The barcode 4600682046660 is associated with a product labeled "Baltika 0" (or similar variants like "Baltika 0.0%"), which is a non-alcoholic beer produced by Baltika Breweries, a major Russian beverage company. Below are the key details available:
Product Overview
- Brand: Baltika (a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, now part of Suntory Beverage & Food Limited after the merger with Asahi Group).
- Product Type: Non-alcoholic beer (often marketed as "0%" alcohol, though trace amounts may still be present).
- Category: Alcoholic-free beverage, typically targeting health-conscious consumers, drivers, or those avoiding alcohol.
- Origin: Primarily produced in Russia, but distributed internationally (e.g., Europe, Asia, and some Middle Eastern markets).
- Packaging: Commonly sold in cans (330 mL or 500 mL) or bottles (though exact packaging may vary by region).
Key Characteristics
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Alcohol Content:
- Marketed as "0.0% alcohol" (non-alcoholic), but regulatory standards (e.g., EU or US) may allow up to 0.5% ABV in "non-alcoholic" products. The actual alcohol level could be <0.1% ABV (similar to other "0%" beers like Heineken 0.0 or Corona Zero).
- Warning: While "0%" suggests negligible alcohol, trace amounts may still exist. Consumers with strict sobriety requirements (e.g., medical, religious, or legal) should verify the label or contact the manufacturer.
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Taste & Ingredients:
- Designed to mimic traditional beer flavors (hoppy, malty, or lager profiles) but without alcohol.
- Common ingredients include:
- Water, barley malt extract, hops, yeast, caramel (E150d), natural flavors, and preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate).
- Some variants may contain sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, acesulfame K, or stevia) to reduce bitterness.
- Allergen Warning: Contains barley (a gluten source; not gluten-free unless certified).
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Nutritional Profile (Approximate per 330 mL can):
- Calories: ~120–150 kcal (varies by variant).
- Carbohydrates: ~10–12 g (from malt and sweeteners).
- Protein: ~0.5–1 g.
- Sodium: ~50–100 mg.
- Sugar: ~2–5 g (depends on formulation; some "0%" beers use sugar alcohols like maltitol).
- Fat: ~0 g.
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Variants:
- Baltika offers multiple "0%" lines, such as:
- "Baltika 0.0% Lager" (light, crisp profile).
- "Baltika 0.0% Dark" (maltier, roasted notes).
- "Baltika 0.0% Premium" (higher hop bitterness).
- The exact variant for barcode 4600682046660 is likely the standard lager "0.0%", but cross-checking with local packaging is recommended.
Price Range (Historical Data)
Prices vary by region, retailer, and promotion:
- Russia: ~100–150 RUB (330 mL can) or ~200–300 RUB (500 mL bottle).
- Europe (e.g., UK, Germany, Poland):
- Supermarkets: ~£1.50–£2.50 (330 mL) or €1.80–€2.80 (330 mL).
- Online/Wholesale: ~£1.20–£2.00 (330 mL).
- Middle East/Asia: Prices range from $1.50–$3.00 (USD) per can, depending on import costs.
- Discounts: Often sold in packs of 12–24 for 20–30% off per unit.
Note: Prices fluctuate due to inflation, currency exchange, and regional taxes.
Warnings & Concerns
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Alcohol Trace Warning:
- Even if labeled "0.0%," some batches may contain up to 0.5% ABV (depending on local regulations). For individuals with alcohol sensitivity, medical conditions (e.g., liver disease), or sobriety requirements, this could be a concern.
- Pregnancy: While non-alcoholic beers are generally considered safer than regular beer, the FDA and health organizations recommend avoiding all alcohol during pregnancy. The trace amounts in "0%" beers are not well-studied in this context.
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Additives & Preservatives:
- Contains sodium benzoate (E211) or potassium sorbate (E202), which may be of concern for individuals with asthma or sensitivities (though rare).
- Sweeteners (e.g., aspartame) may not suit those with phenylketonuria (PKU).
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Gluten Content:
- Made with barley, so it is not gluten-free. Consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it unless certified gluten-free (unlikely for this product).
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Carbonation & Digestive Effects:
- Like regular beer, the carbonation can cause bloating or gas in sensitive individuals.
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Regulatory Discrepancies:
- The EU and US have different definitions for "non-alcoholic" beer. In the EU, "alcohol-free" must be <0.1% ABV, while the US allows up to 0.5%. The Russian standard may differ; verify locally.
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Counterfeit Risk:
- Non-alcoholic beers are sometimes counterfeited for alcohol content. Always purchase from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity.
Health & Consumption Notes
- Moderation: While non-alcoholic, excessive consumption may contribute to caloric intake (due to sugars/carbs) or digestive issues.
- Caffeine: Some variants may contain caffeine (check labels).
- Keto/Low-Carb Diets: Higher-carb options may not fit strict keto plans (look for <5g net carbs per serving).
- Diabetic-Friendly: Some "0%" beers use sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol), which can affect blood sugar differently than glucose.
Disclaimer
If the barcode 4600682046660 does not match the product name "Baltika 0" on the packaging you have, there may be a mislabeling or regional variant discrepancy. In such cases:
- The product could be a different Baltika variant (e.g., regular beer, energy drink, or another beverage).
- It might belong to a different brand entirely (barcodes can sometimes be reused or misassigned).
- Do not consume if the label does not match the barcode, as this could indicate adulteration or safety risks.
For health-related products (e.g., dietary supplements, medications, or alcohol-free alternatives), always:
- Verify the manufacturer’s website or local regulatory database.
- Check for expiry dates and storage instructions.
- Consult a healthcare provider if you have specific dietary restrictions.