The craft-beverage industry is undergoing a seismic shift. What was once a domain dominated by hop-forward IPAs and barrel-aged stouts is now expanding to include a new generation of drinks: low-ABV beers, nonalcoholic (NA) brews, and functional beverages infused with everything from adaptogens to electrolytes. This evolution isn’t a passing trend—it’s a consumer-driven movement reshaping how, when, and why people drink.
At TechniBlend, we’ve been at the forefront of beverage innovation for years. We understand that today’s brewers need more than just fermentation tanks—they need agile, scalable, and precise blending technologies that empower them to meet this new demand. In this article, we explore the forces behind the rise of wellness-focused beverages, the growing appeal of smaller formats, and how solutions such as our Alchemator™ are helping breweries thrive in this new era.
The Rise of Mindful Drinking
The numbers speak volumes. According to MetricsCart, in 2025 the global NA beverage market is projected to exceed $1.65 trillion, with NA beer, wine, and spirits sales in the United States alone growing by 26 percent year-over-year. What’s driving this surge? A cultural shift toward mindful drinking, which is a lifestyle choice embraced by Gen Z, millennials, and—increasingly—older demographics.
Consumers are no longer just looking to cut calories or avoid hangovers. They’re seeking beverages that align with their wellness goals, social values, and daily routines. Whether it’s a post-workout electrolyte beer, a CBD-infused hop water, or a zero-proof IPA that tastes like the real thing, the demand is clear: people want options that deliver flavor, function, and flexibility.
From Full Pints to Functional Sips
Another notable shift is in format. The traditional 12- or 16-ounce can is no longer the default. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in smaller, more intentional servings—think 50 ml shots, eight-ounce cans, and even single-serve pouches. These formats cater to consumers who want to sample, moderate, or enjoy beverages on the go.
Smaller formats also open the door to premiumization. A 50 ml adaptogenic elixir or a 100 ml barrel-aged NA stout can command a higher price point while offering a curated, elevated experience. For you as a brewer, this means rethinking not just what you produce, but how you package and present it.
The Alchemator™: Unlocking the NA and Low-ABV Opportunity
Creating high-quality NA or low-ABV beverages isn’t as simple as stopping fermentation early or diluting a finished beer. It requires precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of flavor chemistry. That’s where the TechniBlend Alchemator™ comes in.
The Alchemator is a membrane-based alcohol-separation system that allows brewers to gently and efficiently remove alcohol from fully fermented beer—without sacrificing flavor. Unlike thermal distillation, which can strip away volatile aromatics, the Alchemator preserves the integrity of the original brew, resulting in NA and low-ABV products that taste like their alcoholic counterparts.
Key benefits of the Alchemator™ include:
- Flavor retention: Maintains hop character, malt complexity, and mouthfeel.
- Scalability: Suitable for both pilot batches and full-scale production.
- Flexibility: Enables the creation of multiple SKUs from a single base beer.
- Sustainability: Reduces waste and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
With the Alchemator, breweries can confidently enter the NA and low-ABV space while maintaining the quality and creativity their brand is known for.
Beyond Beer: Functional Beverages and Flavor Innovation
The wellness wave isn’t limited to beer. Consumers are increasingly drawn to functional beverages—drinks that offer health benefits beyond hydration. These include:
- Hop waters with calming terpenes
- Hard kombuchas with probiotics
- Sparkling adaptogen tonics
- Electrolyte-infused recovery beers
To meet this demand, brewers need tools that allow for precise blending, dosing, and flavor integration. That’s where TechniBlend’s broader portfolio shines.
ProCarb™: Inline Carbonation with Precision
Whether you’re carbonating a hop water or a low-ABV sour, ProCarb™ delivers consistent, on-demand carbonation with minimal waste. Its inline design ensures tight control over CO2 levels, which is critical for maintaining mouthfeel and shelf stability in delicate formulations.
ProFill™ and ProFill Can Series: Flexible Packaging for Modern Formats
As smaller formats gain popularity, packaging flexibility becomes essential. Our ProFill™ rotary fillers and ProFill Can Series are designed to handle a wide range of container sizes with speed and accuracy. Whether you’re filling 50 ml shots or eight-ounce cans, these systems ensure product integrity and minimize oxygen pickup.
Adapting Your Brewery for the Future
So how can you as a craft brewery position yourself to succeed in this evolving landscape?
- Diversify your portfolio: Don’t limit yourself to traditional beer styles. Explore NA, low-ABV, and functional options that align with your brand.
- Invest in flexible equipment: Choose systems that can handle multiple product types and formats without major retooling.
- Focus on flavor: Consumers may be drinking less alcohol, but they’re not compromising on taste. Use high-quality ingredients and advanced blending techniques to deliver memorable experiences.
- Tell your story: Transparency, sustainability, and authenticity matter. Share your process, your ingredients, and your purpose.
The Future Is Fluid
The craft-beverage revolution is no longer just about hops and barrels—it’s about choice, wellness, and innovation. As consumers redefine what it means to drink, breweries must evolve to meet them where they are: beyond the pint.
At TechniBlend, we’re proud to support this transformation with technologies that empower creativity, ensure quality, and unlock new possibilities. Whether you’re crafting a zero-proof IPA, a 50 ml adaptogen shot, or a sparkling hop tonic, we’re here to help you blend, carbonate, and package your vision into reality.
Let’s raise a glass—to whatever is in it!