The Nuances of Nonalcoholic Drinks: When They Help and When They Don’t

Nonalcoholic drinks are rising in popularity and may offer a similar taste and social experience.
The Nuances of Nonalcoholic Drinks: When They Help and When They Don’t
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When James and Steven quit drinking alcohol, they both turned to nonalcoholic beer as a replacement. While Steve discovered a useful tool that added to his social life, James found himself on a slippery slope and ultimately decided to put down the proverbial bottle.

Nonalcoholic beers are big business. The 13th-largest brewery in the United States makes only nonalcoholic beer. It’s undeniable that nonalcoholic beverages are having a moment, but are they a revolution in mindful drinking or a dangerous trigger? The answer is complex. With the market exploding with options, one question is: Can these drinks help people cut back on drinking alcohol?
Jennifer Sweenie
Jennifer Sweenie
Author
Jennifer Sweenie is a New York-based health reporter. She is a nutritional therapy practitioner and trained health-supportive chef focused on functional nutrition and the power of natural, whole foods. Jennifer serves on the board of directors for Slow Food NYC and is a former board member of the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation.