Exploring adolescents’ consumption of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks: a review of the literature and a drinking profile analysis

Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverages are increasingly popular among adolescents, raising concerns about their potential gateway effect on alcohol use. This study combines a mapping review of the literature and an analysis of the Dutch Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study (N = 4746, mean age 13.74). The review identified three studies on NoLo prevalence (18.35–31.8%, all in Eastern populations) and two on parental attitudes. National data revealed that 46% of Dutch adolescents aged 12–16 had tried NoLo beverages, with 8% reporting weekly use. NoLo drinkers are overall more similar to non-drinkers, but exhibit characteristics like fewer peer problems and more hyperactivity similar to alcohol drinkers. NoLo use is most common among younger adolescents and those in pre-university tracks. Our findings highlight the need for nationally representative research on NoLo consumption in Western societies. Adolescents may use NoLo beverages to experiment with risk behaviors as an alternative to alcohol, driven by social conformity or a desire for new experiences.