Romanians Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer in Contexts of Responsibility and Balanced Lifestyles – Socializing, Driving, and Health Awareness

Bucharest, November 5, 2025 — Non-alcoholic beer is increasingly perceived as an active and responsible choice, suited to social settings and situations involving personal safety. Social events are the primary consumption context for one in two non-alcoholic beer drinkers, especially among women (58%) and individuals aged 35-44 (59%), who prefer to avoid alcohol without giving up the social ritual of beer. Driving is the second major context, cited by 42% of consumers, with non-alcoholic beer being predominantly chosen by men (54%) and young adults aged 18-24 (47%), confirming a clear trend toward conscious and preventive consumption.

The study was conducted by Reveal Marketing Research at the request of the Center of Studies about Beer, exploring Romanian consumption habits related to non-alcoholic beer.

According to the same study, 21% of respondents choose non-alcoholic beer in health-related contexts, and an equal percentage consume it at lunch during working hours.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in consumer behavior: non-alcoholic beer is no longer a compromise, but an active choice associated with responsibility and a balanced lifestyle. For many, the taste similarity to traditional beer and the freedom to consume it at any time of day are strong arguments. Non-alcoholic beer has become part of the daily routine, not just an exception,”- Corina-Aurelia Zugravu, President of the Center of Studies about Beer

When asked about their main reasons for choosing non-alcoholic beer, respondents cited:

• Avoiding alcohol’s effects (49%) – especially among men (53%) and those aged 35-44 (54%)
• Safe driving (42%) – more important to men (48%) than women (35%)
• Taste similar to traditional beer and flexibility to consume anytime (29%)
  • Taste matters more to 18-24-year-olds (33%)
  • Flexibility is more relevant for the 45-55 age group (36%)
• Social inclusion without alcohol (24%) – especially among women (26%) and young adults (27%)
• Health benefits and low calorie content (21%) – more frequent among young people (25%)
• Medical restrictions (15%) – more common among women (17%) and those over 55 (18%)

“The growing number of Romanians choosing non-alcoholic beer in social settings or before driving reflects a maturing market and increased awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. There’s also a rising positive perception of those who make this choice before getting behind the wheel — seen as responsible and safety-conscious individuals,” – Marius Luican, CEO of Reveal Marketing Research.

Consuming non-alcoholic beer before driving is associated with responsibility: 56% of respondents associate drinking non-alcoholic beer before driving with responsibility and maturity, especially among adults aged 35-44 (61%) and men (57%).

On the other hand, further proof that non-alcoholic beer has already become part of a routine, is that 36% consider non-alcoholic beer a natural, routine choice – more common among men (39%) and those aged 35-44 (44%).

About the Market Research

Methodology: The Reveal Marketing Research study was conducted online in September 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 1,012 respondents aged 18+ from both urban and rural areas, all internet users. The maximum sampling error is ±3.1% at a 95% confidence level.

 

About the Beer Study Center

The Beer Study Center is an interdisciplinary initiative that explores the social, cultural, and historical depth of beer consumption in Romania. Its activity focuses on the role of beer as a social connector – a beverage that, for centuries, has brought people together through stories, traditions, and shared moments. The center’s mission is to investigate and promote the ways in which beer contributes to social well-being, the development of human relationships, and the building of communities, both in traditional and modern contexts.

The Beer Study Center is the result of a collaborative effort by its three founding members: Dr. Corina-Aurelia Zugravu, university lecturer at UMF “Dr. Carol Davila” and President of the Center; Dr. Alin Popescu, specialist in sports medicine and nutrition consultant, acting as Secretary General; Dr. Mihaela Begea, PhD in engineering sciences.

Previously known as the Beer, Health and Nutrition Study Center, the organization has carried out over 12 years of relevant research in Romania, focused on evaluating the effects of moderate beer consumption on the human body from a nutritional perspective. Its new name reflects the current scientific interest of the founding members in exploring another important dimension of beer: its role as an ingredient in a balanced adult lifestyle.

Media Contact:

Raluca Niculae
Communications Manager
Beer Study Center
Email: raluca.niculae@studiidesprebere.ro
Phone: +40 723 54 57 36