Alcohol-less Drinks Add Value to the Menu

 

It turns out that Gen Z and Millennials may not be so different from their parents after all—at least when it comes to flavor preferences. Today’s food and beverage trends are embracing nostalgia with open arms. From Sunny D-inspired spritzers to Lucky Charms garnishes, both alcohol-infused and alcohol-free beverages are tapping into the comfort of childhood with the sophistication of adulthood.

Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® wonders, what is the real twist in 2025? The growing dominance—and value—of alcohol-free drinks. Whether in fast food, full-service restaurants, or grocery store delis, alcohol-less drinks are becoming a customer magnet and a profit center. And in the grocerant world—where Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat reign—these beverages are mix-and-match menu magic.

Food Facts & Marketing Data Points

·       12.5% year-over-year growth in alcohol-free beverage sales in Q1 2025 (Beverage Marketing Corporation).

·       71% of Gen Z consumers say they are interested in fun, flavorful alcohol-free beverages when dining out or ordering in (Technomic 2025).

·       Alcohol-free drinks generate 25% higher margins than traditional fountain sodas, especially when branded or bundled in signature offerings (NPD Group, 2024).

·       Alcohol-free wine and spirit sales are projected to reach $4.3 billion globally by end of 2025 (IWSR Drinks Market Analysis).

5 Restaurant & Fast-Food Use Cases: Driving Value with Alcohol-less Beverages

1.       Starbucks Reserve®: Cocktail-Style Mocktails

o   Starbucks locations in select cities now offer “Evening Mocktails,” using cold brew, orange zest, lavender, and foamed oat milk in glassware that mirrors cocktail service.

o   Result: Average check boost of 18% on orders featuring mocktails and a strong social media response.

2.       Taco Bell Cantina: Frozen Fusion Fun

o   Taco Bell Cantina outlets now allow customers to choose from a rotating selection of alcohol-free frozen beverages inspired by margaritas and piña coladas, garnished with chili lime or candy dust.

o   Grocerant Magic: These drinks drive both dine-in buzz and takeout customization with flavor add-ons.

3.       Sweetgreen: Wellness Waters & Spritzers

o   Sweetgreen bundles alcohol-free kombucha and sparkling botanical waters with salad bowls and warm bowls as part of their "Clean Eating Pairings" program.

o   Impact: Helps boost bundle purchases and elevate brand perception among wellness-focused customers.

4.       Shake Shack: Seasonal Lemonade Lab

o   Shake Shack rotates limited-time lemonade flavors like blackberry basil or vanilla peach, served in branded takeaway bottles.

o   Fast-Food Value: Brings craft-beverage energy into fast food without the complexities of alcohol handling.

5.       Panera Bread: Charged-Up & Alcohol-Free

o   Panera’s Charged Lemonades—with caffeine and fruit-forward flavors—target young consumers looking for energy without alcohol or synthetic additives.

o   Bundling Tip: Often featured in discounted lunch pairings to boost meal satisfaction and upsell rates.

5 Grocery Deli Use Cases: Bringing Take-Home Beverage Innovation

1.       Whole Foods Market: Mocktail Meal Kits

o   Bundles like “Tropical Tofu & Tonic” pair deli-prepared Caribbean tofu bowls with a take-home mocktail mix using hibiscus and mint.

o   Result: Shoppers are spending more time (and money) in the deli area as mix-and-match meal customization grows.

2.       Kroger Fresh Kitchen: Nonalcoholic Sangria Bottles

o   Ready-made fruit sangrias, made with zero-proof wine and fresh fruit, are sold adjacent to rotisserie chicken and pre-made tapas trays.

o   Insight: Placement and pairing drive impulse buys and elevate weeknight take-home meals.

3.       Publix Aprons: Mocktail & Charcuterie Pairings

o   In-store demos feature alcohol-free sparkling juice blends and “perfect pairings” with specialty cheeses and cured meats from the deli.

o   Cross-Promotion Bonus: Encourages new product trial while reinforcing the store’s premium entertaining options.

4.       H-E-B Meal Simple: Global Flavors, Zero ABV

o   Global meal kits—like Indian Butter Chicken or Korean Bulgogi—are paired with matching nonalcoholic drinks (e.g., mango lassi or ginger-lime sparkling tea).

o   Consumer Engagement: Encourages culinary exploration without alcohol, supporting family dining and cultural experiences.

