New data reveals surprising shift in Aussie drinking habits

Australia has a stereotype of being a nation of heavy drinkers, but new information has hinted at a surprising shift happening across the country.

Australia has a stereotype of being a nation of heavy drinkers. From cracking a few cold ones after work, to ritually heading out to the pub on the weekend, there is no doubt alcohol is a widely accepted part of Aussie culture.

However, there are signs the drinking “norm” across the country is shifting.

New data from liquor store giant Dan Murphy’s has shown how Australians are reshaping their drinking habits.

Unsurprisingly, beer remains a timeless favourite for customers, but it was mid-strength and low carb offerings that saw the biggest sales growth across all generations for the 2024 financial year.

In comparison, full strength beer had the lowest growth, coming in behind ginger beer and premium Australian beer.

Mid-strength beer and low carb beer were the varieties that saw the highest growth within the category. Picture: Supplied

Dan Murphy’s managing director Agi Pfieffer-Smith said the landscape of Australian liquor is “evolving faster than ever”.

“As we move towards a more mindful and occasion-driven approach to drinking, there’s something exciting to explore for every generation,” she said.

This change is habits is also reflected in this year’s Body+Soul’s Health of the Nation report – a comprehensive, independent survey of the food, fitness and health habits of more than 3000 Aussies of all ages.

While the majority of those surveyed - 54 per cent - said they are consuming the same amount of alcohol as they were two years ago, a significant 36 per cent said they are drinking less.

A further 34 per cent of Aussies said they only drink occasionally, such as at social events and on special occasions.

There was also a divide between men and women, with the former being more frequent drinkers. Of the male respondents, 27 per cent said they drink regularly but in moderation, compared to 17 per cent of women.

One in 10 Australian men are concerned about their drinking, saying “I drink regularly and sometimes feel I drink too much”.

Aussies' drinking habits are shifting. Picture: iStock

The survey found that almost half of Australians are drinking once a week or more, however, a significant number are also trying to reduce their consumption.

Those drinking two to three times a week were most likely to be working towards this goal, with 34 per cent of this group saying they are trying to drink less.

Of those who drink four to six times a week 23 per cent are wanting to reduce alcohol consumption, followed by 19 per cent of those drinking once a week and 10 per cent of those who drink daily.

When it comes to abstaining from alcohol at any points throughout the year, the split is fairly even, with 53 per cent saying they don’t abstain and 47 per cent saying there are times when they do.

While the number of people who abstain is consistent across generations, Gen Z and Millenials are more likely to take part in Dry July or other set non drinking months.

From this, it is clear Australian’s attitudes towards drinking are changing, with younger generations in particular being more mindful about when they do and don’t consume alcohol.