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Non-Alcoholic Beer Market by Product Type (Alcohol-Free Beer, Low-Alcohol Beer), Flavor Profile (Traditional Lager, Wheat Beer, Craft Styles), Packaging Format (Bottles, Cans, Draught), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Beverage Stores, Online Retail, Bars and Pubs, and Restaurants and Hotels) – Global Forecast to 2032
Report ID: MRFB - 1041463 Pages: 250 Mar-2025 Formats*: PDF Category: Food and Beverages Delivery: 24 to 72 Hours Download Free Sample ReportThe market growth is fuelled by growing health awareness among consumers, rising incidence of lifestyle diseases, tougher regulations on alcohol consumption, and tremendous advancements in taste and variety of non-alcoholic beer products. Taste perception difficulties and increased cost of production hold back market growth to a certain level. Even so, untapped potential in developing markets and the growing popularity of craft non-alcoholic beers are likely to create growth prospects for the industry players in this market.
Increasing health awareness among international consumers has been a key propellant for the non-alcoholic beer industry. This change in consumer trend mirrors a larger wellness movement that gathered considerable steam in the last ten years and sped up after the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a greater focus on individual health and immune system efficiency.
Today's consumers are more conscious of their alcohol consumption and caloric intake, and many are looking for alternatives that enable them to partake in social drinking events without sacrificing their health objectives. Non-alcoholic beer, with roughly 60-80% fewer calories than regular beer and none of the adverse physiological consequences of alcohol, offers an attractive solution for this group. The typical non-alcoholic beer has only 50-80 calories per serving versus 150-200 calories in regular beers, which is very appealing to consumers who watch their weight.
Health-conscious issues fueling this industry are to escape the effects of alcohol on sleep quality, mental acuity, physical ability, and long-term health results. Studies correlating even moderate drinking with higher cancer risks and other health problems have led many consumers to cut back on their alcohol use, with non-alcoholic beer offering an acceptable substitute that allows for the ritual and social aspects of beer drinking.
The most receptive demographic to this trend is millennials and Gen Z consumers, who consume much less alcohol than their predecessors. Industry facts demonstrate that almost 45% of adults between 21-34 have made a non-alcoholic beer purchase in the last year, whereas only 12% of customers older than 55 have done so. This more youthful demographic looks at health from a more holistic perspective, considering mental wellbeing as well as physical health, and sees moderation as a choice in lifestyle and not a sacrifice.
The "sober curious" phenomenon, that promotes abstinence and responsible drinking, has helped drive market growth further. Adoption of month-long challenges such as "Dry January" and "Sober October" has risen by around 20% year on year since 2020, presenting notable trial opportunities for non-alcoholic beer brands. Around 35% of trial consumers during this time go on to buy throughout the year.
Secondly, shrinking stigma surrounding non-alcoholic options has broadened the market from traditional abstainers to moderate drinkers who want occasional substitutes. According to market research, 67% of non-alcoholic beer consumers also buy alcoholic beer, indicating these items are complementary, not competitive.
As producers refine taste profiles and position non-alcoholic beer as a healthy lifestyle option instead of a compromise, the health consciousness driver will continue to gain strength, underpinning continued market expansion through 2032.
Stricter alcohol drinking laws across the globe have emerged as a major market driver for non-alcoholic beer. Government regulations to curb alcohol harm, especially targeted at road safety and public health, have provided boon to the development of alcohol-free options.
Most nations have enacted successively lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for motorists, with some European countries having "zero tolerance" laws that basically exclude any drinking beforehand. In such nations as Sweden, Norway, and Poland, BAC levels as low as 0.02% have created a popular market for non-alcoholic beer among customers who desire the flavor of beer without the fear of breaking the law. These regulatory shifts have had a direct impact on consumer behavior, with market research showing that 38% of purchases of non-alcoholic beer are driven by driving duties.
Workplace policies have also changed, with most industries embracing zero-tolerance policies towards alcohol, especially in safety-critical settings like manufacturing, construction, and transport. This has provided a new drinking occasion for non-alcoholic beer at work-related social events and after-work parties where conventional alcoholic drinks are not allowed.
