Non-alcoholic beer is on the rise, and now there’s proof. According to a recent CNBC article, non-alc beer is set to overtake ale as the second biggest beer category by volume this year. That’s a pretty big deal for anyone who enjoys a good brew but doesn’t always want the booze.
The shift isn’t just a blip. While total beer sales dipped by around 1% in 2024, non-alc beer jumped by 9%. That kind of growth hasn’t slowed down since 2018 and is expected to keep climbing, with projections showing an 8% increase every year through to 2029.
Why More People Are Grabbing Non-Alcoholic Beer
Drinking habits are changing fast. Aussies are leaning into a more balanced lifestyle, especially younger generations. Many are still enjoying the taste of beer but looking for options that fit with how they want to live — less alcohol, more clarity, better mornings.
At the same time, non-alcoholic beer is tasting better than ever. Brewers have spent years fine-tuning their recipes. The taste has seriously improved. What used to feel a bit flat now actually hits like a proper beer, full of flavour with that classic hoppy finish.
Big Brands Are All In
It’s not just a few niche breweries leading the way. Some of the biggest beer companies in the world have rolled out non-alc options. Guinness 0.0, Heineken 0.0 and Budweiser Zero are now major players, sitting on shelves everywhere from bottle shops to local supermarkets.
In the US, a relatively new player called Athletic Brewing has become the top-selling non-alc beer brand, overtaking giants like AB InBev. Just a few years ago they had 4% of the market. Now they’ve hit 17%. That’s no small feat. And here in Australia, we’re seeing more local breweries and retailers jump on board, offering a solid range of non-alc beers that actually taste great.
What This Means for Australia
There’s been a noticeable shift at home too. More Aussies are reaching for non-alc beers at BBQs, dinners, parties and even just to relax after work. Sales have grown, shelves are fuller, and the options are better than ever.
At Sans Drinks, we’ve chatted with quite a few people in Sydney who say they pick non-alc beers not because they have to, but because they actually want to. It’s about enjoying a drink, staying social and feeling good without going too far.
A Few Top Picks You’ll Love
Here are some great non-alcoholic beers we always recommend:
Guinness 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Stout
Keeps the rich roasted flavour of classic Guinness with no alcohol. Smooth full-bodied and low in sugar making it perfect for stout lovers.
Sobah Pepperberry IPA
A unique Aussie brew with a spicy kick from native pepperberry. Refreshing full of flavour and packed with natural goodness.
Heaps Normal Quiet XPA
Bold tropical and citrus notes with a smooth finish. Full flavour that is never boring.
Earlybird Bushy-Tailed XPA
Bright and refreshing with pineapple and passionfruit flavours. Clean and easy to drink any time.
Worth a Spot in Your Fridge
This isn’t a passing trend. Non-alc beer is changing how people drink and what they expect from a brew. It’s no longer just about cutting out alcohol. It’s about flavour, balance and having more options.
Check out the full range on Sans Drinks and see why more Aussies are making room for non-alc in the fridge. Cheers!
