What is the NoLo Drinking Trend?
Coy Cordials
A macro trend that has grown over the past few years that is closely linked to the health and wellness boom is mindful drinking and the ‘NoLo’ movement. NoLo stands for no- and low-alcohol drinks, which are beverages that have little or no alcohol content. These drinks are becoming more popular among consumers who want to reduce their alcohol intake, whether for health, social, or personal reasons, with millennials and Gen-Z driving the highest demand for alternatives to alcoholic beverages. If you are looking for a way to enjoy a drink without getting drunk, you might want to try the NoLo drinking trend.
Why are people choosing NoLo drinks?
There are many reasons why people are opting for NoLo drinks over regular alcoholic beverages. Some of the benefits of NoLo drinks are:
They are healthier than alcoholic drinks, as they have fewer calories, less sugar, and no hangover effects.
They are more inclusive than alcoholic drinks, as they cater to people who do not drink alcohol for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, as well as those who are pregnant, driving, or underage.
They are more diverse than alcoholic drinks, as they offer a variety of flavors, styles, and ingredients, from non-alcoholic beers and wines to mocktails and soft drinks.
What are some examples of NoLo drinks?
The NoLo category is expanding rapidly, with many new products and innovations being launched by beverage companies. According to research from Kantar Global MONITOR, “The shift to a more sober social culture is putting pressure on the food, beverage, dining and entertainment industries to adapt…the rise of sober-curious drinkers presents new opportunities for companies and brands to expand their audiences and engage both consumers who are cutting back on alcohol and those who abstain altogether.”
The NoLo market has seen an explosion in varieties of zero proof and non alcoholic drinks, produced by some of the biggest purveyors of alcohol. Bacardi, a brand long synonymous with alcohol, released its own trends report noting that “there’s a rise in sober-curious consumers, happy to switch between sober nights and drinking occasions, with 58% globally drinking more non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails (NoLo) than a year ago.”
Some examples of NoLo drinks are:
Non-alcoholic spirits: These are distilled beverages that mimic the taste and aroma of spirits like gin, vodka, or whiskey, but without the alcohol. They can be mixed with tonic water, soda water, or juice to create refreshing cocktails. Some of the brands that offer non-alcoholic spirits are Seedlip, Atopia, and Lyre’s.
Non-alcoholic beers: These are beers that have less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is the legal limit for non-alcoholic beverages in most countries. They are brewed using the same ingredients and processes as regular beers, but with the alcohol removed or reduced at the end. Some of the brands that offer non-alcoholic beers are Heineken 0.0, Athletic Brewing, and BrewDog Nanny State.
Non-alcoholic wines: These are wines that have less than 0.5% ABV, which is achieved by either stopping the fermentation process before the alcohol is produced, or by removing the alcohol after the fermentation is complete. They are made from grapes or other fruits, and come in different varieties like red, white, rosé, or sparkling. Some of the brands that offer non-alcoholic wines are Surely Wines, Fre Wines, and Ariel Wines.
How can you join the NoLo drinking trend?
If you are interested in trying out the NoLo drinking trend, here are some tips on how to get started:
Explore your options: There are many alcohol free drinks available in the market, so you can experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorites. You can also look for online reviews and recommendations from other NoLo drinkers to get some ideas.
Be creative: You can also make your own NoLo drinks at home by using non-alcoholic ingredients like juices, syrups, herbs, spices, and fruits. You can follow some recipes online or invent your own concoctions. You can also use non-alcoholic mixers to enhance your regular alcoholic drinks and lower their ABV.
Be social: You can also enjoy NoLo drinks with your friends and family by hosting or attending NoLo parties or events. You can share your NoLo drinks with others and discover new ones from them. You can also look for bars and restaurants that offer NoLo drinks on their menus or ask them to make one for you.
With the latest research showing a growing fascination with non-alcoholic drinks, the NoLo drinking trend seems to be here to stay. It is a fun and healthy way to enjoy a drink without getting drunk and offers a range of options for different tastes and occasions. It is suitable for anyone who wants to reduce their alcohol consumption. Whether you are doing Dry January, sober curious, or just looking for something new to try, you might want to give NoLo drinks a go.