Non-Alcoholic Drinks Consumption – The Recent Trend

In the last few years, there has been a significant change in the drinking habits of people. And the handiness of more premium quality beers under 0.5% alc/vol, sales of non-alcoholic drinks have risen substantially.

Still, some individuals tend to wonder the point of having non-alcoholic drinks. This post is going to unleash the wonderful benefits of enjoying non-alcoholic drinks.

Change in Lifestyle and Increasing Health Concerns

Growing concerns for health and wellness have posed positive sway on the food and beverages industry. The rise in awareness toward several health issues associated with alcohol has budged the consumer preference from alcoholic beverages toward nonalcoholic nibbles. As per WHO (World Health Organization), millions of deaths every year are owing to an increase in consumption of alcohol.  Moreover, going with the surveys conducted by OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), Europe is considered as the largest region in terms of alcohol consumption, which in turn paves the way for the rising threat of alcoholic diseases. Simultaneously, growth in the incidence of obesity and anxiety-related disorders has promoted the market for nonalcoholic drinks in several ways.

The Zest: Non-Alcoholic Drinks Vs. Alcoholic Beverages

Gone are those days when people were abominating non-alcoholic drinks because it simply was not very gratifying. However, things have become very different now. One would now find an array of alcohol-free drinks that easily contend their full-strength counterparts (and many other non-alcoholic beverages) in taste, essence, and aroma.

Well, one of the many reasons why non-alcoholic drinks are an effective substitution for alcoholic beverages is because our body happens to associate the zest and whiff of the drinks with full-strength alcohol. This, in turn, leads to crop up dopamine, the same compound that makes one feel ecstatic when they have alcohol. Several surveys and research suggest that consuming non-alcoholic drinks, at times, provides one with the same feelings as full-strength beer. So, especially, people who want to stick to fewer units of alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages can come to their right aid.

Thus, wanting to take a break from alcohol does not mean that one must quit drinking beer completely; as long as the non-alcoholic beer is in the market. Nevertheless, there is sufficient proof in support of the advantages of modest alcohol consumption. Right from the mood-uplifting effects of a perfect brew, to the necessary antioxidants in a glass of red wine. There are enough reasons to indulge in alcohol occasionally. But then, there are times when one wants to avoid alcohol. And that does not mean they must adhere to sugary soft drinks. In the last few years, it has become way much easier to find a flavorful non-alcoholic drink to mollify the taste buds.

Concern for Dehydration

One of the most prominent disadvantages associated with consuming alcoholic drinks is their diuretic effects. This results in an escalation of urine output. Thus, this can dehydrate people quickly. On the contrary, non-alcoholic drinks help in maintaining the much-required fluid balance; thereby supporting the rehydration course in the body.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Breastfeeding

Furthermore, this is a proven fact that avoiding alcohol is always beneficial for breastfeeding moms. At the same time, this does not really mean that new moms cannot take delight in the best non-alcoholic beverage on a party night; or when they are just relaxing at home. Specifically, since non-alcoholic beer arouses the secretion of prolactin, a hormone which heightens the production of breast milk. The fact that barley in beer holds polysaccharide improves the milk flow to a significant extent. Simultaneously, drinking beer with zero alcohol content also shoots up antioxidants in breast milk. This fillip of antioxidants helps fall off composites regarding oxidative stress within the mother’s physique.

Advantages of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

So, there is practically no doubt that non-alcoholic drinks behind the bar come with an array of benefits indeed. In a nutshell, consuming non-alcoholic drinks can lessen one’s risks of heart ailment, help his/her sleep, enhance bone development, and curtail the risk of getting affected with a common cold every now and then. Also, there are certain beverages that are full of essential minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, folic acid, potassium, etc.

Calories Count: Non-Alcoholic Drink vs. Alcoholic Beverage

Alcohol comprises more than fifty calories per unit. And, as they are empty calories, they naturally provide zero nutritional value to the individual. On swopping a pint of 4.5% alc/vol beer for an equivalent 0% beer; one would be able to save around 150 calories from the malt alone. That is almost equivalent to the same extent of calories as what one would get in five teaspoons of sugar. But then, you must acknowledge that not all non-alcoholic beverages are low in calories.

The ultimate calorie count rests on the ingredients used in the making and the brewing method. For example, a drink that has lazy yeast as its main component is likely to be higher in calories.

Last but not the least; there are certain non-alcoholic beers that come with 0.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume); but this is nowhere like getting drunk, as this amount of alcohol is easily processable by the body (maximum within twenty minutes). So, consuming non-alcoholic drinks means lesser negative upshots of drinking, such as weariness, fatigue, hangovers, headaches etc.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Current Market & Future Prospect

According to Allied Market Research, the global non-alcoholic drinks market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2014 to 2022. Nevertheless, the market is still in its maturity phase; and its influence on the global market is anticipated to mount up considerably in the next decade. Moreover, recurrent demand and movements like Dryathlete are intensifying the demand for non-alcoholic drinks even more.

On the other hand, the surge in government duties is expected to curtail the growth to some extent. However, a few innovations and the use of organic components in manufacturing non-alcoholic beverages have almost mitigated the impeding factor and paved the way for an array of lucrative opportunities in the industry.