For many people, alcohol is woven into celebrations, social gatherings, and everyday routines. For those who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, supporting someone who is pregnant, or simply choosing not to drink, having enjoyable alcohol-free options can make these moments feel more inclusive and supportive.
At CanFASD, we know that creating environments where alcohol-free choices are visible, accessible, and socially accepted can help support healthier pregnancies and contribute to the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). There is no known safe amount, type, or timing of alcohol use during pregnancy. Not drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the safest option for the developing baby (CanFASD).
The opening of Saskatchewan’s first fully non-alcoholic beverage store in Saskatoon is one example of how communities can help normalize alcohol-free choices. Stocked with everything from craft-style beers and wines to spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, the store reflects a growing demand for high-quality alternatives for people who don’t drink, whether during pregnancy, for health reasons, in recovery, or simply by choice.
Why does this matter?
The growing availability of alcohol-free beverages is about more than expanding consumer choice, it’s about creating communities where everyone feels welcome and included.
People choose alcohol-free drinks for many different reasons. They may be:
- Pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Supporting a partner through pregnancy
- Living with a health condition
- Taking medications that interact with alcohol
- In recovery from alcohol use disorder
- Choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol for personal or cultural reasons
- Simply wanting another option
When alcohol-free options are easy to find and appealing, people can participate fully in celebrations, dinners, and gatherings without feeling singled out or pressured to drink. More choices help normalize alcohol-free living and make it easier for everyone to feel included, regardless of what’s in their glass.
Supporting healthy pregnancies takes a community
Access to alcohol-free beverages is just one part of FASD prevention. Supporting healthy pregnancies also means ensuring people have access to evidence-based information, compassionate healthcare, supportive family and friends, and communities that make alcohol-free choices easier.
With the holiday season approaching, many people will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate. Looking for ideas for your next celebration? CanFASD’s mocktail recipes provide delicious alcohol-free beverages that everyone can enjoy. Serving mocktails is a simple way to make social events more inclusive while supporting friends, family members, and guests who choose not to drink. You can also explore CanFASD’s resources on alcohol and pregnancy to learn more about supporting healthy pregnancies and preventing FASD.
A growing cultural shift
Interest in alcohol-free beverages has grown rapidly in recent years as more people embrace mindful drinking, wellness, and alcohol-free lifestyles. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), the global no- and low-alcohol beverage market continues to grow, with no-alcohol products expected to drive much of that growth through 2027 (IWSR, 2024).
As demand has increased, dedicated alcohol-free retailers have begun opening across Canada, making these products easier than ever to find. More people now identify as “sober,” “sober curious,” or simply interested in drinking less, reflecting a broader cultural shift in how people think about alcohol.
Creating environments where alcohol-free choices are easy to find benefits everyone, including families, caregivers, and individuals living with FASD.
Small changes, lasting impact
Creating more inclusive communities doesn’t require sweeping changes. Small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference, such as:
- Offering appealing alcohol-free beverages at celebrations and events.
- Including a variety of non-alcoholic options on restaurant and bar menus.
- Making alcohol-free beverages easy to find in stores.
- Respecting people’s decisions not to drink without asking questions.
- Serving creative mocktails—like those featured in CanFASD’s free mocktail recipe collection—to ensure everyone has something special to enjoy.
These simple actions help create welcoming environments where everyone can feel comfortable, included, and supported.
Looking ahead
The opening of Saskatchewan’s first dedicated non-alcoholic beverage store is about more than new products on the shelf. It reflects a growing recognition that health, inclusion, and personal choice matter.
As alcohol-free options become more common, it becomes easier for people to make decisions that align with their health, values, and goals, whether they are pregnant, supporting someone who is pregnant, living alcohol-free, or simply trying something new.
Every community has a role to play in supporting healthy pregnancies and preventing FASD. By increasing access to appealing alcohol-free alternatives, sharing evidence-based information, and creating environments where people feel supported in choosing not to drink, we can help build healthier, more inclusive communities.