WTF: Why Gen Z Is Ditching Alcohol Faster Than Any Generation In History

What The Fact: Gen Z just did the unexpected. Instead of partying harder, they’re drinking less than any generation before. And no, it’s not because they’re boring. It’s because their priorities are shifting fast.

Research shows Gen Z is way more aware of health, fitness, and mental clarity. They care about what goes into their bodies. Long-term risks like liver damage, addiction, and bad sleep are huge red flags.

According to new global data, 36 per cent of Gen Z adults have never touched alcohol. That’s massive. Nearly 87 per cent say they avoid booze to stay healthy and lower disease risks. Money matters too. Around 30 per cent skip alcohol to save cash, and 25 per cent say it helps them sleep better and think clearly.

Weekly drinking is dropping fast. In 2025, only 17 per cent reported drinking weekly, compared to 23 per cent in 2020. More than half of occasional drinkers are now cutting back. This is a cultural shift, not a phase.

“Zebra Striping”: So What Gen Z Are Doing?

A new trend is blowing up in bars. It’s called zebra striping. It’s simple. You alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones. One beer. One soda. One cocktail. One mocktail.

It started gaining attention in the UK through alcohol-free brand Lucky Saint and research consultancy KAM. They found that 25 per cent of drinkers are now zebra striping, and 78 per cent of them are Gen Z. The logic is smart. Drink slower. Stay in control. Avoid regrets. This trend isn’t staying local. It’s spreading worldwide.

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The Rise Of Non-Alcoholic Everything

The non-alcoholic beverages market is exploding-and fast. While regular alcohol sales only grew 0.6 per cent globally, no-alcohol spirits jumped 17 per cent, non-alcoholic ready-to-drinks rose 14 per cent, and even non-alcoholic wine gained 7 per cent. 

By 2029, adult no-alcohol beverages are expected to cross 10.2 billion litres, growing 24 per cent in volume.

But even there, mindful drinking is spreading. Gen Z isn’t anti-fun. They just want fun without consequences. And at this rate, hangovers may become vintage.

Gen Z isn’t killing the party, just the hangovers. With health, money, and mental clarity on the line, drinking smarter (or not at all) is the new flex. Trends like zebra striping prove the vibe isn’t going dry, it’s going mindful. At this pace, hangovers might just become history. Cheers to fun, without the fallout.

(NOTE: This article is part of the series 'WTF'. To read more articles in the series, click here)