5.       Wegmans: Cold Case Craft Sips

o   Alcohol-free canned mocktails, artisanal sodas, and functional beverages are now stocked in the deli cold case next to sandwiches and sushi trays.

o   Data Point: Wegmans reports a 22% increase in per-trip spending for customers who purchase from both the deli and cold beverage sections.

The Grocerant Guru® Perspective

It’s not just about removing alcohol—it’s about replacing it with joy, flavor, and familiarity. When alcohol-free drinks evoke childhood nostalgia while offering modern sophistication, they resonate across age groups and dayparts. And when bundled with meal solutions—whether in fast food, grocery, or grocerants—they drive top-line sales and bottom-line profits.

Operators who create flexible, mix-and-match menus with flavorful alcohol-free drinks aren't just catering to a trend—they're crafting a future-proof brand.

Want help building your alcohol-less mix-and-match strategy?
Visit www.GrocerantGuru.com or email Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us.

Success does leave clues—and the beverage aisle just might hold your next big win.

Mix & Match for Meal Sales Success: How Self-Pour Tech and Consumer-Centric Innovation Are Changing the Food & Beverage Game

 

As dining trends continue to evolve, one thing is clear—flexibility, personalization, and convenience are leading the charge. In today’s hybrid world of foodservice, where snacking is replacing meals and beverage programs can make or break profitability, the 2024 Self-Pour Impact Report from PourMyBev shines a spotlight on how next-gen beverage tech is driving serious growth across hospitality sectors. And with insights from Steven Johnson, the “Grocerant Guru®,” one truth becomes undeniable: the future of food and beverage lies in seamless integration and mix-and-match customization.

 

PourMyBev: Revolutionizing the Pour

Born from the success of self-pour pioneer PourMyBeer, PourMyBev now stands as the umbrella brand signaling the evolution of the self-pour ecosystem. PourMyBev’s 2024 report, powered by data from 567 venues, highlights not only record-breaking usage but a shift in how hospitality venues operate and serve their guests.

Key Stats from the 2024 Impact Report:

• 133.9 million ounces poured, with 113.86 million ounces of beer leading the charge.
• 3.1 million customers served—a 19.2% increase YoY.
• $71.4 million in operator revenue, up 19.5% from 2023.
• 13.88 million consumers have now interacted with PourMyBev systems.
• Pickleball venues surged to 19 active locations—the fastest-growing segment.

From beer and wine to cocktails, coffee, and non-alcoholic options, PourMyBev’s system is setting a new standard. It's not just about convenience—it’s about empowering the guest while streamlining labor, a critical factor in today’s tight labor market.

“Self-pour technology is no longer a niche concept—it’s a proven operational advantage for venues of all types,” said Josh Goodman, Founder & CEO of PourMyBev.

 

Insights from the Grocerant Guru: Customization is King

Steven Johnson, widely known as the Grocerant Guru®, has long emphasized the importance of “mix-and-match meal bundling”—the ability for consumers to curate their dining experience across food and drink. According to Johnson, the consumer's desire for choice, speed, and seamlessness is driving the rise of grocerants—a hybrid of grocery and restaurant-style experiences.

This aligns directly with PourMyBev’s mission. By enabling self-service beverage walls in non-traditional spaces—hotels, apartment communities, pickleball courts, and more—operators are capturing incremental sales and satisfying demand for modular, frictionless dining.

“The rise of grocerant-style service, where consumers can build a meal experience with grab-and-go components and personalized beverages, is redefining convenience dining,” Johnson explains. “Self-pour fits that mold perfectly.”

 

The Future of Beverage is Self-Directed

The beauty of self-pour systems lies in customization and speed. Consumers can sample an ounce of rosé, top it off with hard seltzer, or build a full pour of cold brew before brunch—all without waiting in line or flagging down staff. For operators, it’s about efficiency and profit. With 13.88 million users and growing, the self-pour experience is fast becoming an expected norm, not a novelty.

New venues like pickleball clubs and apartment communities are especially ripe for this innovation. By providing on-demand beverage options, these venues enhance their amenity offerings while tapping into a lucrative revenue stream.

 

Mix, Match, and Maximize

In today’s fast-casual and hybrid service environment, the synergy between food flexibility and beverage personalization is where the magic happens. The “meal” is no longer confined to a static plate—it’s an experience that evolves with the guest’s mood, schedule, and preferences.

