While the pandemic might drive many consumers to the bottle, a number are actually turning to a different variety of beverages while stuck at home between lockdown and quarantines, including non-alcoholic offerings. In fact, as we step into 2021 one in five adults will pledge to cut out alcohol completely during Dry January, the annual ritual that started over eight years ago and aims to promote the sober curious movement across the world.
According to Nielsen, nonalcoholic beer sales soured 44% in the U.S. in May compared to the same month of last year. While this change may indicate that people are now using non-alcoholic beverages to control their drinking at home during lockdowns.
The one month sobriety challenge may be difficult for most, as the public health campaign comes at a time when many people are already struggling during the pandemic. In a survey by Morning Consult taken last month among 2,200 American adults 13% were already giving up drink during the new year – this number is expected to grow.