Introduction to Nonalcoholic Drinks
Several years into her sobriety, Logan Denzer decided to try nonalcoholic beer and mocktails while others around her drank real booze. “A lot of people feel out of place” when everyone else is imbibing, said the 27-year-old from Los Angeles, who considers these beverages “an excellent solution.” Millions of Americans agree — including others recovering from addiction, people trying to cut down on their drinking and the rising number of young adults forgoing alcohol altogether.
The Growing Industry of Nonalcoholic Drinks
They’ve fueled a booming industry. Recent research shows that drinking less, or nothing at all, is a much healthier way to go. Alcohol has been linked to cancers, injuries and a host of other problems.
Bartender Shelby Campos mixes a nonalcoholic beverage – or mocktail – at the nonalcoholic Good News Bar, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Still, health experts say nonalcoholic beverages aren’t for everyone, especially if they might trigger cravings for alcohol. These so-called NA drinks are meant to mimic alcohol in many ways, such as appearance, smell and taste.
Importance of Individual Experience
“It’s important to recognize that these are probably not one-size-fits-all products,” said researcher Molly Bowdring of Stanford University. “You might see peers or friends or family members use them and have no problem with them, but it really comes back to your own individual experience.”
‘Zebra Striping’ Helps Cut Back on Booze
Retail Sales and Consumer Behavior
Retail sales of nonalcoholic wine, beer and spirits surged to $823 million last year. That’s according to market research firm NielsenIQ, which says more than nine in 10 NA customers also buy alcohol. “They’re wanting to not necessarily drink during the week, or they’re wanting to switch out at a particular occasion,” said Marcos Salazar of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association. “So they may have an alcoholic beverage and then an adult nonalcoholic beverage. That’s called zebra striping … and it kind of extends the night.”
Real-Life Examples
Bartender Shelby Campos mixes a nonalcoholic beverage – or mocktail – at the nonalcoholic Good News Bar, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Retiree Ann Kopp Mitchell, who recently tasted various NA beverages at Monday Morning Bottle Shop in San Diego, does a version of this. “If I want a glass of wine with my dinner, I don’t feel guilty. I can enjoy that glass of wine. And if I wanna have a spirit because we’re celebrating someone’s birthday, or champagne, I will do that. But I’ll only have one, and then let it go, and then maybe go to a nonalcoholic,” she said. “It’s a way of continuing with that social pattern of drinking that I enjoy.”
More Mocktails on the Menu is a Positive Health Trend — But Watch the Sugar
The Benefits of NA Drinks
An online survey Bowdring conducted with colleagues found that the vast majority of people who drink both beverages say NA drinks help them reduce their alcohol use. That makes their growing popularity a positive trend overall, said Dr. Joseph Lee, CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, an addiction treatment and advocacy organization.
Bartender Shelby Campos mixes a nonalcoholic beverage – or mocktail – at the nonalcoholic Good News Bar, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
“More and more when I go to restaurants, mocktails are just offered, like they’re on the menu and it’s just part of the norm now,” said Lee, an expert in psychiatry and addiction medicine. “Those are really healthy things to see on a broader public health level.”
The Catch: High Sugar Content
But there is a catch: Some drinks, like mocktails made with soda and sweet syrups, have high levels of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than about six teaspoons a day for women and nine teaspoons a day for men. A 12-ounce can of soda on its own contains 10 teaspoons.
Who Should be Wary of NA Beverages?
People with Drinking Problems
The picture gets murkier for people with drinking problems. Those entering treatment for alcohol use disorder say they’ve had mixed success using NA beverages to reduce or stop their drinking, Bowdring said. “They do contain a lot of the alcohol-related cues,” she said. “Because they are so similar to alcohol, it could be that they actually trigger craving for full strength alcohol and may lead people to revert to alcohol use.”
Personal Experience and Recovery
Bartender Shelby Campos adorns the top of a nonalcoholic beverage – or mocktail – with fruit and a flower at the nonalcoholic Good News Bar, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
When Denzer first got sober seven years ago, she and her friends avoided drinking NA beverages. “We were pretty opposed to it because we were like, ‘Well, this tastes like beer and we’re a year sober, and so we’re going to associate that taste with actual alcohol,’” said Denzer, who was treated at Hazelden Betty Ford. “As time went on, we became more open to it.” But it’s not for everyone, she said, “particularly for people who are either newer in recovery or who are on shaky ground.”
Conclusion
Nonalcoholic drinks can be a helpful tool for people looking to cut back on their drinking, but they are not for everyone. It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and benefits, particularly for those with drinking problems or in recovery. By understanding the individual experience and being mindful of sugar content, people can make informed decisions about their drinking habits.
FAQs
Q: What are nonalcoholic drinks, and how do they differ from regular alcoholic beverages?
A: Nonalcoholic drinks are beverages that mimic the taste, smell, and appearance of alcohol but contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
Q: Can nonalcoholic drinks help people reduce their alcohol consumption?
A: Yes, research shows that nonalcoholic drinks can help people reduce their alcohol use, but it’s essential to consider individual experiences and potential risks.
Q: Who should be wary of nonalcoholic beverages?
A: People with drinking problems, particularly those in early recovery or on shaky ground, should be cautious when consuming nonalcoholic beverages, as they may trigger cravings for full-strength alcohol.
Q: What is the recommended daily intake of added sugars?
A: The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than about six teaspoons a day for women and nine teaspoons a day for men.
Q: How can I make informed decisions about my drinking habits?
A: By understanding the potential risks and benefits of nonalcoholic drinks, being mindful of sugar content, and considering your individual experience, you can make informed decisions about your drinking habits.
