Zero-alcohol drinks gain popularity among young people

Zero-alcohol drinks have transitioned from niche products to mainstream staples in supermarkets and pubs globally. Recent research conducted by academics from the University of Canterbury and Swinburne University of Technology examines how these beverages affect young people, particularly in New Zealand.

Findings suggest that booze-free options can fulfill certain social and symbolic roles typically associated with alcohol consumption, such as helping teenagers navigate social situations or aiding in bonding and identity expression. However, researchers note there are significant limits to what these drinks can replace.

There are also concerns regarding whether products designed to mimic the look, taste, and feel of alcohol might reinforce existing drinking cultures. In New Zealand, alcohol-related issues carry a significant economic toll, estimated at over NZ$9 billion annually, while approximately half of young New Zealanders consume alcohol, with 6.3% drinking at hazardous levels.