The beer industry has undergone significant shifts in recent years, with 2021 bringing about many changes that followed an equally tumultuous 2020. While the craft beer industry faced numerous challenges, fewer breweries closed than originally anticipated. In fact, many adapted by introducing new innovations and reshaping how beer is consumed.
The great news is that these transformations have given rise to trends that are likely to stick around for the long haul. From low and non-alcoholic beers to beer smoothies, the craft beer industry continues to evolve and cater to a wide range of tastes. With nearly 9,000 breweries across the U.S. alone, the industry is constantly adapting to meet demand and bring exciting new flavors to beer lovers everywhere.
Here are five beer trends that are here to stay:
One of the most prominent beer trends is the rise of low and non-alcoholic (NA) beers. Driven by health-conscious consumers and those looking to maintain an active lifestyle, these beers offer the flavor of traditional brews without the alcohol. What once was seen as stripping away beer’s best quality—its alcohol—has now evolved into a market of delicious NA options.
Breweries have perfected their recipes to create non-alcoholic beers that taste just as flavorful as their alcoholic counterparts. From fruity sours to hazy IPAs, the range of flavors in the NA beer category is growing rapidly. With a growing emphasis on wellness, this trend is expected to soar in popularity in the coming years.
Hard seltzers have taken the alcoholic beverage market by storm, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. While not technically beer, many breweries are jumping on the seltzer bandwagon to stay competitive. These sweet, fruity, and refreshing beverages appeal to a wide audience and offer a lighter alternative to beer.
Seltzers have become a staple for drinkers looking for a bubbly, low-calorie option. The trend of sweet, alternative alcoholic beverages has always been popular, and hard seltzers are likely to dominate this space for the foreseeable future.
Beer innovation has taken a sweet turn with the rise of fruity beer smoothies and beer ice cream. This trend has gained traction, with many breweries offering creative variations such as beer push pops, sundaes, and more. These fun, dessert-like brews often include indulgent ingredients like:
These beers are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with bright colors and vibrant flavors that attract a wide range of beer enthusiasts. The fusion of dessert flavors and beer has become so popular that some breweries have even built their brands around this trend.
Once considered "boring" by craft beer aficionados, lagers are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Traditionally one of the most brewed and consumed beer styles worldwide, lagers are making a comeback, especially in the craft beer scene.
Breweries are putting their own unique spin on lagers, elevating the style and proving that it can be just as exciting as IPAs and stouts. Craft lagers offer a refreshing and approachable option for both seasoned beer drinkers and newcomers, making them a trend that’s likely to endure.
Barrel-aged stouts have long been associated with the colder months, but that’s changing as breweries begin to release these bold beers year-round. These stouts are aged in barrels, often bourbon or rum barrels, which impart rich, complex flavors to the beer. With a thick, syrupy base, barrel-aged stouts develop a unique depth of flavor over time, enhanced with additions like:
The result is a decadent, full-flavored beer that beer lovers can enjoy any time of year. Barrel-aged stouts are expected to remain a staple in the craft beer world for years to come.
The craft beer industry is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging and old ones making a comeback. From low and non-alcoholic beers to barrel-aged stouts, breweries are finding ways to cater to a diverse and growing audience. These five beer trends are not only popular now but are likely to continue shaping the beer landscape in the years ahead.
At The 5th Ingredient, we are passionate about craft beer and helping breweries. In our mission to help brewers brew more and brew better beer, we developed Beer30. Beer30 is all-in-one brewery management software designed for brewers, by brewers. Learn more about Beer30 brewery software or schedule a demo today!