PourMyBev’s self-pour solution is a perfect complement to modern food strategies:

• Pair customizable drinks with chef-prepped small plates.
• Match coffee and cocktails with ready-to-heat meals.
• Build bundles that allow users to select their drink, snack, and dessert in one frictionless transaction.

 

Bottom Line: A Better Guest Experience, A Bigger Bottom Line

The 2024 PourMyBev report doesn’t just show impressive stats—it tells a story of an industry pivoting toward autonomy, interaction, and profitability. For foodservice operators, embracing the self-pour movement—and pairing it with meal customization strategies—is a smart play.

Want to win at the intersection of food and beverage? Start thinking like a grocerant. And pour smarter.

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

GetGo Consumers like Slushies but they like Alcohol Slushies Better

 

Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all grew up slurping on Slurpee’s at 7-Eleven.  Today just about all C-stores have a slushie / Slurpee of their own.  GetGo’s newest line of slushie’s that are spiked adding relevance to consumers that grew up sipping on slushie’s in the summer according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®

Regular readers of this blog know that GetGo is expanding its Café + Market's spiked slushies program with more flavors at more locations following a successful first year. Alcohol spiked flavored beverages continue to grow in popularity and C-stores are a natural outlet for Alcohol flavored beverages specifically slushie’s or Slurpee’s according to Johnson.

There are crrently, 46 GetGo locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania offer the quick-frozen malt beverages that are made with premium alcohol brands such as Seagram's Escapes, Smirnoff Ice, Mike's Harder Lemonade and more. They just sound good don’t they.  Think about a hot summer day with a Seagram’s spiked slushie and then a nap.

Jim Workman, GetGo spokesperson, stated, "GetGo guests trust us to deliver high quality, innovative food and beverage products. They have overwhelmingly shown our team that the spiked slushies are a drink they are enjoying and want more of," …. "We've exceeded our financial projections for the Spiked Slushies by nearly 400 percent during the first 12 months."

Each GetGo location that offers spiked slushies carries two to six flavor options, including every day and limited-time selections. St. Patty's Brew is a popular limited-edition flavor for the month of March. Hello as you can see GetGo understand just what consumer touchpoints to push and when.

Spiked slushies are available in 20-ounce and 32-ounce cups, with a new 64-ounce Party Bag option coming soon. Based in Pittsburgh, GetGo operates more than 266 locations throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. Are you pushing the right consumer touchpoints?

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Can Alcohol Be “Better for you”

 

Here goes Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solution® touting the growth of grocerant niche mix and match meal bundling the foundation driving growth within the grocerant niche.  This time he’s back at it touting the halo of ‘better-for-you’ products that consumers are migrating to that should be included as a key mix and match meal component at all restaurants, C-store, Service Deli’s, and Dollar Stores.

You guessed it, he’s touting Hard seltzer as it has captured customer attention specifically Gen Z and Millennials.  Why?  Simple it is seen as lighter than a light beer.  In fact, Millennials say that it is easy-to-drink.  Ok, I know what I just said.  Some of you say that about all alcoholic beverages.  Those new at ‘drinking’ say that it is perceived as better-for-you and offers an array of flavors.

For those of you too old to know, Hard seltzer is an alcoholic seltzer, also known as spiked seltzer or hard sparkling water. Technically hard seltzer is considered part of the flavored malt beverage (FMB) segment. However, as of the summer of 2020, fewer than 10% of hard seltzer customers thought of it as a type of beer, according to global marketing research firm, Nielsen. So, get this, 60% of hard seltzer customers — and 70% of millennial drinkers, who make up the base hard seltzer buyer — consider hard seltzer to be its own category according to Nielsen.

Most seltzers include carbonated water, flavoring and alcohol, sometimes from fermented cane sugar or malted barley, and usually about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Seltzers soared to success between 2018-2019, around the time sparkling water was also surging as a trend, as customers began seeking out beverages they perceived as healthier than traditional soft drinks. Not only is hard seltzer associated with health and wellness trends, but it also fits with a trend of being easy-to-drink, light and low-calorie, and its array of new flavors intrigued customers according to research.

Sales of a grocerant niche ‘better-for-you product can fly out the door. Category leader White Claw Hard Seltzer was featured on Nielsen’s 2019 Breakthrough Innovations list. In 2019, White Claw held 58% of the market share of the hard seltzer segment, followed by Truly with 26%, per T4 Labs Inc. By June 2020, more than 65 hard seltzer products had arrived on the market, Nielsen reported.

