Why More People Are Ditching Booze — And Choosing Softer Drinks Instead
Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how many of us approach drinking. What once seemed like a near‑universal social practice a pint after work, a glass of wine with dinner, a night out on the town is no longer the default. Increasingly, people are pulling back, moderating, or even replacing alcohol with low‑ or no‑alcohol drinks.
Data from 2025 shows the trend is growing quickly. Nearly half of UK young adults now say they choose no- or low-alcohol drinks to moderate their drinking, up from under a third in 2018.
The reasons are varied—health, money, lifestyle, personal preference but what unites them is a desire for control, clarity and flexibility. For many, it’s less about rejecting booze outright, and more about reshaping how they socialise.
What’s Driving the Shift: Health, Lifestyle and Changing Perceptions
Health and Well‑being Are Front and Centre
More people are thinking about long-term health, mental clarity and well‑being when it comes to drinking. Some want to avoid hangovers or choose moderation to cut down on calories, while others are more conscious about the impact of alcohol on sleep, mood, skin or fitness goals.
Low‑ and no‑alcohol options, beers, wines, spirits, mocktails—offer a way to enjoy the ritual of sharing a drink without the side effects. For many, this feels like a smarter, more sustainable choice.
Money, Cost of Living — And Smart Savings
Let’s not ignore the economic side. With rising costs of living and tighter budgets, cutting down on alcohol can be a smart financial decision. Choosing non-alcoholic options or drinking less often can reduce expenses while still allowing for socialising and occasion‑drinking.
Social Attitudes Are Changing
Once there was stigma attached to choosing a soft drink when others had cocktails. Not anymore. What feels like a quiet rebellion against old expectations has become more mainstream. More people are embracing sobriety—or moderation—not as a judgment, but as a legitimate lifestyle choice.
Plus, with the growing availability and quality of alcohol‑free drinks, the swap doesn’t feel like a punishment. It can feel equal parts social, fun and thoughtful.
Who’s Leading the Change: Young Adults and the “Low & No” Generation
The biggest shift is coming from younger adults. According to recent surveys, about 49% of young adults in the UK now choose no‑ or low‑alcohol drinks to moderate their drinking, nearly double the percentage in 2018.
It’s not only about abstaining — many are “zebra‑striping,” a trend that involves alternating alcoholic drinks with non‑alcoholic ones during nights out. This gives them flexibility and control over how much they drink, without missing out on social rituals.
Others go for full-on sobriety or choose non‑alcoholic drinks as their go-to. The “Low & No” movement isn’t just a niche anymore — it’s becoming a defining lifestyle choice among younger generations.
Non‑Alcoholic Christmas: The Season Is Changing Too
With festive celebrations often centered around wine, champagne and cocktails, the shift toward low‑ and no‑alcohol drinks is reworking holiday traditions. Non‑alcoholic Christmas drinks — mocktail mulled wines, alcohol‑free “premium” beers, festive spritzers — are becoming staples at dinners, parties and family gatherings.
For those hosting or attending holiday events, switching some drinks to non-alcoholic doesn’t mean compromising on atmosphere. A well-made mocktail, garnished and glass-chilled, can feel just as celebratory as the real thing. It fits the vibe and includes everyone even those abstaining for health, preference, or simply to enjoy the next morning without regrets.
This growing acceptance of non‑alcoholic holiday drinks shows the trend isn’t just about cutting down — it’s about creating new rituals that feel inclusive, fun, and mindful.
What It Means for the Future of Drinking Culture
If current trends continue, the social norms around alcohol may shift dramatically. Drinking may no longer be the default. Restaurants, pubs and bars might adapt with more stylish non‑alcoholic menus. People may connect over shared experiences beyond hangovers.
The “Low & No” shift isn’t necessarily about permanent sobriety for everyone — it’s about flexibility, choice, and redefining fun. It suggests a future where drinking is intentional rather than habitual, where mocktails and soft options are as respected as cocktails, and where moderation is a lifestyle, not a fallback.
Drinking less or choosing non-alcoholic doesn’t mean having less fun. It might just mean having cleaner mornings, healthier habits, and a social life that respects personal boundaries.
