Companies marketing low-/no-alcohol versions of alcoholic drinks should target occasions where people typically drink alcohol, as well as ones where they typically would not.
This report examines consumer usage of and attitudes towards low-/no-alcohol drinks. In the consumer research, this was defined to survey respondents as: ‘drinks designed as an alternative to standard alcoholic drinks. This includes lower- and non-alcoholic/alcohol-free beer, cider, wine and pre-mixed drinks as well as soft drinks designed specifically as an alternative to alcoholic drinks (eg Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit).’
The popularity of low or alcohol-free drinks continues to grow in the UK. As of May 2025, 53% of UK adults have drunk low- or no-alcohol beer, wine, cider, spirits or cocktails in the past twelve months. Naturally, this has caused value and volume sales to grow, with Mintel forecasting this increase to continue to 2030. As of 2025, Mintel estimates that the market value of low- and no-alcohol drinks is £413m.
This report was written by Alice Baker. Alice analyses and writes on the UK Food & Drink sector, having joined Mintel in January 2016. She has previously worked for the International Meat Trade Association and in local government. She holds a BA in History and an MA in History of Political Thought from University College London.
Appealing as a healthier option is key for low-/no-alcohol variants. Boosting associations with refreshment is needed.
Alice Baker
Food and Drink Analyst
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