UK: Almost half of UK adults now regularly enjoy alcohol-free beers, study finds

Almost half (48%) of UK adults now regularly enjoy alcohol-free beers, wines and spirits, according to Club Soda’s ‘Drinks for Everyone’ 2025 report, Talking Retail said on June 19.

This marks a fundamental shift in a nation once defined by its drinking culture.

Key findings from the report include:

• More people are enjoying alcohol-free drinks than ever before with 48% of UK adults now drinking them.
• 37% of 18-34-year-olds drink alcohol-free drinks weekly – four times the rate for over-55s (9%).
• Over half (56%) want to see alcohol-free drinks more widely promoted as alternatives to alcohol.

Ten years ago, Club Soda identified that a lack of good alcohol-free drinks was getting in the way of consumers making healthier choices.

Fast forward to today, and Ocado stocks 261 adult alcohol-free drink options while more than 1,400 British breweries are producing alcohol-free beer suggesting that it is no longer a fringe trend but a significant cultural shift for the traditionally alcocentric UK.

Out of the 48% of UK adults now choosing alcohol-free drinks, only 9% of them say they are completely alcohol-free which indicates that the shift is driven by moderation and thanks to better tasting options, alcohol-free choices are now a regular part of people’s drinking habits.

Laura Willoughby, founder of Club Soda, said: “Ten years ago, if you weren’t drinking, your options were water and judgment. Now, alcohol-free drinks are not just socially acceptable – they’re essential.

“Nearly half of UK adults are choosing them, and venues and retailers ignoring this shift are leaving money on the table. Booze-free isn’t boring anymore – it’s profitable, popular, and part of the party.”

Alcohol-free beer proves itself as the UK’s top booze-free choice, with 42% of adults drinking it at least occasionally – rapidly closing the gap with alcoholic beer (66%).

One in three under-35s now opt for booze-free beers regularly – the main motivations being to reduce their alcohol consumption while staying social.

37% of young adults say they choose alcohol-free beer to stay social without drinking alcohol. And while nearly 45% of consumers would prefer alcohol-free versions of their favourite alcohol brands such as Heineken 0.0, a growing 19% now actively prefer and seek out dedicated alcohol-free brands such as Lucky Saint and Everleaf.

Public appetite for greater visibility and access is on the rise too, with over half of adults in the UK wanting alcohol-free drinks promoted more actively as everyday options (56%).

Support for alcohol-free branded advertising at sporting events is also high (58%) – clear indications of just how mainstream these choices have become.

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