Regular readers of this blog know that we talk about the value of mix and match meal bundling with Ready-2-Eat, Heat-N-Eat and Ready-2-Drink products. Today, total U.S. Convenience numbers from Nielsen showed that in the 52-week period ending Jan. 23, 2021, hard seltzer sales totaled $1.52 billion at convenience stores, up 214% year-over-year. So, if you’re not bundling hard seltzer as a valued meal component you are missing out.  That my friends is your success clue for today.

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information

White Castle Expands its Brands Base

Consumer touchpoints that are relevant to consumers has been a hallmark of White Castle success according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Consumers are dynamic not static and While Castle continues to be a dynamic as its core consumers, and that is the key it’s continues relevance according to Johnson.

Recently, White Castle’s social media posts featured a coupon for a complimentary 30-ounce medium drink from one of its Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Which was on par with other companies.  However, as bars in cities, counties and states across the country close early in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus, White Castle has a solution for creating memorable moments another way: Enjoy “Cocktails and Craves” at home.

“Cocktails and Craves” are White Castle’s suggested food and drink pairings, each one featuring a delightful custom drink and a mouth-watering White Castle Slider. That’s right Cocktails!.

White Castle has released its third Cocktails and Craves” pairing – “Midnight Merlot Punch” and a hot and tasty Cheese Slider. The custom punch recipe features Merlot wine and Sprite raspberry topped with a garnish of mint and fruit. Earlier this summer, White Castle introduced its “Orange Afterglow” to accompany the Original Slider and its “Castillo Rosado Margarita,” an ideal complement to a Jalapeno Cheese Slider.

Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle  stated “We’re making it easy for people to mix it up at home with our Cocktails and Craves pairings,” … “We created these to help people enjoy the short nights and long days of summer, but now these pairings will be even more appreciated as people spend more late nights at home.”

White Castle enlisted Mr. Gandy, a one-of-a-kind Craver, to introduce its “Cocktails and Craves” pairings – and the original cocktail recipes – in a series of video posts that have appeared on White Castle’s Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as on its website. He encourages Cravers everywhere to enjoy the pairings on hot summer nights or whenever the Crave hits.

The Original, Cheese and Jalapeno Cheese Sliders can be picked up at any White Castle drive-through and in freezer aisles at grocery stores across the country. And while White Castle doesn’t provide the alcohol, it can provide the cocktail mixer, thanks to its Coca-Cola Freestyle® machines, which are found in virtually every White Castle restaurant. Cravers can also purchase Coca-Cola brands and flavors from their favorite retail store and experiment with recipes at home.

“We’re all about good food and good fun,” Richardson says. “The long days and short nights won’t last long, so we want to help make every moment count.”

Here are the recipes for the custom cocktails. Cravers are encouraged to share their own original cocktail recipes using the hashtag #CocktailsAndCraves. Please drink responsibly.

 Orange Afterglow (perfect complement to the Original Slider)

·         12 oz. lager beer

·         4 oz. Seagram’s Ginger Ale orange

·         1 orange slice, for garnish

 Pour the beer into a chilled pint glass. Gently add the Seagram’s Ginger Ale orange. Garnish with a fresh orange slice. Serve.

Castillo Rosado Margarita (perfect complement to a Jalapeno Cheese Slider)

·         1 lemon wedge, for rimming glasses

·         2 c. ice

·         ¼ c. fresh lemon juice

·         ½ c. triple sec

·         1 c. tequila

·         2 ¼ c. Minute Maid pink lemonade

·         4 lemon slices, for garnish

 Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of four glasses, then dip rims into salt. To each glass, add ice, lemon juice, triple sec, tequila and pink lemonade. Stir to combine. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice. Serves 4.

Midnight Merlot Punch (perfect complement to a Cheese Slider)

·         5 oz. Merlot red wine

·         6 oz. Sprite raspberry

·         Ice

·         1 orange slice, for garnish

·         1 pineapple chunk, for garnish

·         1 strawberry slice, for garnish

·         1 lemon wedge, for garnish

·         1 mint sprig, for garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice and top with the Merlot. Gently add the Sprite Raspberry. Garnish with the orange slice, pineapple chunk, strawberry slice, lemon wedge, and mint before serving.

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company 253-759-7869.