[Edaily Reporter Kim Ji-woo ] LotteChilsungBeverage is introducing alcoholic beverages that go beyond zero-sugar and low-calorie options to now reduce “purine” content as well. As the “subtraction competition” in the alcoholic beverage industry—driven by health-conscious trends—has shifted from sugar and calories to specific individual ingredients, the company appears to be targeting this emerging demand.
#LotteChilsungBeverage announced on the 6th that it has launched “Cloud Purine Cut Down,” which reduces purine content by approximately 90% compared to similar alcoholic beverages.
Cloud Purine Cut Down utilizes the “Poseidon System,” a physical purine removal process that employs activated carbon. Through this process, the purine content has been reduced to less than 0.5 mg per 100 mL. The company explained that while reducing purine levels, it focused on carefully adjusting manufacturing conditions to deliver the taste and drinking experience expected from conventional alcoholic beverages.
Cloud Purine Cut Down utilizes the “Poseidon System,” a physical purine removal process that employs activated carbon. Through this process, the purine content has been reduced to less than 0.5 mg per 100 mL. The company explained that while reducing purine levels, it focused on carefully adjusting manufacturing conditions to deliver the taste and drinking experience expected from conventional alcoholic beverages.
Purine is a naturally occurring compound found in foods and other sources; it is known to produce uric acid when metabolized in the body. Elevated blood uric acid levels and the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints and other areas can lead to gout.
Sugar and calorie content have also been reduced. The alcohol content is 4 degrees, and it is a zero-sugar product. Calories are 29 kcal per 100 mL, which is 25% lower than comparable alcoholic beverages.
Low-purine products have been launched in Korea before. HITEJINRO released “Pilight Purine Cut” as a limited edition in February 2023. It was a sparkling beer with purine levels reduced by approximately 90% compared to the original Pilight Fresh. In response to persistent requests for a relaunch, the company released a limited edition “Pilight Double Cut” last December, which reduced purine content by 90% and calories by 33%. Although it sold out quickly at some stores, it did not become a regular, year-round product.
The beverage industry is targeting this demand by successively introducing products with reduced specific ingredients or calories—starting with non-alcoholic and alcohol-free options, followed by zero-sugar and low-calorie offerings.
The rising number of gout patients is cited as the reason behind the launch of these purine-reduced products. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of gout patients in South Korea rose from approximately 1.38 million in 2021 to about 1.49 million in 2025—an increase of about 8% over four years. However, simply reducing purine content does not completely eliminate the risk of gout. This is because not only purines but also alcohol itself can affect the production and excretion of uric acid in the body.
To coincide with the launch of this new product, LotteChilsungBeverage is also unveiling an advertising campaign featuring actor Lee Jun-hyuk, the main model for the “Cloud” brand. The ad prominently highlights the product’s features, such as “0% sugar,” “25% fewer calories,” and “90% less purine.”
A representative from LotteChilsungBeverage stated, “We targeted the consumer trend of choosing products based on personal criteria—such as ingredients and calories—in addition to taste,” adding, “This product reduces purine content to the level generally labeled as ‘purine-free’ in the Japanese alcoholic beverage industry while preserving the authentic taste and drinking satisfaction of the beverage.”
