'Swapping alcoholic drinks for low or no alternatives is a great option, with more choice than ever before'

STUDY FINDS THAT HEAVY DRINKERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BUY ALCOHOL FREE AND LOW ALCOHOL DRINKS, BUT ARE FEARFUL OF THE IMPACT OF 'AFFORDABILITY BARRIERS'

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HEAVY drinkers are more likely to buy alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks as the value of the market soars, according to a report.

While one third of UK adults have drunk a “no/lo” drink in the last year, those who drink at “risky” levels are more likely to be regular consumers of these alternatives than lighter drinkers or nondrinkers, the study from the University of Sheffield found.

The report used household purchasing data for the first time, finding that 96 per cent of households that buy no/lo drinks also buy alcoholic ones.

It also showed the availability of no/lo beers in pubs, bars and restaurants has increased, with 74 per cent of outlets selling it in 2023.

The sales value of no/lo drinks soared to £362 million in 2023, more than doubling since 2020.

This growth is driven by major alcohol brands, which account for 84 per cent of sales for the top 100 no/lo products.

However, while consumers pay less for their no/lo wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages in shops than for their alcoholic counterparts on average, they still pay more for no/lo beer and cider, the study found.