What is cider in the UK?

In the UK, cider is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting apple or pear juice, under 8.5% ABV. For tax purposes it must contain at least 35% apple or pear juice, which may come from concentrate, and no added alcohol or unapproved colours or flavours. Perry falls under the same legal definition.

Updated 2026-10-02

Key facts

Legal definition. For Alcohol Duty, cider is made by fermenting apple or pear juice, without adding alcohol or non-permitted substances that give colour or flavour, and must be under 8.5% ABV. [1] [2]
Juice minimum. At least 35% apple or pear juice must be in the mixture that is fermented and in the final product, at a juice gravity of at least 1033. [2]
Concentrate allowed. The juice can be fresh, diluted or reconstituted from concentrate. [2]
Mixing fruit. Pear juice is limited to 25% when making cider, and apple juice to 25% when making perry. [3]

What can and can't go into UK cider?

Allowed: sugars and syrups, approved sweeteners, cider vinegar to adjust acidity, and processing aids that don't change the cider's character. [3] [2]
Colour: colourings may only give a straw, gold or golden-brown colour. [2]
Not allowed for cider duty: herbs, spices, other fruit juices and flavours. [3]
Too strong: at 8.5% ABV or more, the drink is taxed as an "other fermented product". [2]

How is this different from "real" cider?

CAMRA's campaign definition says real cider and perry "should never be concentrated then diluted – either in terms of the juice used, or the alcohol content". [4] Some UK ciders also carry protected names, such as Herefordshire Cider or Traditional Welsh Cider (PGI). [5] [6] Where to find such ciders is covered in where to buy craft cider in the UK.

Find it on Cider Radar

Cider and perry are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly; in the UK it is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.

Questions

Is fruit cider legally cider in the UK?

Not for duty. Fruit juices other than apple or pear, herbs and spices are not approved ingredients, so such drinks are taxed as "other fermented products". [3] [2]

What is sparkling cider in UK law?

Cider in a container with an excess pressure of 3 bar or more, or with a mushroom stopper held by a tie or fastening, regardless of pressure. [2]

Does "craft" or "real" cider have a legal meaning?

No. "Real cider" is a CAMRA campaign definition, not a legal one. [4]

Sources

Finance (No. 2) Act 2023, Schedule 6 (Alcohol Duty: definitions) — legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)
Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
Permitted ingredients for cider duty — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
Cider & Perry: what makes it real — CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
Herefordshire Cider (PGI) — Defra (GOV.UK)
Traditional Welsh Cider (PGI) — Defra (GOV.UK)