Young people biggest consumers of low- and no-alcohol

Young people are the biggest consumers of low and no-alcohol drinks, according to a study by industry body the Portman Group.

Research carried out by YouGov shows that almost half of 18 to 24-year-olds now opt for them, with 44% occasionally or regularly ordering low or non-alcoholic drinks, up from 31% in 2022.

The age group was also found to be the most sober overall, with 39% not drinking alcohol at all.

23% said their intake decreased while opting for low or no-alcohol drinks, up slightly from 21% in 2021. 

Portman Group chief executive Matt Lambert said: “It is welcome to see a further rise in the popularity of low and no-alcohol alternatives as well as further evidence of how they are an important tool to help UK drinkers, particularly younger adults, to drink responsibly.

“The availability of alcohol alternatives has never been more abundant and we eagerly await the outcome of the recent UK Government consultation on low-alcohol descriptors, which we hope will further facilitate the growth of the UK low and no-alcohol market.”