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If Forbes preaching that “global sales of no-and low-alcohol beverages are surging” is music to your ears, then you’ve landed in the right place today. 

In February, Forbes reported the number of people consuming and demanding no-and-low beverages is projected to increase by 31% by 2024 across 10 different markets, including the U.S and the U.K. 

But listen, the numbers are valuable to us in validating the movement we’ve all been feeling and experiencing. However, the numbers aren’t necessarily what inspires change. What inspires change is the emotion behind the movement. 

In this post, we’re going to highlight a few need-to-know factors that have pushed this alcohol-free movement to not only be inspiring but life-changing. 

We’ll cover these three hot topics:

  • Ditching bogus ingredients.
  • A deeper focus on mental health.
  • How we can push the movement forward.

Beverage consumers (aka loads of people) are starting to lean into the idea of paying more attention to what’s in their drink and how it makes them feel. 

Personally, if I’m going to drink something on a Saturday night, I want it to be good for me and also taste delicious. Is that too much to ask? Brands like Bax Botanics don’t think so even one bit!

 

Ditching Bogus Ingredients

 

A large part of the alcohol-free movement is a heavy focus on high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. Moms’ are tired of handing their kids a sugary soda and twenty-somethings are giving up the idea that binge drinking alcohol is the way to go. 

Chris and Rose Bax have actually spent decades exploring and investigating botanical ingredients. In a strong effort to create sustainable products, Bax Botanics sources organic, fair-traded herbs for their alcohol-free spirits. 

They aren’t the only ones either! Wellness drinks are also increasing in sales. You can find anything from mushroom coffee alternatives to probiotic sodas. With so many options out there, putting down alcohol and still having tasty options is now a reality. 

You might be wondering, what does this dedication to high-quality ingredients mean for the beverage industry? Well, let me enlighten you!

Imagine that your family has been using a mop that doesn’t work for 10 years. You’re sick of your floors being sticky and of not seeing the results you’re looking for. Then comes along this shiny new mop that leaves your floors cleaner than a hospital during lockdown. 

Once you know better, you do better. 

Brands like Bax Botanics are opening the eyes of drinkers all over the globe. If you could have a drink that not only tastes stunning but is also good for you, why would you choose the opposite? You just wouldn’t! 

Bax lets the ingredients do the talking by designing unique flavor profiles that let natural ingredients shine. Once you experience this handcrafted love, there’s no going back. 

To shop Bax Botanics, check out their lovely website here or find them at Drink No & Low!

 

A Deeper Focus on Mental Health

 

Using better ingredients is just one part of why the alcohol-free movement is inspiring change. The other part is the bliss people are finding in an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Drinkers are trading hangover anxiety for morning yoga and drunken calls for genuine conversation. As consumers are taking steps to improve their mental health, their drinking habits are changing as well. 

The Temper, an incredible resource for alcohol recovery, reports that “as of 2020, 38% more people chose to lead a sober lifestyle compared to last year.” That’s a whole lot of people waking up and choosing good-for-you alternatives!

Icons like Annie Grace, Tawny Laura, and Ruby Warrington are just a few of the fearless leaders in the alcohol-free space. Thousands of people are now motivated to follow in their footsteps. 

Globally, we still have some heavy legwork to do when it comes to changing the culture around drinking. However, the groundwork is being laid right now by Bax Botanics and the entire no-and-low industry!

 

How We Can Push The Alcohol-Free Movement Forward

 

Okay, we know the alc-free beverage sales are rising. We know conversation around mental health and drinking is changing, but how can we push this forward? Let’s talk about actionable steps that you can take to help this community grow and flourish. 

  1. Ask your bartender to stock alcohol-free products. The bar will stock what they think will sell. Speak up! Let them know that you want to see Bax Botanics in their bar. 
  2. Normalize non-alcohol-centered events in your friend circle. Swap out wine for making mocktails on movie nights. Instead of celebrating your wins in the club, celebrate with dinner and genuine conversation or early morning coffee dates. 
  3. Support sober bars. Yes, that’s a thing! Alcohol-free bars are popping up all over in the U.K and even in the United States. Bring your friends in and show them you can still have a blast without the booze. 

This post was written by Nicole Nettell, commissioned by Bax Botanics. Nicole is a sobriety advocate and the writer behind Everseeking Copy. To work with her, visit nicolewritesit.com.