Why non-alcoholic drinks are booming: it’s all about quality and taste

In recent years, non-alcoholic (NA) drinks have seen a serious boost in popularity across Belgium. What used to be limited to watery beers or overly sweet mocktails has turned into a full-on movement driven by innovation, quality, and—maybe most importantly—taste. More and more people are reaching for non-alcoholic options that actually taste like the real thing, and that shift isn’t happening by accident.

Quality and recognition are leading the charge
The days of compromising on flavour are over. Non-alcoholic spirits and beers have come a long way thanks to improved production methods. Whether it's a zero-proof gin that actually has the taste of juniper berry or a spritz-style aperitif with real complexity, brands are now offering products that appeal to people who still love the taste of alcohol, but want to skip the alcohol itself.
And it’s working... According to Grand View Research, the non-alcoholic spirits market will grow 9% worldwide each year between 2024 and 2030 — proof that more consumers are reaching for better-quality NA options. The non-alcoholic beer segment is showing similar results. Supermarkets like Delhaize even reported a 40% jump in sales of non-alcoholic beers in 2024 compared to the year before. 

What’s driving this shift?

1. Health without sacrificing rituals
   People want to take care of their health, but that doesn’t mean they want to stop enjoying a drink at dinner or during a night out. Non-alcoholic options allow them to keep those moments. This is especially true for people who still drink alcohol occasionally but want to cut back—what’s often referred to as the “sober curious” crowd.
   
   
2. Better flavour through better tech
   Modern NA drinks aren’t just watered-down versions of the real thing. Producers now use advanced distillation and blending techniques to create full-flavoured beverages that hold up in cocktails or on their own. This focus on flavour means people don’t feel like they’re missing out when they choose NA.
   
   
3. Variety and familiarity
   From gin alternatives to bitter aperitifs, the range of non-alcoholic drinks keeps expanding. And instead of inventing completely new flavour profiles, many brands are now offering recognizable alternatives that mimic the taste and feel of classic spirits. That makes the switch easier—and more appealing—for fans of traditional drinks.

One of the brands responding to this shift is NUDO—a new generation of non-alcoholic spirits that offer a full-flavoured experience with length. With recognisable taste profiles like Ginepro Rarngpur and Ginepro Rosa (true gin alternatives), and a bold Spritz variant, NUDO proves that non-alcoholic doesn’t mean less character. 
It’s the perfect choice for those who still want to enjoy the ritual and complexity of a well-crafted drink, just without the alcohol.

The bottom line
The growth of non-alcoholic drinks in Belgium isn’t about hype—it’s about better products. The fact that people can now find zero-alcohol drinks that offer real flavour and a satisfying experience is what’s truly driving this trend. And with more brands entering the space and improving their craft, there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.