What is real cider?

Real cider is CAMRA's term for cider fermented from the whole juice of fresh-pressed apples, without concentrated juice or chaptalisation (added sugar to raise the strength). It is a campaign definition, not a legal one: UK law allows cider from concentrate. Cloudy cider or "100% juice" on a label does not by itself mean a cider is real.

Updated 2026-10-03

Key facts

The definition. "CAMRA defines real Cider or Perry as being fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples or pears, without the use of concentrated or chaptalised juices". [1]
The short rule. "In order to be real, cider and perry should never be concentrated then diluted – either in terms of the juice used, or the alcohol content." [2]
Not a legal term. UK duty law lets cider be made from juice that "has been concentrated or come from the dilution of concentrated juice", with a minimum juice content of 35%. [3] See what counts as cider in the UK.

Which ciders are not considered real cider?

Ciders made from concentrate. Juice that was concentrated and then diluted does not meet the definition. [2]
Chaptalised ciders. Sugar added to the juice to raise the alcohol rules a cider out. [1]
Many big brands. CAMRA says "Many of the most widely available brands of cider and perry do not meet the CAMRA definition". [2]
Some fruit ciders. CAMRA notes that fruit ciders "are sometimes more likely to be made from concentrated juices or flavourings". [2]

How can I tell if a cider is real?

Read the label. CAMRA suggests looking for the words "Not from concentrate". [2]
Don't rely on "100% juice". CAMRA says a 100% juice cider is not necessarily real if the juice is from concentrate or the cider was chaptalised. [2] For juice content in general, see how much juice is in cider.
Use the producer list. CAMRA keeps a directory of real cider and perry producers. [4]
Buy from small makers. Farm cider and scrumpy makers often press fresh juice; see where to buy scrumpy. France has its own legal terms; see what artisanal cider is.

Related answers: what counts as cider in the UK · how much juice is in cider

Find it on Cider Radar

Browse UK cider makers by county and rate ciders on sweetness, body, tannin, turbidity and funk.
All UK cider makers: 275 (as of 2026-10-02) · Glossary: farmhouse cider
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Cider and perry are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly; in the UK it is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under 18.

Questions

Can pasteurised cider be real cider?

It can. CAMRA says pasteurising "does not effect whether a cider or perry is real", although it considers live, unpasteurised products best practice. [2]

Does cloudy cider mean it is real cider?

Not necessarily. CAMRA says cloudy ciders "can still be made from concentrate or chaptalised". [2] Cloudiness is about filtering; see the glossary entry for turbidity.

Sources

What are real cider & perry? — CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
Real Cider and Perry FAQs — CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
Find real cider and perry producers — CAMRA