This year has been the most successful year on record for the ‘no and low’ beer market, new research from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed.
While nearly 170 million no- and low-alcohol beers were drunk last year, the trade association predicts that Brits will consume 200m by the end of the year, with 22 million pints expected to be poured in December alone.
This is an increase of nearly 20% on 2024 and reflects the sub-sector’s impressive growth, which now accounts for 2.7% of the UK’s total beer market.
The new figures support recent statistics from Drinkaware that almost one in two drinkers consumed no- and low-alcohol drinks in the last 12 months (up from 22% in 2021).
The BBPA says the boom has been made possible by the sector adapting to trends and producing more no and low options than ever before, which supports public health goals.
Definition must be updated
Despite this strong growth, the BBPA warns progress is being held back by the UK’s restrictive definition of ‘alcohol free’. Currently, a beer must be below 0.05% ABV to be classified as alcohol free, a stricter definition than many other countries where the limit is 0.5%.
“The pub has always been about more than getting a drink, and it is inspiring to see so many people choosing to moderate whilst still celebrating the occasion this festive season,” said BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin.
“No and low beer has become one of the sector’s greatest success stories, and its growth shows just how our well industry reacts and responds to emerging trends.
“That is why the government must recognise the importance of empowering people to make those choices. Updating the definition of alcohol free to 0.5% ABV would unlock new investment, bring us in line with international markets, and give customers more options when they want to moderate. It is a win for everyone.”
Luke Boase, founder of Lucky Saint, added: “We’ve seen record sales, with more people buying Lucky Saint than ever before. We’re seeing this across every month of the year. It’s become engrained as part of how people are drinking.
“2026 is the year the government should finally change the alcohol-free descriptor to 0.5% ABV, as it is across Europe and much of the rest of the world.
“We’ve seen how this change encourages greater take-up of alcohol-free products, and the positive impact it has on the health of a nation.”
Clair Preston-Beer, chief operating officer at Greene King, said: “Pubs really are the place to be over the festive season. The atmosphere is amazing as people gather to celebrate, and we work hard to serve our customers a great choice of food, drinks, and atmosphere over this time.
“Our research has found that lifestyle choices are prompting one in three pubgoers to moderate their drinking and select low and no alcohol alternatives when they are out. Greene King’s pubs are meeting this demand with an even bigger choice of drinks across beers, ciders, fizz, and cocktails, for non-drinkers or occasional drinkers.”
