avoiding wolves in the non-alcoholic industry

The non-alcoholic beverage industry is booming; kava bars, sober curious lounges, functional beverage brands, and alcohol-free bottle shops are popping up everywhere. But with rapid growth comes hidden threats: wolves in sheep’s clothing.

In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, host Marina Castillo exposes 11 wolves in the non-alc industry that every founder, operator, and sober entrepreneur needs to recognize. From bar owners who exploit staff with “family” language, to distributors demanding exclusivity, to brands lying about functional ingredients or selling expired products, Marina calls out the wolf tactics that weaken our movement.

You’ll hear:

• Why late paychecks + owner draws are a major red flag

• How sloppy serving practices ruin entire regional markets

• The dangers of expired kava, kratom, and functional blends

• How “functional” brands use wellness language while sneaking in endocrine disruptors

• The truth about exclusivity deals, non-compete clauses, and industry lobbyists

• Why predatory mentors demanding equity aren’t guides — they’re wolves in disguise

This episode is both a warning and a rallying cry. Because the non-alcoholic space is fragile and worth protecting.

👉 This is just the beginning of the Wolves series. Follow Marina on Instagram @mocktailswithmarina to catch the full set of reels and future updates.

If you’re building in the non-alcoholic, sober curious, or functional beverage world, this episode is a must-listen.