Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What is the process and requirements for getting FDA approval to sell beverages in the US and Canadian markets?
Members confirm that FDA approval is achievable but requires specialist support. The community's recommended approach: - **UK Beverage Services** — recommended as a starting point for FDA compliance guidance; members have referred this consultancy to each other for US market entry - **Campden BRI** — can review beverages for compliance requirements One member reported the process "wasn't as hard as we thought," suggesting it's manageable with the right support, but no member in this discussion shared detailed step-by-step protocols or timelines. For kosher certification (often paired with FDA compliance planning), members recommend **Kosher.org.uk**. Note: The discussion shows members actively seeking this information but no one fully documented their FDA approval journey in the excerpts provided.
What are the TTB submission requirements for non-alcoholic spirits with 0.5% ABV in the USA?
For non-alcoholic spirits at 0.5% ABV in the US, TTB formula and label submission is not always mandatory. Members' experience shows two approaches: - **TTB formula and label submission** — Some producers submitted both when initially launching (e.g. New London Light at launch), but found it may not be necessary for subsequent releases. - **FDA submission only** — On follow-up releases of similar products, members found they only needed to submit to the FDA, not the TTB, suggesting TTB review is less of a blocker now that non-alcoholic spirits are more established in the market. The consensus indicates that as non-alcoholic spirits have become more mainstream, TTB involvement has become less routine. However, members who submitted to TTB "belt and braces" early on did not report negative outcomes, so the approach may depend on product specifics and risk tolerance. For the most current guidance, direct contact with TTB or a spirits regulatory consultant is recommended.