Business & Finance
GLP-1 adoption and health trends drive restaurant focus on nonalcoholic drink options
A National Restaurant Association report highlights how appetite-suppressing drugs and health consciousness among younger consumers are pushing dining establishments to expand their beverage menus.
The short version
- The National Restaurant Association's 2026 report shows growing demand for alcohol-free, wellness, energy, and alternative beverage options in restaurants.
- Industry economists and consultants attribute the shift to broader health consciousness among younger demographics and the rising adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which reduce appetite and alcohol intake.
- Limited-service restaurant operators plan to expand menu items such as coffee, smoothies, lemonades, and wellness drinks to maintain customer traffic and profitability.
Key facts
- According to the National Restaurant Association's 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends report, 25% of surveyed adults who abstain from alcohol cited health reasons, rising to 34% among Gen Z nondrinkers.[Fox News]
- The report shows 71% of Gen Z adults and 74% of millennials surveyed drink alcohol at home or in restaurants, with 60% of Gen Z and 68% of millennials drinking alcohol specifically at restaurants.[Fox News]
- Among limited-service restaurant operators, 46% plan to add new coffee options in 2026, 29% plan to add smoothies, 27% lemonades, 26% energy drinks, and 24% wellness drinks.[Fox News]
- The report found that 87% of full-service operators and 80% of limited-service operators consider beverages an important driver of customer traffic.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact degree to which GLP-1 adoption—versus general health shifts—will impact restaurant alcohol sales long-term remains unclear as the medications become less expensive through 2026 and 2027.[Fox News]