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New York Post
19-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Gen Z is swapping booze for lattes, mocktails and ‘wellness' drinks, trend report finds
Gen Z is redefining what it means to drink — and alcohol isn't part of the plan. The youngest legal drinkers are ditching the bar cart for cold brew, swapping tequila for wellness shots and turning drinks into daily rituals. It's less about the buzz and more about the benefits, according to Keurig Dr Pepper's first-ever State of Beverages report. Just 39% of Gen Z adults now say booze is their go-to social drink, while more than 60% prefer non-alcoholic options when hanging with friends — the highest rate of any generation. 3 The youngest legal drinkers are ditching the bar cart for cold brew, swapping tequila for wellness shots and turning drinks into daily rituals. charmedlightph – By comparison, 57% of Gen X still reach for alcohol as their social elixir of choice. The 'sober-curious' movement is booming, with 60% of Gen Z open to trying low- or no-alcohol drinks. More than half of all U.S. adults are cutting back for wellness or lifestyle reasons. And it's not just about cutting alcohol — it's about feeling better. Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z now choose drinks based on functional benefits like energy, gut health or mood — the highest of any generation. Think prebiotic sodas, electrolyte mixes or a $7 iced latte that just makes you feel like you have your life together. '[Gen Z] wants their beverages to do more and be anchored in a real purpose,' said Melissa Abbott, vice president at the Hartman Group, a market research firm that specializes in the food and beverage industry. 3 Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z now choose drinks based on functional benefits like energy, gut health or mood — the highest of any generation. Tamara Beckwith Instead of cracking open a hard seltzer, young adults are heading to late-night coffee bars, sober-friendly gatherings and drink spots to sip mocktails and matcha lattes — reimagining what a night out looks like. 'They're looking for alignment of goals, an enhancement of their lived experience … not just the absence of alcohol,' said Jen Batchelor, CEO of Kin Euphorics, a non-alcoholic brand for social drinking backed by supermodel Bella Hadid. Still, one beverage remains king. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults say they'd rather give up booze than their morning brew. 3 Coffee remains America's most essential beverage with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults saying they'd rather give up booze than their morning brew. Ilona – For Gen Z, coffee culture has become a full-blown 'social ritual.' They customize orders (75%), try new ones monthly (72%) and follow social media for inspiration (74%). 'Talkability really does matter,' said Dibba Iran-Parasti, marketing director at Blank Street Coffee. 'When we drop a new drink, it generates thousands of conversations almost instantly.'
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
The new rules of wine: Why Gen Z is changing the way we sip
According to a 2023 Wine Intelligence report, global wine consumption has dipped by 7.5% over the past two decades Image: supplied Let's be honest: popping a bottle of wine on a Sunday afternoon used to feel like a ritual - one that was passed down, quietly and without question. But these days, something's shifting. In wine cellars, tasting rooms and even on Instagram feeds, a quieter revolution is brewing, one that's less about drinking more and more about drinking mindfully. And it's Gen Z leading the charge. According to a 2023 Wine Intelligence report, global wine consumption has dipped by 7.5% over the past two decades. Europe, once the heartbeat of global wine drinking, has seen a staggering 24% decline between 2010 and 2020. But don't mistake this drop as a crisis. Instead, it reflects a cultural reset, and wine is being rewritten. We're seeing younger wine lovers choosing bottles with intention, says Carryn Wiltshire, Marketing Manager at Steenberg Wines in Cape Town. It's not about indulgence anymore, it's about alignment. They want wines that mirror their values: wellness, sustainability, authenticity. The rise of conscious drinking From sustainable skincare to organic food, Gen Z and millennials are embracing conscious consumerism, and alcohol isn't excluded. According to consumer insights firm Hartman Group, wine now lives in the same cultural lane as artisanal foods, mindful travel, and slow fashion. Every sip is supposed to mean something. For many, this means fewer glasses but better wine. Health-conscious consumers are opting for lighter wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which was the most popular choice in a 2022 Statista survey of South African wine preferences, with 44% of respondents naming it their preferred option. With its fresh acidity and clean profile, it offers a way to enjoy wine without the heaviness, Perfect for salads, seafood, and summer braais. This generation isn't drinking wine as a habit; they're choosing wines that elevate experiences, whether that's a gathering of friends, a meal that matters or a moment of celebration, Wiltshire explains. The sober-curious effect The global sober-curious movement is gaining traction among younger generations who are questioning not just how much they drink, but why they drink. In South Africa, where alcohol culture runs deep, this shift feels radical, yet refreshing. Gen Z isn't necessarily abstaining, they're simply redefining their relationship with alcohol. They're asking: Is this good for me? Is it aligned with who I am? Does it matter? