A new IBRiS Foundation report reveals that 42% of Poles associate non-alcoholic beer with standard alcohol, raising serious concerns about the role these beverages play in normalizing drinking habits.
The perception gap
While 48% of survey participants view 0% beer as a refreshing drink, a significant 42% associate it directly with traditional beer. This trend, mirrored in the perception of non-alcoholic wines, highlights a critical issue regarding how these products are categorized by the public.
Alcohol consumption patterns
Data from the IBRiS Foundation report, published in April 2026, indicates that two-thirds of Polish adults consume alcohol at least once a month, with 38% consuming 0% beer at similar intervals. These non-alcoholic alternatives are frequently marketed toward drivers and active professionals as a ritual substitute.
Normalization concerns
There is growing alarm that non-alcoholic beer may desensitize youth to the taste of alcohol and encourage early initiation. 64% of respondents agree that these products normalize the habit of drinking, while 60% believe serving non-alcoholic beer to minors promotes future alcohol consumption.
Calls for stricter regulation
Public opinion strongly supports tighter restrictions, with 71% of respondents stating that 0% beer advertisements strengthen brand recognition for alcoholic beverages. Consequently, a majority advocate for night-time sales bans and labeling requirements that clearly distinguish non-alcoholic packaging from traditional alcohol.
Cross-party consensus on restrictions
Support for regulating non-alcoholic alternatives transcends political divides. Majorities across various political electorates, including PiS, KO, and the Left, agree that alcohol advertising influences consumption and that non-alcoholic products should be prohibited for minors.