E-Malt.com News article: Spain: Rise of non-alcoholic beverages redefining consumption in Spain

New generations are driving more balanced consumption habits in Spain, where alcohol-free alternatives and healthy options are gaining prominence without displacing the social and cultural value of traditional beverages, Democrata reported on May 28.

Alcohol consumption in Spain is undergoing an unprecedented change. Although a beer in the sun, wine as an accompaniment to meals, or midday vermouth continue to be part of the country's social and gastronomic culture, the habits of new generations and the growing concern for well-being are driving new, more balanced, and conscious forms of consumption.

In this context, alternatives such as alcohol-free beer, sparkling water, or low-sugar soft drinks are gaining more prominence, options that respond to an increase in demand for products compatible with healthy lifestyles.

According to recent data from the General Assembly of Spanish Brewers, alcohol-free beer is consolidating as one of consumers' favorite options. So much so that today, one out of every seven beers consumed in Spain is 0.0%, and sales of this variety increased by 4.6% in the last year alone, maintaining an upward trend.

This phenomenon responds to multiple factors such as greater awareness of physical and mental health, the rise of sports, and the popularization of healthy habits through social media. Added to this is a progressive reduction in nightlife and new forms of socialization where alcohol no longer plays a leading role. Currently, consumers are looking for more versatile options compatible with driving, work, or well-being. In fact, according to data from the same source, 50% of the occasions on which alcohol-free beer is consumed are related to driving, consolidating it as an increasingly integrated alternative within a responsible consumption model.

However, the paradigm shift is not limited to beer. Sparkling water, sugar-free soft drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails are also gaining presence in both supermarkets and hospitality. Consumers are increasingly demanding products associated with hydration, moderation, and well-being, but without sacrificing flavor or the consumption experience, a trend that is leading the beverage sector to diversify and adapt its offering. In this new scenario, companies like Grupo Delgado, a company involved in the production, generation, manufacturing, and marketing of gourmet products, which have a diversified portfolio, play a strategic role.

In its more than 60 years of history, it has positioned itself as a key player in the transformation of consumption thanks to its distribution of products aligned with new market preferences. In recent years, they have expanded their catalog with products such as S.Pellegrino sparkling waters, including flavored varieties of lemon and mint, orange and lemon, as well as new additions like Maison Perrier, which combines sparkling water with non-alcoholic cocktail options. Furthermore, their offering includes 0.0% beers from brands like Mahou and non-alcoholic options within the wine segment, such as the white and rosé varieties from Freixenet.

In short, the beverage market in Spain is evolving at the pace of a more conscious consumer, who prioritizes balance and seeks options adapted to different moments. In this context, non-alcoholic beverages and healthier alternatives continue to gain space within the usual offering, driving a transformation of the sector in which tradition and innovation coexist with increasing naturalness.


31 May, 2026