Can bitters be sold in grocery stores? Unpacking US Regulations

September 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite their potent alcohol content, many cocktail bitters are legally classified as food products, not alcoholic beverages, by the FDA. This unique categorization is precisely why you can typically find bitters sold in grocery stores, even those without a liquor license.

Quick Summary

Yes, standard cocktail bitters are widely available in grocery stores across the U.S. because they are regulated as a non-beverage food product, intended for flavoring rather than consumption in large quantities. Regional and product-type exceptions exist, so it is wise to check local laws and product labels for clarification.

Key Points

Regulatory Loophole: Most cocktail bitters are classified as non-beverage food products, not alcoholic beverages, enabling their sale in grocery stores.
Where to Look: Find cocktail bitters in the mixer, soda, or baking aisle of a grocery store, not the liquor section.
Know Your Bitters: The rules apply to cocktail bitters; potent potable bitters like digestifs require purchase at a liquor store.
No Age Restriction: Because of their classification as food products, there is generally no age restriction for buying cocktail bitters in the U.S.
Versatile Ingredient: Bitters are used in much more than just cocktails, including in mocktails, baked goods, sauces, and marinades.
Global Differences: Availability and regulations for bitters can vary significantly outside the United States, so local laws must be considered.

Why Bitters Are Available in Supermarkets

The ability to purchase bitters in a regular grocery store, alongside items like spices and extracts, can be puzzling given their high alcohol content. The core reason lies in their legal classification. In the United States, regulations governing food and beverages make a distinction based on intended use and quantity consumed. Since cocktail bitters are used in small dashes and drops to flavor other liquids, they are designated as 'non-beverage products' by the government. This classification is the same reason vanilla extract, which also contains alcohol, is not restricted to liquor stores.

The FDA's Non-Beverage Classification

Most cocktail bitters contain a significant amount of alcohol, often around 40-45% ABV. However, because they are an unpalatable and concentrated flavoring agent, they are not intended for direct consumption in quantity. This allows them to bypass the strict age restrictions and licensing requirements that apply to traditional alcoholic beverages like spirits, wine, and beer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal agencies regulate these products as food flavorings, giving them broader retail access.

Distinguishing Between Types of Bitters

Not all products labeled 'bitters' fall under the same regulatory umbrella. It is crucial to understand the difference between cocktail bitters and potable bitters or digestifs.

Cocktail Bitters: These are highly concentrated, intensely flavored extracts meant to be used sparingly in cocktails, mocktails, and culinary creations. Brands like Angostura, Peychaud's, and Fee Brothers are classic examples and are what you will find in most grocery stores.
Potable Bitters (Digestifs): These are meant to be consumed in larger quantities, often as an aperitif or digestif. Examples include Campari, Fernet-Branca, and Aperol. Due to their intended use as a beverage, they are classified as liquor and can only be purchased in liquor stores where regulated alcoholic beverages are sold.

A Global Perspective on Bitters Availability

While the situation is straightforward in the United States, regulations vary significantly by country and even by state or province. For instance, in some parts of Canada, provincial liquor laws are stricter, and bitters, even cocktail varieties, may be sold exclusively in government-run liquor stores. In contrast, some European countries may have more relaxed rules. If you are traveling or living abroad, it is always best to check local regulations to avoid confusion at the checkout counter.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Bitters

In recent years, the market for non-alcoholic options has grown exponentially, and bitters are no exception. Brands like All The Bitters and Dram Apothecary offer zero-proof versions that provide complex flavor without the alcohol. These are, by nature, not regulated as alcoholic products and can be sold anywhere that carries specialty food items. They offer a great alternative for mixologists and home cooks who want the flavor profile of bitters without any alcohol content.

Culinary Versatility Beyond Cocktails

While bitters are most famous for their role in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, their uses extend far beyond the bar. The complex botanical flavors can add depth to a variety of dishes. A few dashes of bitters can elevate:

Baked goods, such as cakes and cookies
Glazes and marinades for meat
Sauces and dressings
Carbonated water or non-alcoholic sodas for a refreshing drink
Ice cream or other desserts

Comparing Bitters Types


Feature	Cocktail Bitters	Potable Bitters (Digestifs)
Classification	Non-beverage food product	Alcoholic beverage
Intended Use	Flavoring agent, used in dashes	Consumed as a drink
Typical ABV	~35-45%	Varies, can be high
Where to Buy	Grocery stores, specialty shops	Liquor stores only
Regulation	FDA food flavoring rules	State and federal liquor laws
Purchase Age	Varies, often no restriction	21+ in the U.S.

Conclusion: The Key to Availability is Classification

To conclude, the availability of bitters in grocery stores is not an oversight but a result of their specific legal classification as a food product. This designation, based on their use as a concentrated flavoring in small quantities, separates them from traditional spirits and makes them accessible to a wider audience. The next time you are looking for a bottle of Angostura or Peychaud's, you can confidently check the mixer aisle of your local supermarket, knowing that you are purchasing a culinary ingredient, not a liquor. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, the burgeoning market provides even more access to these complex and versatile flavor agents. For more information on food regulations, you can refer to the official FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Availability depends on several factors, including state-specific liquor laws, store policy, and local demand. While federal law allows for bitters in grocery stores, local regulations can sometimes impose stricter rules.

In the United States, because standard cocktail bitters are classified as non-beverage food products, they are not subject to the same age restrictions as alcohol. Therefore, minors can typically purchase them from grocery stores.

No, there are two main types: cocktail bitters and potable bitters. Cocktail bitters are concentrated flavoring agents, while potable bitters (like digestifs) are meant for consumption as a drink and are sold only in liquor stores.

Both bitters and vanilla extract are concentrated flavorings with alcohol. The key difference is the botanical blend used to achieve their distinct flavors, not their regulatory status. Both are legally classified as food products, not beverages.

Beyond cocktails, bitters can enhance the flavor of sparkling water, tea, coffee, and even food. They can be used in baking, sauces, marinades, and glazes to add depth and complexity.

Historically, bitters were used for medicinal purposes, particularly to aid digestion. While some people still use them for digestive health, and they are generally safe, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for any specific health concerns.

Not at all. Bitters are simple to use. Just a few dashes can add a new dimension of flavor to any beverage or dish. Many brands, like Angostura, are widely used by both home cooks and professional bartenders.