Advertising limits on alcoholic drinks have created marketing opportunities for non-alcoholic beer brands. As most nations restrict when and where their alcoholic products may be advertised, non-alcoholic options tend to have fewer such restrictions, enabling marketers to establish brand visibility through media that is off-limits to their alcoholic brands. Such comparative advantage has highly favored large brewing firms that need to market their non-alcoholic product lines during high-traffic events as well as prime-time television programming.
Tax policies also facilitate market expansion, with non-alcoholic beer generally attracting lower tax rates than alcohol-based counterparts in most markets. These tax benefits equate to more price-competitive offerings, with non-alcoholic beverages becoming more affordable for price-conscious consumers.
As governments continue to emphasize public health and road safety, with more regulation favouring these initiatives, the regulatory environment is likely to become even more supportive of non-alcoholic beer, fueling ongoing market growth and consumer take-up.
Low-alcohol beer (0.1-0.5% ABV) will continue to rule the non-alcoholic beer market in 2025, with a share of around 45-50%. The dominance of this segment is based on some major competitive strengths over current consumer trends and manufacturing realities.
The main reason low-alcohol beer leads the market is its richer taste profile over fully alcohol-free options. Its limited alcohol content acts as a key flavor carrier, retaining complex aromatic compounds responsible for genuine beer flavor. Manufacturing processes for low-alcohol beer generally involve less harsh dealcoholisation methods, which mean fewer stripped flavors and a resulting product that more accurately resembles traditional beer.
Market survey studies suggest that taste is still the final buying consideration for 78% of consumers, with low-alcohol products performing consistently better than totally alcohol-free ones in blind taste tests. This taste superiority has been a crucial factor for converting mainstream beer drinkers who might be cutting down on alcohol intake but are still not willing to settle for reduced flavor experience.
Regulatory-wise, the 0.5% ABV mark is a critical line in most international markets. Those below this can be sold as non-alcoholic in many countries, such as the European Union and most of Asia, but still contain sufficient alcohol to improve flavor profiles. This regulatory sweet spot enables manufacturers to maximize taste while tapping into the non-alcoholic market category.
The economics of production for low-alcohol beer also strengthen its market position. Production costs are generally 15-20% less than fully alcohol-free versions because they involve less energy-intensive production and fewer specialist ingredients needed to make up for loss of flavor. This cost saving is passed on either as greater margins for producers or lower prices for consumers.
While completely alcohol-free options (0.0% ABV) show the fastest growth trajectory, low-alcohol beer's balanced value proposition of taste, regulatory compliance, and production efficiency will maintain its market leadership through 2025.
The traditional lager taste category will lead the market for non-alcoholic beer in 2025, fuelled by its universal popularity among consumers, refreshing flavor, and extensive dominance among large breweries. Non-alcoholic lager-style beers have a very close resemblance to the smooth, sharp, and low bitterness of regular lagers and are thus the first choice of consumers who move from alcoholic beers to non-alcoholic ones.
Among the key reasons for this ascendancy is the robust demand by mainstream beer consumers who desire established taste experiences while lowering the level of alcohol consumption. The profile of the lager appeals to a wide range of consumers, such as health-oriented consumers, athletes, and social consumers who desire to consume beer without its inebriating consequences.
Major breweries like Heineken N.V., Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carlsberg Group, and Molson Coors have made significant investments in improving the authenticity of flavour for non-alcoholic lagers through sophisticated brewing processes like vacuum distillation and arrested fermentation. Moreover, these companies are also broadening their offerings with premium and craft-inspired variants of lagers to meet changing consumer tastes.
The growing popularity of non-alcoholic lager beers in off-trade outlets, hypermarkets, restaurants, and the internet is adding to the expansion of the market. As alcoholic-free alternatives increase in demand, the conventional lager taste will continue to occupy the top slot, underpinned by rigorous branding, new product launches, and promotions targeting responsible drinking habits and a healthy lifestyle.
