Non-Carbonated Drinks Overtake Seltzers as Premixed Cocktails Jump 46.4%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 24
Non-Carbonated Drinks Overtake Seltzers as Premixed Cocktails Jump 46.4%
1 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 24
Ready-to-drink premixed cocktails grew 46.4% in the 52 weeks ended April 26, while malt-based hard seltzer volumes fell 1.1%, marking a clear shift in beverage share toward still drinks.
Gen Z is driving much of that change, favoring tea-based, wellness-oriented and functional drinks over bubbly options they often associate with bloating, acidity and soda-like heaviness.
Surfside has become the standout winner in alcohol, helping pull rivals such as Sun Cruiser, Cutwater, BeatBox and BuzzBallz further into the non-carbonated canned-drinks boom.
The move is spreading more unevenly in nonalcoholic beverages: Celsius expanded its fizz-free energy line, Hint is betting on still flavored water, and Liquid Death helped normalize canned still drinks.
Aluminum cans are reinforcing the trend because they are cheaper than glass, more sustainable than plastic and now increasingly accepted for non-carbonated drinks once dominated by bottles.
Beyond energy and calm, what will be the next 'canned mood' that beverage giants market to Gen Z?
As 'sober curious' drinks boom, are consumers swapping alcohol for unregulated ingredients with unknown risks?
Are bubbles truly out, or are 'better-for-you' functional sodas staging a fizzy comeback?