Brewing A New Chapter

Brewing a New Chapter: Why No and Low ABV is the Opportunity Breweries Can’t Miss in 2025

As the new year approaches, the shift in drinking habits again hits the headlines. What once began as a health-conscious January trend is now shaping into a broader movement. With the media reporting that nearly half of Gen Z is planning to avoid alcohol this festive season, it is clear to see that the no- and low-alcohol category is gaining real momentum – not as a fleeting trend, but as a lasting change in how the next generation chooses to drink.

This shift isn’t just something to watch for breweries – it’s a chance to adapt, innovate, and grow.

The Evolving No and Low Alcohol Market

The no and low-alcohol category is now the fastest-growing segment in the UK beer market. What started as a focus on Dry January is steadily expanding across the calendar, with consumers embracing no and low-alcohol options year-round. This isn’t about giving something up – it’s about finding balance.

Today’s drinkers are looking for more than a substitute. They want:

• Flavours That Stand Out: Bold, complex options that feel indulgent and crafted, even without the alcohol. Think Non-Alcoholic Negronis and elevated soft drinks full of layered flavours.
• Mindful Choices: Drinks that fit into health-conscious lifestyles, offering fewer calories and no lingering effects the next morning.
• Everyday Enjoyment: No and low-alcohol beverages are no longer confined to January; they’re becoming a staple for all seasons and occasions.

TNS Solutions for No and Low-Alcohol Innovation

For brewers ready to step into this growing space, TNS offers practical tools to make creating high-quality no and low-alcohol products easier. Whether you’re developing flavourful beers or exploring fruit-forward seltzers, these solutions are designed to support your creativity:

• HopZero®: This range of hop oils is designed to overcome the production challenges of brewing without alcohol. Enhancing mouthfeel, balancing sweetness, and reintroducing key flavour elements that can be lost. HopZero® ensures your no and low-alcohol beers feel complete and deliver satisfying results.
• HopPlus®: A versatile blend of hops, fruits, and botanicals that simplifies production and expands flavour possibilities. From seltzers to hybrids, HopPlus® helps you craft drinks that stand out.

These products aren’t just tools but building blocks to help breweries confidently navigate the no and low-alcohol market.

When asked about the growing no and low alcohol movement, our brewing specialist, Darryl Mills, had this to say;

“There’s a fine balance between achieving the right hop flavour and aroma while battling the common sensory defects of producing low-alcohol and alcohol-free beer. Using HopZero to mask and suppress some of these sensory defects makes brewing low and no-alcohol beer much more enjoyable.

By combining HopZero with HopPlus, or for a bigger dry hop hit, targeted use of HopBurst, you can ensure a full-flavour experience without the hangover!”

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, the no and low-alcohol category is only set to grow, with the demand for flavourful, mindful alternatives showing no signs of slowing. For breweries embracing this shift, it allows them to connect with a new audience and explore innovative products that resonate year-round.

At TNS, we’re here to help you get started. Whether it’s testing HopZero® and HopPlus® in your recipes or collaborating on new beverage ideas, we’re committed to supporting brewers in this exciting chapter.

Brewing beyond alcohol isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about shaping the next chapter and leading the way.

Let’s work together to create something new. Request a sample kit today and explore what’s possible with no and low-alcohol brewing.