Zero‑alcohol drinks are rising in popularity. What do young people think about them?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-04T11:02:38.242Z • Permanent link

Recent market research conducted by Euromonitor International revealed that zero-alcohol drinks have experienced significant growth in the US, reaching a 15% increase in sales between 2020 and 2022. This surge can be attributed to the rising popularity of low- and no-alcohol beverages among younger generations. According to a survey conducted by the market research firm Nielsen, 71% of American consumers aged 18-24 have tried zero-alcohol drinks, surpassing the 55% market share of traditional beer drinkers in the same age group. Companies like Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light Chiller and Heineken's 0.0 have led the charge in this space, offering consumers a range of options with minimal or no alcohol content.

Key players in the zero-alcohol market, such as Carlsberg's Carlsberg Zero and Diageo's Smirnoff Zero, have also seen substantial growth, with sales increasing by 20% and 15%, respectively, over the same period. These companies have been quick to capitalize on the trend, investing heavily in marketing and distribution efforts to reach a wider audience. As a result, the zero-alcohol market has become a major player in the global beverage industry, with some analysts predicting that it will continue to grow at a rate of 10% per annum over the next five years.

Growing demand for zero-alcohol drinks has also led to increased investment from major beverage companies. In 2022, the market research firm IWSR reported that 75% of major beverage companies had launched or were planning to launch zero-alcohol products in the US market alone. This trend is expected to continue, with companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo already announcing plans to expand their zero-alcohol offerings in the coming years.

The rise of zero-alcohol drinks has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, with companies and researchers alike taking note of the trend. According to a report by the market research firm Mintel, the global zero-alcohol market is expected to reach $15.4 billion by 2025, with the US accounting for a significant share of this growth. As a result, companies operating in the Data Sources space, such as market research firms and data analytics providers, are likely to see increased demand for their services as they seek to better understand the trends and behaviors driving this growth.

The impact of the zero-alcohol trend on research communities is also being felt. Many researchers are now incorporating zero-alcohol data into their studies, with some even conducting dedicated research into the topic. According to a study published in the Journal of Beverage Studies, researchers found that zero-alcohol drinks were more popular among younger consumers and those with lower incomes. This trend is likely to continue, with researchers seeking to better understand the factors driving demand for zero-alcohol drinks.

The rise of zero-alcohol drinks is part of a broader trend towards greater flexibility and choice in the beverage industry. In recent years, consumers have increasingly sought out low- and no-alcohol options, driven in part by concerns about health and wellness. This trend has been driven by a range of factors, including the growing awareness of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the increasing popularity of plant-based diets.