While Dry January is still growing in popularity as an event to exercise alcohol restraint, latest data from Tesco shows that demand for no and low drinks soars even higher during the festive party month of December.
The supermarket has just seen all-time record demand for no and low drinks in the four weeks running up to Christmas with sales up by more than 15 per cent on the previous year.
But interestingly, from a health perspective, that thirst for no and low drinks has continued right into Dry January with overall demand at Tesco up by more than 20 per cent.
Tesco reports that demand for no and low wine was up 15 per cent, no and low beer was up 10 per cent on Dry January 2024, with demand for no and low spirits up by nearly 5 per cent.
Tesco Beer and Cider buyer David Albon said: “It’s almost become trendy, especially in young people, to moderate at these key occasions of the year – something that is very much reflected in the rising demand we are seeing for no and low drinks at Christmas and for Dry January.
“And that’s a very different picture to what we were seeing, even just five years ago, when they main demand for no and low drinks came in Dry January.
“But there is a now such a strong consumer confidence in the quality of the no and low drinks available that demand also now surges during the summer months.”
Drinkaware, an independent UK alcohol education charity which helps people make better choices about their drinking said that the growth in demand for no and low drinks in the last year was very positive.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware said: “It’s fantastic to see the strong demand for no and low-alcohol at Christmas, not just in January.
“Swapping out alcohol for a no or low alternative is fast becoming a popular choice all year round. Our research shows that more than 4 in 10 UK drinkers choose these options as a way to moderate their drinking.
“They also help you stay within the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week. To better understand the risks of your own drinking take the free Drinkaware Drinking Check on our website today.”
(Lead image: Tesco)
