Non-alcoholic beer linked to reduced alcohol consumption, study finds

A new study commissioned by the association of Dutch Brewers reveals that non-alcoholic beer is contributing to lower alcohol consumption among adults in the Netherlands. The research, which surveyed individuals over the age of 18, claimed that about half of respondents are drinking less alcohol thanks to the growing availability of non-alcoholic beer.

The study was commissioned to challenge the common belief that drinking non-alcoholic beer leads to higher alcohol consumption. The association said it found that many people are switching from alcoholic beer to its non-alcoholic counterpart. Among respondents aged 18 to 39, about half reported starting with alcoholic beer before transitioning to non-alcoholic options, with many believing that available beer without alcohol helps prevent alcohol abuse. Among those 40 and older, two-thirds said they were switching to beers without alcohol.

Since 2010, the consumption of non-alcoholic beer has surged by more than 500 percent. This increase has been accompanied by greater availability in supermarkets and restaurants, with an expanding variety of flavors and styles.

Fred Teeven, who chairs Dutch Brewers, underscored the positive impact of this shift. "Currently, 1 in 15 beers consumed is non-alcoholic," Teeven said. "By 2030, we aim for 1 in 10 beers to be non-alcoholic. Brewers are working to make non-alcoholic beer even more appealing by introducing new flavors and varieties, and it's clear that these efforts are paying off. People are drinking less alcohol because of the availability of non-alcoholic beer."

Teeven also pointed out that respondents believe non-alcoholic beer can help curb alcohol misuse. "This is exactly why the government asked us to promote non-alcoholic beer as part of the National Prevention Agreement, and we have fully committed to that effort."

Taxation challenges

Despite the positive trends, Teeven criticized the previous government’s decision to raise excise taxes on non-alcoholic beer by nearly 200 percent. "It’s incomprehensible that the government would penalize efforts to promote healthier choices," he said.

"Our call to the Secretary of State for Youth, Prevention and Sport, Vincent Karremans, and the Secretary of State for Taxation, Folkert Idsinga, is to follow the UK’s example and exempt non-alcoholic beer from the soft drink excise tax." Teeven argued that such a move would simplify the tax system and further encourage the consumption of non-alcohol.