A recent survey found that 49% of adults plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, with Gen Z leading the way. 65% of adults in this age group (21-28 years) state that they would like to drink less. Both of these figures represent substantial increases when compared to the same survey data last year. While we’ve written before about the health impacts of alcohol, it’s also worth considering the health impacts of alcohol alternatives.
The same survey emphasized the growing popularity of nonalcoholic beer and wine, mocktails, and drinks containing THC/CBD. You may have come across some of the more popular brands in this space such as Athletic Brewing Co. and Brēz. Are these truly “healthy” alternatives? Just because something lacks alcohol doesn’t mean that it is necessarily good for you. In some cases, alternatives could pose greater health risks than alcohol itself.
While we’ve previously explained that no amount of alcohol is beneficial for your health, at least it’s been studied for centuries and we know that moderate amounts are relatively safe. Contrast that with drinks from Brēz, which contain combinations of THC, CBD, lion’s mane mushrooms, and other ingredients. Though all of these individual components are generally regarded as safe, there’s not much evidence regarding consistent use and there’s barely any evidence evaluating this specific combination. It doesn’t mean that occasional use will harm you, but the impact of long-term consistent use is unknown.
In addition to what we don’t know about these alcohol alternatives, some of them have concerning features that we know lead to negative health impacts. For example, Brēz drinks have 8 grams of sugar, which isn’t terrible but is worth noting. Alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails are often major offenders on this front. If using fruit juice or syrups, sometimes the sugar content of these drinks can be comparable to a soda. Non-alcoholic beers like those from Athletic Brewing generally have less calories than their alcoholic equivalents, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.
The reality is that no alcoholic drink or alcohol alternative (with the exception of water) is healthy in excess. As with most other things, the dose makes the poison. It probably matters less which drink you choose and more the frequency with which you turn to it. Consistent alcohol use comes with significant risk, as does consistent THC use, as does regular intake of sugary drinks.
All of these options are best treated as social, celebratory beverages and used sparingly. An identical drink without alcohol is likely a superior choice, but it still doesn’t make it a net positive for your health. If you’re in search of an everyday drink, you’re going to want to look elsewhere. Diet sodas can be incorporated a bit more frequently, but of course water should represent the heavy majority of your fluid intake. The many varieties of sparkling water out there can be a great choice for those trying to transition away from sodas or alcohol.
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