Where can I buy apple cider?

In the US, fresh (non-alcoholic) apple cider is sold at orchards, cider mills, farmers' markets and grocery stores, while fermented hard cider comes from cider makers, bars and licensed shops. Outside the US, "cider" usually means the alcoholic drink. Read the label to see which one you are buying and whether the juice was pasteurized.

Updated 2026-10-02

Key facts

Two products, one name. BJCP 2025: "In the United States, a distinction is made between hard cider (fermented, alcoholic) and sweet cider (unfermented, non-alcoholic)." Outside the US, cider generally means the fermented drink. [1]
Hard cider on labels. For the US federal regulator, "cider" and "hard cider" mean wine fermented from apples. On an alcohol label, "apple wine", "cider" or even "apple cider" can designate the fermented drink, so check the alcohol statement. [2]
Fresh cider and pasteurization. FDA says most juice sold in the US is pasteurized, but some cider mills and farmers' markets sell untreated cider; packaged untreated juice must carry a warning label. [3]

Where can I buy fresh apple cider?

Orchards and cider mills. Many press their own apples and sell fresh cider at the farm. FDA's guidance names cider mills as one place where untreated cider is sold. [3]
Farmers' markets. Also named by FDA as a place where untreated cider may be sold. [3]
Grocery stores. Look in the chilled juice section, and read the label for "pasteurized" or the FDA warning. [3] What the warning says is explained in what sweet cider is.

Where can I buy hard apple cider?

Hard cider is sold where alcohol is sold: by cider makers at their taprooms and farm shops, in bars, and in licensed shops. Age rules apply, and the seller's terms are the reference. Search the map for makers and places near you rather than for a brand name; the guide on how to find cider near you shows how. Online options are in where to buy cider online.

How do I tell them apart on the shelf?

Alcohol statement. A hard cider label shows its alcohol content; fresh cider has none.
"Sparkling cider". In the US this can be either a carbonated juice or an alcoholic cider; is sparkling cider alcoholic explains how to tell.
Mulled and spiced. Hot spiced cider can be made from either; see where to buy mulled cider.

Related answers: what sweet cider is · is sparkling cider alcoholic

Find it on Cider Radar

Cider makers in the United States: 857 makers and 93 other cider places (as of 2026-10-02).
Guide: where to buy cider · Cider shops · Glossary: hard cider
You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android

Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

Questions

Is apple cider the same as hard cider?

No. In US usage, apple cider usually means unfermented juice, while hard cider is fermented and alcoholic. BJCP notes the US distinction between hard cider and sweet cider. [1] In the US federal regulator's cider FAQs, "cider" and "hard cider" both refer to wine fermented from apples. [2] See what is sweet cider.

Does fresh apple cider have to be pasteurized?

Not always. FDA says most juice sold in the US is pasteurized, but some cider mills and farmers' markets sell untreated cider. Packaged untreated juice must carry an FDA warning; juice sold by the glass is exempt. [3]

Can I order fresh apple cider from Cider Radar?

Cider Radar is built around fermented cider: its map lists cider makers, bars, shops and festivals. For fresh juice, go to an orchard, cider mill or grocery store.

Sources

2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines (Introduction) — Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)
Cider FAQs — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
What You Need to Know About Juice Safety — FDA