Gen Z Is Spending Far Less on Alcohol Than Baby Boomers: Here’s Why

Recent discussions online claim that Generation Z spends up to 87% less on alcohol than Baby Boomers. While the exact percentage is debated, real data confirms a clear trend: Gen Z is significantly reducing alcohol spending compared to older generations.

But what’s really behind this shift?

Lower Spending, But Not Just Because of Preference

According to consumer expenditure data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry analysts, Baby Boomers still account for the largest share of alcohol spending in the United States, while Gen Z represents only a small fraction.

However, this gap is influenced by several structural factors:

• Age and income: Many Gen Z adults are early in their careers or not yet of legal drinking age.
• Household size: Baby Boomers often have higher disposable income and established consumption habits.
• Economic pressure: Gen Z faces higher living costs, student debt, and housing prices.

So while Gen Z spends far less in total dollars, part of this difference is explained by life stage and financial reality.

Gen Z Is Actually Drinking Less

Beyond spending, multiple academic and health studies show a real behavioral shift:

• Gen Z has higher alcohol abstinence rates than previous generations.
• Young adults today drink less frequently and are more likely to choose non-alcoholic options.
• Surveys show stronger interest in wellness, mental health, and fitness, which discourages heavy drinking.

In simple terms: Gen Z isn’t just spending less — they are choosing to drink less.

The Rise of Sober Culture

A major cultural shift is happening:

• Mocktails and non-alcoholic beers are booming.
• Socializing without alcohol is becoming normalized.
• Alcohol is no longer seen as essential for status or fun.

For Gen Z, alcohol is increasingly viewed as:

• Expensive
• Bad for health
• Unnecessary for social life

This mindset is radically different from Baby Boomers, who grew up in an era where alcohol was deeply embedded in social culture.

Spending Less Doesn’t Always Mean Consuming Less

It’s important to note: lower spending doesn’t always perfectly equal lower consumption.

Gen Z may:

• Choose cheaper drinks
• Drink less often but socially
• Prioritize quality over quantity

Still, when combining spending data with health and lifestyle surveys, the conclusion is clear:

Gen Z represents the most alcohol-averse generation in modern history.

Final Verdict

The viral claim that “Gen Z spends 87% less on alcohol than Baby Boomers” is likely an oversimplification, but the direction is absolutely correct.

The real story is bigger:

• Gen Z drinks less.
• Gen Z spends less.
• Gen Z is reshaping the global alcohol industry.

And this trend is expected to continue for the next decade.