Is non-alcoholic beer on the rise?

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to data from the Beer Institute, the non-alcoholic (NA) beer category saw a significant year-to-date increase of 22.2% in 2025, confirming a major shift in consumer preferences. This rapid growth indicates that NA beer is more than just a passing fad.

Quick Summary

The non-alcoholic beer market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by health-conscious consumers, a cultural shift towards mindful drinking, and significant improvements in taste and variety.

Key Points

Market Growth is Real: The NA beer category is experiencing rapid, double-digit growth, with the global market projected to double by 2033.
Health is a Key Motivator: Consumers are choosing NA beer for its lower calorie content, hydrating properties, and to avoid the negative health effects of alcohol.
Taste Has Improved Drastically: Modern brewing and dealcoholization techniques mean that today's NA beers can offer complex and satisfying flavor profiles.
The 'Sober Curious' Drive: Younger generations, in particular, are embracing mindful drinking, with NA beer enabling participation in social events without intoxication.
Widening Accessibility: NA beer is no longer confined to retail shelves; it is becoming increasingly available in bars and restaurants, driven by consumer demand.
Both Brands and Crafts are Innovating: Major brewers and dedicated craft NA companies are driving market growth with improved quality and innovative product offerings.

The Data Behind the Boom

Market data unequivocally shows that the non-alcoholic beer sector is undergoing a period of explosive growth. According to the Beer Institute, the NA beer category was up 22.2% year-to-date in 2025, following a strong 16.4% gain over the previous 12 months. This momentum isn't confined to retail; on-premise sales in bars and restaurants also saw a notable increase of 26.4% in 2025. The global market value further emphasizes this trend. Valued at $20 billion in 2023, the market is projected to reach $40 billion by 2033. This trajectory suggests that non-alcoholic beer is rapidly carving out a larger share of the beverage market, driven by a combination of generational shifts and product innovation.

Why Consumers Are Making the Switch

Several factors are converging to make non-alcoholic beer an increasingly attractive option for a wider audience than ever before.

The Health and Wellness Movement

One of the most significant drivers is the growing focus on health and wellness. Many consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages to reduce calorie intake, improve sleep quality, and avoid hangovers. Alcohol contains seven calories per gram, nearly twice that of sugar, so choosing an NA option can significantly lower a person's overall calorie consumption. Furthermore, some studies have shown that non-alcoholic beer contains polyphenols that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which may support cardiovascular health and reduce exercise-induced inflammation.

A Revolution in Flavor

The quality and variety of non-alcoholic beer have improved dramatically. The days of watery, unappealing options are largely over. Craft brewers and major brands are investing heavily in innovative dealcoholization and brewing techniques that preserve the complex flavor profiles of their alcoholic counterparts. This means consumers can now enjoy a wide range of styles, from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to crisp lagers, without compromising on taste.

The Rise of the 'Sober Curious' Trend

A growing demographic, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, is embracing the 'sober curious' movement, which involves deliberately cutting back on or abstaining from alcohol. Social media has played a role in normalizing mindful drinking, and younger generations are more socially and health-conscious regarding alcohol consumption. For this group, NA beer offers a perfect solution, allowing them to participate in social rituals without the negative effects of alcohol.

Key Players in the NA Beer Market

The market is seeing contributions from both established brewing giants and specialized craft brands. Major players have launched successful NA extensions of popular beers, while dedicated NA breweries have rapidly gained market share, demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, alcohol-free products.

Leading NA Beer Brands:

Athletic Brewing Company
Heineken 0.0
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
Guinness 0.0
Lagunitas IPNA

NA vs. Alcoholic Beer: A Comparative Look


Feature	Non-Alcoholic Beer	Traditional Beer
ABV (Alcohol by Volume)	< 0.5% ABV (or 0.0% for some variants)	~1.15% to 15% ABV or higher
Calories	Generally lower (avg. 20-50 per 12oz)	Higher (avg. 100-150 per 12oz)
Hangover Risk	None	Present, especially with higher consumption
Taste Profile	Significantly improved, with a wide range of styles	Varies by style, traditional taste expected
Production Cost	Often higher due to additional processing	Varies by brewing process and scale
Social Aspect	Enables participation in social rituals without intoxication	Traditional social lubricant, can lead to impairment

The Production Process: How NA Beer is Made

The brewing process for non-alcoholic beer involves similar initial steps to traditional beer, including malting, mashing, and fermentation. Specialized techniques are then used to reduce or remove alcohol, such as controlled fermentation with specific yeast strains or early halting of fermentation, and dealcoholization methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis.

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges for the NA beer market include overcoming taste perceptions and higher production costs. However, opportunities for innovation in flavors and functional ingredients exist. Increased on-premise availability in bars and restaurants also presents a significant growth area.

Conclusion

The consistent growth of the non-alcoholic beer market is driven by healthier consumption trends, improved taste, and wider availability. Both craft and major brewers are contributing to the category's expansion, offering flavorful alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. The rise of NA beer is a notable success in the beverage industry. More information can be found on the Beer Institute website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot get drunk from non-alcoholic beer. By law in the U.S., NA beer contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), and in many cases, is 0.0%. The amount is far too low to cause intoxication.

Yes, it is generally healthier due to its lower calorie count and the absence of alcohol. While it can offer some antioxidant benefits, it should still be consumed as part of a balanced diet and isn't a substitute for water.

Yes, the taste has significantly improved. Advances in brewing technology, such as reverse osmosis and controlled fermentation, allow brewers to capture and preserve the complex flavors that were previously lost in the dealcoholization process.

A wide range of people are drinking NA beer, including health-conscious individuals, those participating in 'Dry January' or 'Sober October', designated drivers, pregnant women, and young adults (Gen Z and Millennials) who are leading the trend towards mindful drinking.

For those in recovery, NA beer can be a complex issue. The taste and smell of a beer-like product could potentially act as a trigger for cravings or relapse. While it has very low alcohol content, some in recovery prefer to avoid it entirely.

Non-alcoholic beer can be more expensive to produce because it often involves additional steps, time, and specialized technology, such as dealcoholization equipment, to achieve a high-quality finished product with minimal alcohol.

Not all NA beers are gluten-free, but options do exist. The ingredients used, such as barley and wheat, are common sources of gluten. Some brands produce specific gluten-free NA beers, so it's important to check the label.