Non-alcoholic beverages are experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by various factors: prioritizing wellness, the rise of the "sober curious" movement, demand for more sophisticated flavors, and the search for healthy solutions to maintain social connections.
According to several analyses, including a study indicating a global market valued at 1.1 trillion dollars in 2018, the non-alcoholic beverage industry is expected to reach 3.8 trillion dollars by 2034. Additionally, the U.S. market could climb to 225.62 billion dollars by 2030.
In this article, we explore the strong trends forming the foundation of an increasingly creative and diverse offering. We'll examine particularly the emergence of functional ingredients (superfoods, adaptogens, nootropics), flavor complexity, the mainstreaming of alcohol-free rituals, eco-conscious packaging choices, and the contribution of technology (AI, AR) in this new landscape.
From 2019 to 2025, projections show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) ranging from 4.7% to 7.75%. In addition to the priority given to health and well-being, the “sober curious” phenomenon is reinforcing demand. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly embracing these alcohol-free alternatives, backed by heightened social and environmental awareness:
The heightened awareness of the negative effects associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the desire to maintain fitness have helped highlight functional beverages—those capable of providing minerals, vitamins, and other benefits (immunity, relaxation, energy).
Dealcoholization processes are becoming more refined. Techniques like the GoLo Dealcoholization System, Alfa Laval’s all-in-one module, and AI solutions for optimizing flavor profiles help preserve taste, tannins, and a complex mouthfeel without the presence of alcohol. The challenge lies in achieving 0.05% or 0.0% alcohol content while maintaining sugar-acidity-bitterness balance.
The global non-alcoholic beverages market could reach 3.8 trillion dollars by 2034.
Non-alcoholic beverages increasingly incorporate functional ingredients known for their supposed virtues:
Producers are striving to replicate the structure of an alcoholic beverage (body, astringency, lingering aftertaste) through:
Notable examples:
Non-alcoholic beverages are no longer confined to apéritif time or just ‘Dry January.’ We’re seeing them at different times of the day.” — Ludovic Mornand, Studio Blackthorns
Non-alcoholic beverages are no longer limited to apéritif time or just “Dry January.” They can appear at different times of the day:
Key social events (weddings, corporate parties, Sunday family meals, nights out with friends) now include alcohol-free options. Consumers freely switch from “without” to “with” depending on the occasion, making the non-alcoholic beverage a natural choice in a single drinking session.
“No-alc” options are appearing in bars (dedicated mocktail sections) and even in the workplace (refrigerators stocked with natural energy drinks, alcohol-free coldbrew) to replace traditional coffee or highly sweetened sodas. In restaurants, there is growing attention to pairing dishes with non-alcoholic beverages, a segment poised to expand as more diners seek variety.
Environmental requirements are gaining ground:
Some brands stand out through connected labels (QR codes, augmented reality), temperature-sensitive logos, or modular packaging (e.g., a lid that converts into a glass).
Read also: Packaging Trends 2024/2025 on the Studio Blackthorns website.
The non-alcoholic beverage market is witnessing the emergence of innovative brands that push the boundaries in terms of flavor, functionality, and consumer experience. The following are some brands/companies/groups to keep an eye on:
● Curious Elixirs : This brand offers alcohol-free cocktails infused with adaptogens and sophisticated flavor profiles. Founded in 2016, Curious Elixirs raised $36,000 via a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.
● Proposition : Produces ready-to-drink, alcohol-free beverages infused with adaptogens and unique flavor combinations. Founded in 2019, Proposition received undisclosed funding from Big Rock.
● Little Saints : Creates magical plant-based mocktails and spirits without sugar, using natural ingredients. Their line includes Paloma, Negroni Spritz, Mimosa, Ginger Mule, and Spicy Margarita mocktails, as well as St. Ember, an alcohol-free mezcal alternative.
● Aplós : Offers functional alcohol-free spirits infused with hemp and adaptogens. Their products include Aplós Calme, infused with hemp, and Aplós Arise, infused with adaptogens.
● Mocktail Club : Makes healthier alcohol-free beverages containing prebiotics and antioxidants. They source fruit juices from organic suppliers, use sustainable packaging, and donate 1% of their sales to support access to clean water globally. Flavors include Manhattan Berry, Havana Twist, Capri Sour, and Bombay Fire.
● ISH Spirits : Produces a range of alcohol-free alternatives to popular spirits and wines, including alcohol-free gin, rum, and sparkling wine.
● Bemuse : Specializes in modern non-alcoholic meads with complex flavor profiles, offering a contemporary interpretation of the ancient art of mead-making.
● Diageo : This global drinks giant has expanded its non-alcoholic offering with Guinness 0.0, Gordon’s Gin 0.0, and Captain Morgan’s 0.0. They also acquired Ritual Zero Proof, a leading brand of alcohol-free spirits.
● Pernod Ricard : This major beverage player has invested in the non-alcoholic sector through its venture capital fund.
● Carlsberg : This worldwide brewer offers alcohol-free versions of its popular beers, meeting the growing demand for alcohol-free options.
● Heineken : A pioneer in the beer market with its Heineken 0.0 range of non-alcoholic beers.
● PepsiCo : This global food and beverage company is a key player in the non-alcoholic beverage market, with brands like Pepsi, 7 Up, and Tropicana.
● The Coca-Cola Company : Another major player in non-alcoholic beverages with brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta.
● Danone S.A. : This French multinational food company is a significant presence in the non-alcoholic beverage market, with brands like Evian and Volvic.
● Nestlé S.A. : This Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate is a key player, with brands such as Nescafé and Nestea.
By 2025, the non-alcoholic beverage market offers exciting prospects:
If you are a professional looking to develop your alcohol-free beverage, contact us: we can help you design a branding strategy, formulation, and launch plan adapted to these new expectations. Also, feel free to share this article if you believe these trends can benefit your network!
(For more inspiring content, also check out our blog and our page dedicated to our brand identity projects.)
FAQ – Non-Alcoholic Beverages in 2025