Packaging for NA Beverages? Here’s What to Know.

Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Mood-boosting sparkling water. Functional mocktails. CBD-infused seltzers.  

These are just a few of the now thousands of non-alcoholic beverage options out there, and the industry shows no signs of slowing down. According to Nielsen IQ, non-alcoholic beverage sales neared $1 billion in 2024, and ready-to-drink beverages were a strong contributor to that revenue. Nielsen IQ predicts that market growth, particularly for RTD products, will only continue as consumers seek out convenient, unique drinking experiences. 

Clearly, the interest in reducing alcohol consumption has moved from a temporary Dry January or Sober October into a larger sober-curious or “damp lifestyle” movement.

If you’re an NA beverage brand looking to grow in this market, good packaging is a major advantage — and a must — for building brand awareness and turning it into sales. Here’s what you need to know, including strategies for packaging non-alcoholic products.  

Product innovation, packaging, health-consciousness and cultural shifts are driving growth.

Non-alcoholic products used to be limited to beer and wine substitutes that saw varying success in replicating their flavors. In recent years, the changing perception of sobriety (driven primarily by Gen Z), an increase in health-consciousness, and flavor innovations have led to an explosion of new products available. 

The market evolved into better tasting alcohol-free spirits and beer and wine substitutes, but now includes even more diverse offerings. Products containing botanicals, mushrooms, herbs, ashwagandha, ginseng, CBD and countless other ingredients give consumers non-alcoholic alternatives with functional benefits. Those benefits include increased energy, improved mood or stress relief. These innovations, combined with younger generations interested in more mindful consumption, have contributed to rapid market growth. 

Regardless of their type, ingredients, or functional benefits, all of these products have one thing in common — they create an experience. To succeed in this market, you’ll need to create an enjoyable one.

Packaging is a key driver of the consumer experience.

Packaging is a critical component to the success of any product, but Mintel shares that it has enhanced the drinking experience of NA beverages in particular. A significant number of users surveyed by Mintel reported packaging as a heavy influencer of their buying behavior related to non-alcoholic beverages. 

That means that in addition to flavor and function, you’ll need to prioritize your packaging. Packaging carries a lot of power when it comes to telling your story, selling your product and creating a positive experience. 

Pressure-sensitive labels are a top opportunity for NA beverage brands. 

Labels are your closest — and sometimes only — chance to connect with consumers at the point of purchase. That requires intentional design, and not just from a visual standpoint. 

In NA product label design, you’ll want to consider numerous factors, including messaging, product qualities, and brand values. But, effective packaging ultimately boils down to the consumer — how can you create an experience that matches what they expect from your brand? What do they need or want from your product? What might they not know they need? 

These questions can help you start to think strategically about the packaging features you need to accomplish your goals. 

Packaging features that bring your NA brand to life.

Whether you’re going to market with a new product or a new brand entirely, labels offer numerous ways to engage consumers. These include:

• Bold visual design that differentiates your product from alcoholic varieties, communicates your mission and calls out unique ingredients. 
• Dual finishes that create a dynamic visual experience and draw attention to your product. 
• Soft touch finishes that elevate your packaging, feel unique, and produce a multi-sensory experience. 
• Specialty laminates such as holographic, grit, linen, leather, or ultra soft touch that convey sophistication, reinforce brand qualities and level up your NA beverages on the shelf. 
• Sustainable options that match the values of eco-conscious consumers. Choose from recyclable labels or labels made with post-consumer recycled content.
• Embellishments that allow you to highlight important messaging points (such as what’s not in the product) with raised text, foils, and other light but impactful touches.

Other packaging options for NA beverages

Folding cartons or shrink sleeves are also effective in delivering a good consumer experience. If you offer multi-packs or subscription boxes, want an extra layer of protection or need a solution for shipping, folding cartons provide numerous functional benefits. They can also act as a larger billboard for highlighting product qualities and benefits like mood-boosting or energizing properties, organic, non-GMO or vegan certifications, and usage suggestions.

Shrink sleeves offer scuff-resistant, 360-degree printed coverage or neck bands for products packaged in cans or bottles. Shrink sleeves can conform to any shape or size, and are particularly useful for limited or seasonal releases. 

The right packaging partner knows how to help you scale.

Non-alcoholic beverage brands have a unique opportunity to capitalize on a moment that seems here to stay. But navigating the growing marketplace comes with unique challenges, including short timelines, the need for test runs and the pressure to pivot fast. 

That means you’ll need a supplier who understands the challenges non-alcoholic beverage producers face — and can scale with you. At Belmark, we offer expert guidance from concept to and past production to help you make the packaging choices that work best for your brand and unique situation. With no order minimums, fast turn-around times and decades of experience working with small- to medium-sized businesses, Belmark is uniquely positioned to help you scale.