Photo: A vibrant pink can of Bunta Beer—crafted to complement bold Indian flavours with refreshing citrus notes and contemporary style.
Indian-Inspired Non-Alcoholic Beer Redefines UK Dining Pairings
Bunta Beer launches in the UK, offering a non-alcoholic citrus lager designed for Indian cuisine. Founder Gunikka Ahuja targets modern consumers seeking refined, sustainable, and culturally innovative drink pairings.
A new non-alcoholic beer brand is aiming to disrupt one of Britain’s most familiar dining rituals. Bunta Beer, founded by 27-year-old Gunikka Ahuja, has launched in the UK as what it claims is the country’s first Indian craft beer designed specifically to pair with spice-led cuisine.
The brand is rolling out across a mix of hospitality and retail venues, with initial listings including Kricket, Aspen & Meursault, Vintopia Wine, East West Pizza and Londis N16. Its arrival reflects a growing demand for low- and no-alcohol options, particularly among younger consumers seeking more considered drinking experiences.
While Indian food in the UK has undergone significant transformation in recent years—with restaurants such as Dishoom and Hoppers helping redefine the category—beer pairings have remained relatively static. Ahuja saw this as an opportunity.
Born in New Delhi and later working in textile innovation at Adidas, she began developing the concept after repeated visits to London, where she encountered what she describes as a mismatch between evolving food and outdated drinks choices. “The food had moved forward, but the beer hadn’t,” she says.
Bunta’s flagship product is a 0.5% ABV citrus lager, formulated to complement rather than compete with bold flavours. Light and crisp, it features notes of orange peel and coriander seed—ingredients that echo flavour compounds commonly found in Indian cooking. The intention is to create a beer that cools the palate and enhances the dining experience, rather than overwhelming it.
The name “Bunta” references a traditional North Indian drink, Banta soda, known for its distinctive marble-sealed bottles and citrus-forward taste. For Ahuja, the reference is both personal and symbolic, rooted in childhood memories while signalling a fresh take on refreshment.
The brand also extends beyond beverages. Drawing on her background in textile technology, Ahuja is developing Buntatex™, a biodegradable material made from brewing waste, which is expected to be used in packaging and merchandise. The initiative aligns with broader industry interest in sustainable, circular production methods.
Visually, Bunta positions itself apart from conventional Indian branding. Its pink can, featuring a stylised illustration inspired by Ahuja’s brother, reflects a more contemporary interpretation of cultural identity—one that moves beyond traditional motifs and speaks to a globally minded audience.
As Bunta Beer enters the market, its proposition is clear: to offer a modern alternative to the standard lager-and-curry pairing, and to establish itself as the default choice for Indian food occasions across the UK.
