Brewers Ditch Carbonation for Fizz-free Beer
The love of bubbly alcoholic beverages, such as sodas and beer, is entrenched and almost cultural. As a result, the beer market is considered stable – always moving forward to meet future consumer needs – despite a production decline in 2023. With an already robust two-thirds share of the overall alcohol market and ongoing defection from adjacent categories, the segment is expected to continue developing actively.
We’re familiar with the recent and growing interest in variety and craft beers. As the market becomes increasingly competitive and matures, even this exciting trend requires innovation and revival. So, what else does 2024 have in store for this and other popular alcoholic staples?
Trends to Watch in 2024
Beyond “newstalgia” – combining a nostalgic taste with something novel, trending is “rent-beer” – making products highly affordable by focusing on simplicity and combining forces to grow and thrive. Also welcomed is a focus on unconventional alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings, including “hard” iced teas and waters, smaller servings, and a reiteration of wholesome brand values to stay relevant.
Another prominent emerging trend is “no bubbles” alcohol – a non-carbonated and low-alcohol option, in contrast to many cocktails and wines.
What Is No-Bubbles Alcohol?
Among Generation Z of drinking age, seltzers, sparkling water, wine, and fruit juices are increasingly preferred. Beer and soft drinks are losing popularity, with more than two-fifths (42%) altogether avoiding alcohol . Additionally, for many Generation Z consumers, bloating and acid reflux from carbonation is unwelcome and unacceptable. Older drinkers, too, appreciate a non-bloat option.
Consumers, especially younger audiences, demand healthier alternatives to their favorite beverages, switching sodas for water or flavored functional drinks. Viable preferred options include low or no-alcohol products, alcohol in unexpected social formulations like punch bowls, and bubble-free or non-carbonated options.
This bubble-free exploration is for health reasons, to enjoy innovative (yet familiar) experiences and the lure of destination beverages at strategically located, themed, and entertaining beer events and festivals.
In response, many manufacturers are ditching carbonation to create ready-to-drink fizz-free beers, “strong” iced tea with hops, and flavored low-alcoholic water. Drinking opportunities are prolonged, easier, and more comfortable without gassy bubbles.
Who Is Leading the Way to Flavors Without Fizz?
Happy Thursday, Funny Water, NOCA (No Carbonation), and the Boston Beer Company are already embracing this trend. Offerings include a “spiked still refresher” in robust fruit flavors, low alcohol by volume (ABV) flavored alcoholic waters, and uncarbonated iced tea. Many no-bubble alcoholic products are also low in sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, such as Great Lakes Brewing’s SunSail Hard Teas and Cinderlands Beer Company’s Cindi’s Hard Mountain Tea.
At the same time, while being bubble-free will attract users, your taste profile and variety are critical to samplers returning to your brand. The correct flavor is vital without the usual distraction of bubbly sharpness.
Your association with your community, the environment, and healthier lifestyles is crucial to continued equity. Additionally, being nutritious, hydrating, or both is essential, as is using pure, natural, sustainable, and traceable ingredients. Organic, plant-based, and gluten-free components are also in demand.
Explore Bubble-Free Alcoholic Beverages With Ingredients From Advanced Biotech
Advanced Biotech’s extensive collection of flavor and aroma ingredients adds the concentrated taste and fragrance of your choice to your low-ABV flavored waters, teas, and non-carbonated beers. Browse our range and order or request samples from our 100% natural, EU-certified distillates, absolutes, Koolada cooling agents, and other responsibly sourced and produced extracts. Contact us today.
1 https://www.simon-kucher.com/en/insights/popular-drinks-beverage-trends-2024