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Europe, once the heartbeat of global wine drinking, has seen a staggering 24% decline between 2010 and 2020. Image: PICHA/pexels This growing interest in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wines is nudging South African winemakers to take note. But rather than chasing trends, many producers are leaning toward transparency and storytelling. "Innovation should never come at the cost of integrity," Wiltshire explains. Winemakers need to remain true to their roots and that means making wine that honours the land and the year it was harvested. "Walk into any wine estate today and you'll notice something different. Yes, the glasses are still there. But visitors aren't just here to taste, they want the full backstory. They want to walk the vineyard, speak to the winemaker and understand the journey from vine to glass. This is the rise of experience-driven wine tourism, and it's reshaping the way the next generation connects with wine." It's no longer enough to serve a great Merlot - the narrative behind it must resonate. People want to feel something when they open a bottle. They want to remember where they bought it, who they were with, what it represented, explains Wiltshire. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok acting as today's digital sommeliers, storytelling is everything. Wine brands that connect emotionally through heritage, craftsmanship or climate-conscious practices are thriving. In fact, sustainability is no longer a bonus - it's an expectation. Younger consumers want to know how the grapes were grown, how the workers were treated and whether the wine was packaged responsibly. 'Provenance matters,' Wiltshire affirms. "It's not just about the taste, it's about the trace.' What this means for the future of wine Younger generations aren't turning away from wine they're simply turning toward it more thoughtfully. They want their glass to reflect their lifestyle: slower, more intentional, more conscious. And the message for South African winemakers is clear: speak honestly, produce with integrity, and honour the land. 'It's not about being trendy. It's about being timeless.'
Fox News
28-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Is protein making you fat? Health experts weigh in on today's food focus
Many Americans are hooked on protein these days, with some 60% of people "actively trying" to increase their intake of protein, according to the Hartman Group, a consumer research firm based in Bellevue, Washington. From protein shakes and bars to protein pizzas and carnivore diets, Americans seemingly cannot get enough of the macronutrient. Yet is this too much of a good thing? And could today's obsession with protein-packed food result in added pounds? Fitness experts and nutritionists weighed in on the issue. Protein, Garry Lineham of California told Fox News Digital, is "the golden child of muscle growth, strength and performance." Lineham is co-founder of Human Garage, a wellness company based in the Golden State. "The carnivore movement has exploded, claiming that plants are unnecessary, while vegans argue the exact opposite, pointing to longevity studies and plant-based champions like Wade Lightheart — who just won Mr. North America on a completely plant-based diet," he said. Rather than focus on either a carnivore diet or a vegan diet, most people can benefit from a diet that includes both plants and meats, said Lineham. "The real secret? Flexibility – the ability to shift, adapt and evolve your diet as your body changes," he said. "Evolve your diet as your body changes." Protein, Lineham said, "isn't the enemy. Neither is fat. Neither are carbs. The enemy is rigid thinking." People should instead experiment with their diets – shifting to eating more or less protein – and observe how their body reacts, Lineham said. "Want to know what works for you? Stop debating and start testing. Your body already has the answer," he said. Stephen Sheehan, a Florida-based nutritionist at the website BarBend, told Fox News Digital that eating too much protein can be dangerous. Too much protein "can put extra strain on the kidneys, lead to digestive issues and, if not balanced with other nutrients, push out important carbs and fats," he said. Plus, if a person is eating too many calories in general, "extra protein can still be stored as fat," he said. The average person in the United States eats an adequate amount of protein, Sheehan said – about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. "Many people front-load carbs and fats and only get a big protein hit at dinner." "More isn't always better," he said. "There's a point where extra protein doesn't contribute much beyond meeting needs." The amount of protein people are eating is not the issue, Sheehan said. "The real issue is not total protein but the quality and distribution throughout the day," he noted. For more Lifestyle articles, visit "Many people front-load carbs and fats and only get a big protein hit at dinner instead of spacing it out," he said. A lot of protein-heavy products have added sugar and fat, he said, "which cancels out any metabolic advantage protein might have." As Lineham did, Sheehan also advocated for a mixed diet of carbs and protein for most people. "The focus should be on balance — not just cramming in as much protein as possible," he said.
