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More people are swapping their usual pint or glass of wine for alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks. But are these “no/lo” options actually helping anyone drink less? Researchers from the University of Sheffield and University College London wanted to find out.
They surveyed over a thousand adults in Great Britain who had tried to cut down or stop drinking alcohol in the past year. About one-third said they used alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks to help them along the way.
The big question was twofold:
First, who’s turning to alcohol-free drinks when trying to cut back? And second, does it really help them succeed?
The team suspected that people who already drink “no/lo” beverages regularly, or who are motivated by health concerns, might be more likely to reach for them when trying to drink less. But it wasn’t clear whether that choice actually leads to lasting change.
This matters because alcohol-free drinks have become part of a cultural shift toward moderation. You can now find alcohol-free beers at pubs, “mocktails” on menus, and campaigns like Dry January promoting mindful drinking. Yet despite the buzz, there’s been surprisingly little solid evidence showing whether these products truly make a difference when people are cutting back.
The people most likely to use alcohol-free drinks were regular no/lo drinkers and those motivated by health goals—especially future health concerns or fitness. Women also leaned more toward using these drinks when they were serious about cutting down.
But when it came to whether those drinks worked, things got fuzzy. While those who used no/lo drinks were slightly more likely to say they drank less afterward, the difference wasn’t statistically strong. The results hinted at a possible benefit, but not enough to prove cause and effect.
Researchers think other factors—like motivation, lifestyle, or support systems—may play a bigger role than simply swapping beverages.
If you’re trying to drink less, alcohol-free options might be part of the solution, especially if they fit your habits or help you feel included socially. But they’re not magic. The study suggests that using them alone doesn’t guarantee long-term success.
Still, no/lo drinks can make it easier to join in socially without pressure to drink alcohol. They might help reinforce new routines, especially for people who want to focus on health. The key takeaway: they’re a tool, not a cure.
As more people choose mindful drinking and alcohol-free options become mainstream, it’s clear that the culture around drinking is shifting. The trend itself may be part of what helps people feel more comfortable saying, “I’m good.”
