctors from taking risks to save lives. While those in the industry are not a fan, the wider public is. Jeong Seoung-eun, who had attended Kwon's court case to support his family, said: 'I want to show my support so my country can become a better one by correcting faults in the (medical) system.'
STV News
19 hours ago
- STV News
Warning over 'TikTok' imported Dubai chocolate posing health risk
A warning has been issued over imported Dubai chocolate amid fears some products pose a health risk. Dubai-style chocolate has become popular due to being promoted by 'influencers' on social media sites such as TikTok. The trend has led UK supermarkets such as Waitrose and Lidl to limit how many people can buy. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is raising awareness that some imported chocolate sold in the UK may pose a risk to those with food allergies. Health experts say the products could lack a full ingredients list or allergy labelling and may not meet the UK's food safety standards. They have identified a number of products that pose a health risk, but say most Dubai-style chocolate available in UK shops is safe. Consumers are advised to check: the name of the food (e.g. milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling); a list of ingredients, with allergens emphasised; the weight of the food in grams; a best before or use by date; the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information – if the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included. Professor Robin May, chief scientific advisor to the FSA, said: 'The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don't meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies. 'If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, like the ones you'd use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for UK consumers and are safe to eat. 'As it's difficult for consumers to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that aren't, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless you're certain it's intended for sale here. 'UK law requires food labels to highlight any of 14 allergens present in the product, but some imported products may not do this.' Anyone with concerns about chocolate products is being urged not to buy them and instead to report them to their local authority. For more information on food allergies, visit Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