The Asia-Pacific region will lead the non-alcoholic beer market in 2025, fuelled by growing health awareness, rising disposable income, and the growing trend towards alcohol-free drinks among consumers. China, Japan, India, and South Korea are experiencing high demand as young consumers and health-oriented people opt for low- or no-alcohol beverages without sacrificing taste.
One of the drivers of this expansion is the expanding popularity of Western drinking culture, combined with firm government control of alcohol drinking in nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Furthermore, Japan has taken the lead in low- and no-alcohol beer innovation, with top brewers Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, and Suntory Holdings Limited introducing high-end non-alcoholic beer options to suit shifting consumer trends.
The swift growth of supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms in the region has also promoted non-alcoholic beers to reach a greater base. Furthermore, advertising campaigns focusing on responsible consumption and wellness trends are also fuelling market growth.
With growing consumer base and rising investments by local and international breweries, Asia-Pacific is poised to dominate the non-alcoholic beer market in 2025 and emerge as a revenue-driving market for the sector.
The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments that market participants have adopted over the past three years (2022–2025).
The key players profiled in the global non-alcoholic beer market report include Anheuser-Busch InBev (Belgium), Heineken N.V. (Netherlands), Suntory Holdings Limited (Japan), Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (Japan), Diageo plc (U.K.), Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Japan), Carlsberg Group (Denmark), Molson Coors Beverage Company (Canada), Krombacher Braueri (Germany), Erdinger Weißbräu (Germany), Moscow Brewing Company (Russia), Athletic Brewing Company (U.S.), Bernard Family Brewery Inc. (Czech Republic), Arpanoosh CO (Iran), Big Drop Brewing Co. (U.K.), and Nirvana Brewery (U.K.).
Particulars |
Details |
Number of Pages |
250 |
Format |
|
Forecast Period |
2025–2032 |
Base Year |
2024 |
CAGR (Value) |
7.30% |
Market Size in 2025 |
USD 23.81 billion |
Market Size in 2032 |
USD 34.97 billion |
Segments Covered |
By Product Type
By Raw Material
By Flavour Profile
By Packaging Format
By Distribution Channel
|
Countries Covered |
North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, U.K., Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, , South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America), and the Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, and Rest of Middle East & Africa) |
Key Companies |
Anheuser-Busch InBev (Belgium), Heineken N.V. (Netherlands), Suntory Holdings Limited (Japan), Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (Japan), Diageo plc (U.K.), Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Japan), Carlsberg Group (Denmark), Molson Coors Beverage Company (Canada), Krombacher Braueri (Germany), Erdinger Weißbräu (Germany), Moscow Brewing Company (Russia), Athletic Brewing Company (U.S.), Bernard Family Brewery Inc. (Czech Republic), Arpanoosh CO (Iran), Big Drop Brewing Co. (U.K.), Nirvana Brewery (U.K.). |
The global Non-Alcoholic Beer Market was valued at $22.19 billion in 2024.
The market is projected to grow from $23.81 billion in 2025 to $34.97 billion by 2032
By region, Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest Non-Alcoholic Beer market share in 2025. Moreover, this region is also increasing disposable income, rising health awareness, and shifting consumer preference for no- or low-alcohol beverages. The countries of China, Japan, India, and South Korea are seeing a surge in demand as consumers who are younger and health-aware look for no- or low-alcohol variants without any loss of taste.
The key players operating in the global non-alcoholic beer market are Anheuser-Busch InBev (Belgium), Heineken N.V. (Netherlands), Suntory Holdings Limited (Japan), Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (Japan), Diageo plc (U.K.), Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Japan), Carlsberg Group (Denmark), Molson Coors Beverage Company (Canada), Krombacher Braueri (Germany), Erdinger Weißbräu (Germany), Moscow Brewing Company (Russia), Athletic Brewing Company (U.S.), Bernard Family Brewery Inc. (Czech Republic), Arpanoosh CO (Iran), Big Drop Brewing Co. (U.K.), and Nirvana Brewery (U.K.).
By product type, the low alcohol beer segment is forecasted to hold the largest market share; by raw material, the malt material segment is expected to account for the largest market share; and by flavour profile, traditional lager beer is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period.
Published Date: Dec-2024
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