Why Gen Z Love Canned Mocktails

The beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation, and canned mocktails and cocktails are at the centre of it. 

Canned cocktails have risen in popularity over the last 10 years in the UK thanks to al fresco drinking trends and time optimisation becoming essential.

Often tipped as a luxury on the go option, canned cocktails are enjoyed by almost everyone these days - they're championed by football fans, train mums and politicians alike (Diane Abbott cough cough). 

Recently, mocktails have followed this trend - which is very exciting for us.

Once considered a niche alternative for non-drinkers, ready-to-drink mocktails have now become a mainstream choice for younger consumers seeking a more balanced lifestyle and wanting something on the go.

Why Are Younger Generations Opting For Canned Mocktails?

Millennials and Gen Z are the generations redefining social drinking habits, embracing wellness-focused lifestyles, and seeking premium beverage experiences that don't always include alcohol.

As a result, canned mocktails have emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories in the ready-to-drink beverage market, and we're so excited to be getting involved.

So what's behind the growing popularity of canned mocktails among younger consumers? Here are the key reasons.

1. A Growing Focus on Health and Wellness

For many Millennials and Gen Z consumers, wellness isn't a trend - it's a lifestyle. Today's younger generations are more conscious about what they eat and drink, paying close attention to ingredients, sugar content, calories, and overall health impact.

Unlike traditional alcoholic beverages, canned mocktails allow consumers to enjoy a sophisticated drink without concerns about hangovers, disrupted sleep, or excess alcohol consumption.

Although, be mindful that many mocktail brands do still pack in the sugar and calories. But not us. CleanCo RTD's are mindfully sugar free and low calorie so you can sip stress-free.

Our canned mocktail options are:

• Low-calorie
• No sugar
• Natural clean ingredients
• Functional botanicals and adaptogens
• Alcohol-free alternatives

This alignment with health-conscious values makes canned mocktails an attractive option for everyday enjoyment.

2. Drinking Alcohol Is Down Year On Year For Gen Z

In 2026, 24% of Gen Z report not drinking at all, up from 17% the previous year. At the same time, daily drinking has dropped significantly, from 6% to just 2%. 

These guys aren't interested in drinking alcohol as much as previous generations and since younger generations tend to shape culture the most - being the most. "trendy" - it seems older folk are following along.

Recent research showed that 65% of Millennials plan to drink less compared to 63% of Gen Z, proving that they're cutting down in a similar fashion. Mocktails are being favoured as an option to cut down on alcohol and the easy of ready to drink is proving popular.

3. Traditional Drinking Settings Are Not As Interesting To Gen Z

From 2025 to 2026, bar and club drinking is down dramatically, emphasising a shift away from traditional nightlife settings and into on the go and outdoor spaces.

Younger generations aren't making drinking a focal point, they prefer to be doing an activity that may or may not be accompanied by drinks. This differs from previous generations who made drinking alcohol the "main thing".

In 2025, 45% of Gen Z said they would be caught drinking at a bar vs just 23% in 2026. This shift suggests people want to drink at home more, or in casual spaces where ready to drink options would be preferred.

4. Ready-to-drink beverages are growing significantly 

Gen Z like convenience and they don't like to wait. If it's not fitting within their lifestyle and routine, they're not compromising. Ready to drink options fit nicely in their "on the go" lifestyles and 2026 data shows that 42% of Gen Z are opting for ready to drink options vs 31% in 2025.

5. Sugar and calories aren't on the menu

Gen Z are much more focused on health and therefore drinking calories and sugar isn't of interest to them. Their education on what's in their drinks is a lot more advanced, meaning they're less likely to reach for high cal, high sugar drinks.

In fact, Gen Z have lost interest in Cider - which is likely due to sugar content. Cider consumption has dropped sharply (38% → 15%), losing nearly two-thirds of its audience.

Cider is one of the most sugary alcoholic drink overall, bar dessert wines and cream liqueurs. They're also very high in calories, so it's no surprise that Gen Z don't want to drink them. 

Instead, low calorie and low sugar canned mocktails offer convenience and health benefits.

Shop our latest addition to the CleanCo offering - on the go mocktails.