Zero-alcohol beer, wine and cocktails could act as a gateway to the real thing for youngsters, research suggests

Zero-alcohol beer, wine and cocktails could act as a gateway to the real thing for youngsters, research suggests READ MORE: A quarter of adults and a third of Gen Z are now teetotal By Emily Stearn, Health Reporter For Mailonline Published: 14:00 EDT, 15 July 2024 | Updated: 14:00 EDT, 15 July 2024 e-mail View comments Zero-alcohol drinks could act as a 'gateway' to the real thing for youngsters, research suggests. Australian experts, who surveyed more than 600 teens, found over half thought zero alcohol products were appealing, and more than one in three had tried them. Some teens also told researchers they feared their peers could get 'hooked' on the taste of alcoholic beverages from alcohol-free alternatives and drink more once they turned 18 as a result.

Researchers said the results highlighted a need to treat alcohol-free beers, wines and cocktails with caution, so they don't act as a 'Trojan horse' to young people picking up the real thing. It comes as zero-alcohol drinks have boomed in the UK in recent years, becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the alcohol among health-conscious consumers. Experts in Australia, who tracked the behaviours of over 600 alcohol free teens, discovered reports of paranoia and even fear of drinking such beverages.

One claimed they could 'get younger people hooked on it' The British Beer and Pub Association, which represents the interests of pubs and breweries, said sales of low and no alcohol beer grew 15 per cent in 2022 — and .