Non-Alcoholic (NA) Drinks on Tap? Why Your Kombucha and Soda Require More Cleaning Than Your Beer

Offering Non Alcoholic drinks on tap is a great way to expand your beverage lineup and appeal to today’s health-conscious customers. Options like soda, kombucha, and cold brew are popular, but they also require more care than beer. The sugars, acids, and live cultures in these beverages can clog lines, encourage microbial growth, and wear down equipment over time. Regularly cleaning taps is essential to maintain freshness, ensure safety, and extend the life of your draft system.

1. Microbial Growth and Biofilm

Non Alcoholic beverages create an ideal environment for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Fermented options, such as kombucha, contain active cultures that can quickly colonize tubing and faucets.

• Frequent Cleaning Needed: While beer lines are typically cleaned every two weeks, NA lines often require cleaning every 1–3 days.
• Deep Sanitation: Use alkaline and acid cleaners, followed by hot-water flushes, to eliminate biofilm and prevent buildup.

2. Flavor and Odor Transfer

Strong flavors and natural acids in NA drinks can linger inside draft lines, leading to “ghosting” or unwanted flavor carryover.

• Dedicated Lines: Avoid running multiple beverages through the same system.
• Flush Between Products: Consistent cleaning taps between beverages preserves authentic taste and prevents cross-contamination.

3. Equipment Corrosion and Material Issues

Acidic and sugary drinks can corrode standard fittings and seals. If not flushed promptly, sweetened beverages can crystallize and clog internal valves.

• Use Proper Materials: Make sure tubing, gaskets, and faucets are rated for acidic and sugary liquids to prevent damage.
  

4. Pressure and Carbonation Differences

Many NA drinks require unique carbonation levels or gas blends. Incorrect pressure can lead to foaming, flat beverages, or even backflow that contaminates the system.

• Adjust for Each Drink: Match gas settings and flow rates to each product to maintain consistent quality.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule

Consistent cleaning of taps is the most important step in maintaining a reliable NA draft system.

• 1–3 Day Cleaning Cycle: Lines that carry sugary or cultured beverages should be cleaned more frequently.
• Keep Records: Document cleaning dates, chemicals used, and technician details for compliance and accountability.

6. Health and Safety Compliance

Even though these beverages are alcohol-free, they’re still dispensed through food-contact surfaces regulated by local health codes and FDA sanitation standards. Neglecting to clean taps can result in contamination or safety violations.

GS Draft Best Practices

• Use Dedicated Lines for soda, kombucha, and NA beer.

• Clean daily or between products for high-risk beverages.

• Avoid Shared Lines between fermented and pasteurized products.

• Verify Materials for resistance to acidic and sugary liquids.

• Maintain Cleaning Logs for safety and regulatory compliance.

By properly maintaining your Non Alcoholic drinks on tap program and prioritizing cleaning taps, you’ll ensure consistent flavor, equipment longevity, and a high-quality beverage experience that keeps customers coming back.

At GS Draft, we’re here to help you keep your draft systems running smoothly. Contact us for expert advice on cleaning taps, maintenance schedules, and system optimization to maximize quality, safety, and profitability.