What Do Consumers Really Want from Nonalcoholic Beverages?
As the demand for nonalcoholic beverages continues to grow, so too does the diversity of options available to consumers. From alcohol-free craft beer to functional adaptogenic drinks, the sober curious movement is no longer a niche — it’s mainstream.
But with so many alcohol alternatives on the market, it raises an important question: What do consumers really want in a nonalcoholic beverage?
Exploring Preferences in the Sober Curious Community
People choose nonalcoholic drinks for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s a step toward better health and fewer calories. Others want a beverage that mimics the appearance of alcohol to blend in socially, while some are drawn to mood-enhancing or functional ingredients like CBD, adaptogens, or nootropics.
To better understand what drives these preferences, nonrocaholic conducted a recent Sunday Survey via Instagram, targeting sober curious individuals in the Rochester, New York area.
The Survey: What Matters Most in a Nonalcoholic Beverage?
The survey asked one central question: “What do you most look for in a nonalcoholic beverage?”
Instagram polls are limited in space, so participants were given three response options, plus the choice to simply view the results:
- A flavorful experience — for those who prioritize taste and quality.
- Functional, mood-boosting properties — including drinks with calming, energizing, or psychoactive effects (like CBD, magnesium, or THC).
- Simple and low-calorie — ideal for people focused on clean, light refreshment with minimal ingredients.
Survey Results
- Total views: 218 people saw the poll
- Total responses: 72 votes (6 chose to only view results)
- Top priority: Flavor
- 48 respondents (67%) chose “a flavorful experience” as their top priority when choosing nonalcoholic drinks.
- Functional effects:
- 8 voters (11%) selected “functional, mood-boosting properties.”
- While the survey didn’t dive into specifics, this category could include everything from L-theanine and Lion’s Mane to hemp-derived THC beverages.
- Low-calorie options:
- 10 respondents (14%) indicated a preference for simple, low-calorie drinks.
Key Takeaways
Although this was an informal poll targeting nonrocaholic’s Instagram followers, the results offer a snapshot of consumer interest — particularly within the sober curious and alcohol-free community.
Flavor clearly dominates the list of priorities. While functionality and health benefits matter to some, the majority of respondents simply want a nonalcoholic beverage that tastes great.
This aligns with broader trends in the beverage industry, where premium flavor profiles and quality ingredients are helping brands stand out in a rapidly growing market.
Conclusion
Whether it’s for wellness, social ease, or a night off from drinking, today’s nonalcoholic beverage consumers are thoughtful and selective. But if this survey is any indication, great taste remains king.
As the nonalcoholic category expands, brands that prioritize flavor — while also offering functional benefits or low-calorie options — will likely resonate most with today’s evolving drinkers.