17 Canada Non-Alcoholic & Mocktail Trends and Stats (2025)

Canada’s non-alcoholic beverage market is scaling quickly. Consumers are moderating their alcohol intake, retailers are expanding shelf space, and bars are elevating mocktail menus—turning this into a year-round, high-growth category.

Market Growth of the Canadian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• Canada’s non-alcoholic beverage category reached $199M in sales (Jun 2023–Jun 2024), growing +24% YoY ^[1]

  This sharp year-over-year increase shows that non-alc products aren’t just seasonal trends. More Canadians are incorporating them into everyday consumption, creating consistent demand across the calendar.

• The Canadian non-alcoholic beverages market is expected to grow at ~5.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2030 ^[2]

  This steady growth rate reflects rising health awareness, more product innovation, and retailers giving non-alc offerings better visibility.

Category Mix & Premiumization in the Canadian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• Non-alcoholic beer held ~76% of the market and grew +23.3% YoY ^[3]

  Despite new formats entering the space, NA beer remains the anchor category. Improved taste and strong brand recognition help it maintain leadership.

• Non-alcoholic spirits saw +67.7% growth in the same period ^[4]

  Spirits alternatives are becoming popular among consumers who want sophisticated, cocktail-style drinks without alcohol—especially for at-home mixing.

• RTD mocktails and NA cocktails are expanding rapidly across menus and shelves ^[5]

  Ready-to-drink and mocktail formats appeal to consumers who want convenience, premium flavors, and bar-quality experiences at home.

Consumer Behavior & Demand Drivers in the Canadian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• ~70% of on-premise NA consumers intend to continue non-alc choices beyond Dry January ^[6]

  This signals a long-term behavioral shift: once consumers try quality NA options, many stick with them beyond seasonal trends.

• ~75% of non-alc shoppers in Canada also purchase alcohol ^[7]

  Moderation—not full abstinence—is driving growth. Most non-alc buyers are “dual users” who switch depending on the occasion.

• Younger Canadians—Gen Z and Millennials—are fueling category expansion ^[8]

  Younger consumers gravitate toward wellness, lower alcohol consumption, and premium alcohol-free options, making them key demand drivers.

“82% of Upside Drinks customers also buy alcohol. The story isn’t abstinence, it’s moderation. Canadians are flex drinking and choosing the right option for the moment.” — Simon Poulin, CEO, Upside Drinks

Channels & Discovery in the Canadian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• Mocktail mentions on Canadian restaurant menus grew ~29.4% YoY in Q1 2024 ^[9]

  Bars and restaurants are upgrading their NA offerings, making it easier for consumers to try premium mocktails during social occasions.

• Bars drive discovery, but retail channels drive volume and repeat purchases ^[10]

  While many consumers first try non-alc drinks on-premise, most purchases occur in grocery, mass retail, and specialty stores.

• Household spending on NA beverages is rising from CAD 300.8 in 2024 → CAD 319.4 in 2028 ^[11]

  This steady climb shows Canadians are intentionally budgeting for non-alcoholic beverages as recurring household staples.

Outlook for the Canadian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

Canada’s non-alc market is set for consistent mid-single-digit growth, driven by:

• The strength of NA beer
• The rapid rise of NA spirits and RTD mocktails
• Expanded menu presence and elevated bar programs
• Retailers increasing shelf space and variety

Brands that prioritize premium flavors, convenience, and wellness positioning will benefit most as consumers continue shifting toward flexible, alcohol-moderated lifestyles.

“Consumers want more than alcohol‑free—they want function. Our wellness section grew 58% in the last six months as shoppers seek beverages that do something for the body and the palate.” — Simon Poulin, CEO, Upside Drinks

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