As consumers seek healthier lifestyle choices, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages has surged, transforming how we enjoy drinks. From refreshing sparkling waters to non-alcoholic spirits, this diverse category caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Non-alcoholic options not only provide flavourful alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages but also offer potential health benefits, making them appealing to both sober-curious individuals and health-conscious consumers.
In this article, we explore the top 10 non-alcoholic beverages that are redefining refreshment, highlighting their unique features, leading brands and the history behind each drink.
10. Kombucha
Biggest manufacturer: GT's Living Foods
Founded: 1995
Country: United States
CEO: GT Dave
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage known for its probiotic content and potential health benefits. Major brands include GT's Living Foods, Health-Ade and KeVita (owned by PepsiCo). Kombucha has ancient origins, believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago.
The global kombucha market was valued at US$1.67bn in 2019 and is projected to reach US$4.76bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2020 to 2027. Kombucha's popularity has surged due to increasing consumer interest in gut health and natural, functional beverages.
9. Mocktails
Biggest manufacturer: Mocktails Brand
Founded: 2018
Based in: United States
CEO: Bill Gamelli
Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails designed to mimic the flavours and presentation of traditional cocktails. While often prepared fresh at bars and restaurants, bottled mocktail brands like Curious Elixirs and Mocktail Club have emerged.
Mocktails gained popularity in the 1980s as part of the broader wellness movement and have seen a resurgence in recent years with the rise of ‘sober curious’ and mindful drinking trends.
8. Coconut water
Biggest manufacturer: Vita Coco
Founded: 2004
Based in: United States
CEO: Martin Roper
Revenue: US$427m
Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young green coconuts, known for its natural electrolytes and refreshing taste. Major brands include Vita Coco, Zico (Coca-Cola) and Harmless Harvest. The global coconut water market size was valued at US$4.27bn in 2019 and is expected to reach US$8.3bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2020 to 2027.
While coconut water has been consumed for centuries in tropical regions, its popularity as a natural sports drink and health beverage in Western markets has surged since the early 2000s.
7. Non-alcoholic wine
Biggest manufacturer: Freixenet (part of the Henkell Freixenet group)
Founded: 1861
Based in: Spain
CEO: Andreas Brokemper
Revenue: US$1bn
Non-alcoholic wine is produced by removing alcohol from traditional wine or through alternative production methods. Major producers include Ariel Vineyards, Fre (Sutter Home) and Eisberg. The global non-alcoholic wine market size was valued at US$1.6bn in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2022 to 2030.
Non-alcoholic wine production dates back to the early 20th century, but recent improvements in dealcoholisation techniques have led to better-tasting products and increased consumer acceptance.
6. Non-alcoholic spirits
Biggest manufacturer: Diageo
Founded: 1997
Country: United Kingdom
CEO: Debra Crew
Revenue: US$22bn
Non-alcoholic spirits are alcohol-free alternatives designed to mimic the flavour profiles of traditional spirits. This category has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the sober curious movement and increased focus on health and wellness. Non-alcoholic spirits often use botanical extracts, herbs and spices to create complex flavours similar to gin, whiskey or rum.
While specific market size data is limited, the overall non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to grow substantially, with non-alcoholic spirits playing a significant role in this expansion. Diageo’s most popular non-alcoholic spirits include its Seedlip brand.
5. Cold brew coffee
Biggest manufacturer: Starbucks
Founded: 1971
Based in: United States
CEO: Brian Niccol
Revenue: US$35.9bn
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic flavour profile. Major brands include Starbucks, Chameleon Cold-Brew (Nestlé) and La Colombe.
While cold brewing has been practised for centuries, particularly in Japan, its recent popularity in Western markets has driven significant growth in the category.
4. Non-alcoholic beer
Biggest manufacturer: Heineken
Founded: 1864
Country: Netherlands
CEO: Dolf van den Brink
Revenue: US$39bn
Non-alcoholic beer has gained popularity in recent years, offering the taste of beer without the alcohol content. Major manufacturers include Heineken (Heineken 0.0), Anheuser-Busch (O'Doul's) and craft breweries like Athletic Brewing. The history of non-alcoholic beer dates back to mediaeval times, but it gained prominence during Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933).
Today, the global non-alcoholic beer market is growing rapidly, with sales expected to reach US$29bn by 2026. Improved brewing techniques have led to better-tasting products, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those seeking alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
3. Herbal teas
Biggest manufacturer: Unilever
Founded: 1929
Country: United Kingdom/Netherlands
CEO: Hein Schumacher
Revenue: US$64bn
Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are caffeine-free infusions made from herbs, fruits and spices. Major brands include Celestial Seasonings (Hain Celestial Group), Twinings (Associated British Foods) and Traditional Medicinals. Herbal teas have been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years across various cultures.
The global herbal tea market size was valued at us$3.93bn in 2020 and is projected to reach US$4.98bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2027. Increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and the variety of flavours available contribute to the category's growth.
2. Functional beverages
Biggest manufacturer: PepsiCo
Founded: 1965
Based in: United States
CEO: Ramon Laguarta
Revenue: US$91.5bn
Functional beverages are non-alcoholic drinks that claim to provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This category includes energy drinks, sports drinks and enhanced waters. Major players include Red Bull, Monster Energy and Gatorade (PepsiCo). The global functional beverages market size was valued at US$158bn in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2021 to 2028.
The concept of functional beverages has roots in traditional medicine, but modern formulations with added vitamins, minerals and other bioactive compounds have gained popularity since the late 20th century.
1. Sparkling water
Biggest manufacturer: Nestlé (Perrier and San Pellegrino brands)
Founded: 1866
Country: Switzerland
CEO: Laurent Freixe
Revenue: US$106bn
Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water or seltzer, has seen a surge in popularity as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. Major players include LaCroix (National Beverage Corp.), Perrier, S.Pellegrino (Nestlé) and SodaStream (PepsiCo). The global sparkling water market size was valued at US$29.71bn in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2022 to 2030.
Sparkling water's history dates back to the late 18th century when Joseph Priestley discovered a method to infuse water with carbon dioxide, leading to the creation of the first artificially carbonated water.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Food Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
Food Digital is a BizClik brand
