Low and No Alcohol: Cheers To Change

Gone are the days where to be accepted by your mates you had to be a booze hound, drinking into the early hours and clubbing every weekend. What was once a right of passage is now a thing of the past.

For younger generations, being sober or sober-curious is more attractive, with no and low alcohol alternatives offering the chance to get together and enjoy company without the intoxication element.

We’re exploring why better no and low options are expanding at speed and how younger generations are powering this change.

Less Clubbing, More Running

Interviews with club owners who saw huge success in the noughties are now finding that younger generations just don’t fancy it. Low and no alcohol options are far more attractive to younger generations, with 18-24 year olds being the biggest consumers of low and no drinks.

Steve Jason, who has run The Met Lounge in Peterborough since 1999 shared with the BBC that young people aren’t going out as much. 

“The average age of our club night is probably 30 - the majority of clubbing should be 18-21 year olds,” he said.

But it seems that those under 30 just aren't that interested in excessive drinking. Younger gens are leaning more toward hobbies that don't drain their wallet, hurt their mental health or burn them out. Overall, they’re healthier, with a massive 71% of Gen Z engaging in running and 56% doing strength training. 

They also value their mental health highly, with 37% of Gen Z having received treatment or gone to therapy - more than any other demographic. This trend towards health goes hand in hand with no and low alcohol options that aid healthy habits and support wellbeing.

Switching Between Alcohol And Low And No Alcohol

A key trend we’re seeing is the switch between no and low alternatives and normal alcoholic drinks. 47% of UK adults are switching between alcohol and low- and alcohol-free drinks on the same occasion, taking a sober curious mindset vs an all or nothing mentality.

Younger generations are doing away with binge drinking and would rather moderate and have a healthy relationship with alcohol long term.

This change is allowing people to be sociable without ruining the following day or affecting their physical and mental health. No and low alternatives provide an inclusive option for those who choose not to consume alcohol, ensuring that everyone can participate in social events without feeling left out. 

The trends we’re seeing in bars and clubs or alternating between alcohol-free and alcoholic drinks are also reflected at home. 99% of UK shoppers who buy alcohol-free drinks also buy alcohol showing that consumers want the best of both worlds.

Of those who do consume low and no drinks, young adults consume the most.

Embracing No And Low

If you’re ready to be part of the 38% of UK drinkers who are now consuming low and no alcohol alternatives semi-regularly, then why not start experimenting with clean cocktails.

The trend towards no and low is more than just a fleeting moment; it's a fundamental shift towards a healthier and more mindful lifestyle which is a great change in society. 

The benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, from improved physical health to enhanced mental well-being, are compelling reasons to explore these alternatives. 

The great news is that choosing low and no alcohol drinks doesn't mean sacrificing flavour or enjoyment. With the wide range of high-quality options available, from non-alcoholic beers and wines to creative mocktails and alcohol-free spirits, there is something for everyone. 

Shop our range of like-for-like non-alcoholic spirits that taste just as good as the real thing, with none of the alcohol (we’re 0.0%)