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U.S. alcohol consumption and retail sales decline

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-27 04:18 UTC → 2026-08-27 20:01 UTC · added removed

U.S. alcohol consumption stabilizes at historic low and retail sales decline

Alcohol consumption among U.S. adults has stabilized at 54%, the lowest level recorded since Gallup began tracking the metric in 1939. This figure follows a multi-year decline from 62% in 2023 and 67% in 2022. Health consciousness continues to drive this trend. Approximately 51% of Americans now view consuming one to two drinks daily as ‘unhealthy,’ a significant increase from 27% in 2001. This sentiment is most acute among younger adults aged 18–34, where 62% consider moderate drinking to be unhealthy. Market preferences are shifting alongside these attitudes. While beer remains the most popular category at 36%, spirits have seen a 12-point increase in preference since 2016, now reaching 32%. The market for non-alcoholic alternatives also remains significant, with 17% of respondents reporting consumption of non-alcoholic beer, wine, or spirits in the past year. Demographic Recent retail data highlights disparities based on socioeconomic factors. College graduates report a 63% drinking rate, compared reflects these shifting trends. During the four-week period ending August 15, 2026, U.S. retail alcohol sales fell 3.4% to 40% for those $8.5 billion, with case volumes dropping 5.3%. The beer category saw a high school education or less. Income also plays 4.4% decrease in dollar sales; while Budweiser declined by nearly 10%, Pacifico increased by 17.6%. Non-alcoholic beer emerged as a role: high-income households (over $100,000) show growth area, rising 8.9% in both value and volume. Spirits also experienced a 66% drinking rate, while those earning under $50,000 report 43%. downturn, with value down 3.2% and volume down 3.5%, marking 28 consecutive weeks of negative growth.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-27 20:01 UTC U.S. alcohol consumption and retail sales decline
  2. 2026-08-27 04:18 UTC U.S. alcohol consumption stabilizes at historic low
  3. 2026-08-24 21:51 UTC U.S. alcohol consumption hits record low
  4. 2026-08-21 10:05 UTC U.S. alcohol consumption decline

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