^{Mixed Things}

^Industry

^{Sales of non-alcoholic beverages in the U.S. have risen by 31% in the past year to $510 million, with the trend driven by a preference for wellness and moderation in drinking habits, particularly during major events, and the majority of non-alcoholic buyers also purchase alcoholic drinks. (foxbusiness.com)} 

^{Athletic Brewing Company has introduced its fifth annual non-alcoholic Oktoberfest brew, featuring a traditional Bavarian Festbier-inspired flavor profile, low-calorie content (70 calories), and a new look for 2023. (brewbound.com)}

^{Fever-Tree, the mixer producer, reported a 9% increase in first-half 2023 revenue, primarily driven by strong growth in the US, making it the company's largest revenue-generating region. (thespiritsbusiness.com)}

^{Brooklyn Brewery leads Series A investment in Hoplark, a craft non-alcoholic beverage maker known for zero alcohol, sugar, and calories; aims to leverage distribution and innovative use of hops. (craftbrewingbusiness.com)}

^{Hop water, a burgeoning beverage category that has grown from three major brands selling 50,000 cases in 2019 to 27 brands moving about 500,000 cases in 2023, faces intensifying competition and pricing challenges while striving to expand its appeal beyond beer alternatives. (goodbeerhunting.com)}

^{NielsenIQ: Non-alc category saw a 31% growth rate, resulting in $510 million in off-premise sales over the past 52 weeks ending July 29. (bevnet.com)}

^Health

^{Quitting heavy alcohol consumption reduces the long-term risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib) more effectively than cutting back, especially for healthier and younger individuals. (medpagetoday.com)}

^{Alcohol consumption is directly and linearly linked to both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with no discernible threshold, but the association varies by gender and location. (thecardiologyadvisor.com)}

^{Moderate alcohol consumption has health risks, but for those who choose to drink, supporting health involves regular exercise, quality sleep, a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, monitoring calorie intake from alcohol, getting annual checkups, and adopting mindful drinking by gradually reducing consumption and evaluating motivations. (nytimes.com)}

^{Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with higher levels of ectopic fat, which refers to fat deposits around vital organs such as the heart and liver--- increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, as revealed by a study conducted by Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (ahajournals.org)}

^{Low-alcohol beer is better for rehydration, while polyphenol-rich nonalcoholic beer may prevent respiratory infections during intense training. (journals.humankinetics.com)}

^{A survey found that psychedelic use led to reduced alcohol, antidepressant, and cocaine consumption but increased cannabis and tobacco use among participants. (psypost.org)}

^Culture

^{CEOs are launching non-alcoholic beverage companies with a mission to provide appealing alternatives to alcohol, driven by personal stories and a desire to change the drinking culture. (forbes.com)}

^{Author and others argue that alcohol is marketed to successful, stressed-out women as a means to escape their problems but actually makes their problems worse. (theatlantic.com)}

^{Mark Anthony Brands, the company behind White Claw, plans to launch White Claw 0%, a non-alcoholic hard seltzer, in January 2024, targeting the growing market for non-alcoholic beverages, despite criticism of its terminology. (vinepair.com)}

^{The pandemic triggered a rise in problematic drinking and alcoholism, with experts attributing this to increased stress and isolation, as well as the relaxation of alcohol policies and pervasive alcohol promotion during that period. (ca.news.yahoo.com)}

^{Exploring the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages in LA---highlighting specific places to find booze-free drinks in the city. (laist.com)}

^{A selection of sparkling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that cater to evolving drinking preferences, emphasizing lower alcohol content and no added sugars. (wellandgood.com)}

^{Where to find the best non-alcoholic options in San Diego. (sdtoday.6amcity.com)}

^{10 non-alcoholic and low ABV beers that are fit for your gym goals.(muscleandfitness.com)}

^{From the Top-shelf}

^{The rise of non-alcoholic beverages in the U.S., as highlighted in both the Fox Business and VinePair articles, underscores a significant shift in consumer habits. The Nielsen IQ report reveals a remarkable 31% surge in sales of non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits over the past year, now totaling $510 million. This growth can be attributed to Americans' increasing prioritization of wellness and moderation in their drinking choices. Notably, non-alcoholic options are no longer confined to Sober October or Dry January, and have become a staple during all major drinking holidays.}

^{What's intriguing is that over 94% of non-alcoholic beverage buyers also purchase alcoholic drinks, demonstrating a high level of engagement with both categories. This dual consumption reflects evolving consumer preferences, where individuals seek diverse choices to suit different occasions. The VinePair article highlights the semantic complexities emerging in the non-alcoholic beverage market, with brands like White Claw venturing into "non-alcoholic premium seltzer" territory. While linguistic purists may cringe at such labels, these market shifts reveal a profound opportunity for innovation and profitability in the beverage industry. As consumers increasingly embrace non-alcoholic alternatives, the door is wide open for creative branding and product development strategies to cater to this evolving demand.}

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^psychedelic