Overall, regular craft brew drinkers tend to engage more in healthy lifestyle activities compared to the average beer/wine/spirits drinker. More than half (57%) told The Harris Poll they stay healthy by exercising several times per week (vs. 52% of average drinkers). And 40% of craft brew drinkers say they prefer group exercise compared to sweating it out alone (compared to 33% of average drinkers).
For brewers looking to engage this crowd, what’s the best way to entice? With freebies of course! Nearly two in three craft beer drinkers (64%) say they’re more likely to attend a brewer-sponsored health/wellness event if it includes a beverage or tasting in the event price (compared to just 37% of average drinkers). These numbers jump up even higher among younger craft beer drinkers (73% of 21-34 year olds and 77% of 35-44 year olds).
Looking to other healthy habits, it comes as little surprise that over one quarter of craft beer drinkers seek out food and beverages made locally (27% vs. 21% of average drinkers). Nearly eight in 10 also read nutritional labels (78% vs. 73% of average drinkers) while just fewer than 2 in 10 tracks their calorie intake (18% vs. 14% of average drinkers).
Alcohol Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle
When it comes to specifically managing alcohol habits in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, craft beer drinkers tend to simply drink less alcohol (42% vs. 50% of average drinkers): one in 3 say they take time off from drinking (33%) while 2 in 10 turn to spirits or wine instead over beer (21%). Yet again, the habit of taking time off from drinking is most prevalent among Millennial craft beer drinkers (44%).
However, craft brew lovers may be willing to give up more than the average drinker in order to keep alcohol in their diets. Nearly 4 in 10 say they drink lower calorie non-alcoholic beverages in order to indulge in their favorite brews (39% vs. 25% of average drinkers).
Calorie Counters
Not too surprisingly given their heightened concern over ingredients and knowledge of types of beer, monthly craft beer drinkers have greater confidence in their knowledge of calorie counts for any type of alcohol compared to the average alcohol drinker. A majority of craft beer drinkers say they are knowledgeable about calories in:
- Craft beer (67% vs. 33% of average drinkers)
- Non-craft beer (64% vs. 39%)
- Spirits/Cocktails (57% vs. 44%)
- Wine (61% vs. 47%)
Further, nearly three quarters of craft beer drinkers (73%) say it’s true that calorie ranges can vary greatly in craft beer, even within the same style or brand of beer (compared to 65% of average drinkers).
A Special Indulgence
Nearly three-quarters of craft brew imbibers (73%) consider alcohol to be an indulgence or special treat, compared to two thirds of average drinkers (67%). This is particularly true among younger craft brew indulgers, including 80% of 21-34 year olds and 77% of those 35-44.
Following this trend, nearly half of all craft beer drinkers (47%) say they only drink alcohol on the weekends (compared to 39% of average drinkers). This is particularly prevalent among Millennial craft beer lovers, with six in 10 (60%) saying they only drink on weekends.
“This presents some interesting challenges to brewers and retailers, but could also represent opportunities,” suggests Danelle Kosmal, VP-Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice. “First, it’s important for brewers to prioritize weekends for their biggest events in-store or at the brew pub and tasting rooms. This is when craft drinkers are thinking most about beer-drinking occasions. However, there also could be new opportunities to engage craft drinkers by creating weekday drinking occasions. Many brewers are already doing this through events like brewery-sponsored yoga or weekly group runs. It is a great way for craft drinkers to stick with their fitness plans, while still engaging in a fun, social activity, and then enjoying a beer with friends who share similar fitness goals and interests.”