Gen Z seems to have a very interesting relationship with drinking and alcohol. One would think, being the youngest currently, they would be immersing themselves and going full out with drinking alcohol now that they are legal and able to, with some expendable income to boot, like how the previous generations did at a similar age.
However, by now, several reports and studies have confirmed that instead of going crazy with alcohol, Gen Z is actually drinking less than previous generations.
Choosing a more selective and intentional approach, Gen Z seems to place a higher priority on wellness and “mindful drinking.”
In light of this, a new drinking strategy called “zebra striping” is taking over party scenes and bar counters. No, it doesn’t mean Gen Z is drinking with zebras or dressed like them, but instead alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.
What Is Zebra Stripping?
The Gen Z drinking trend refers to the practice of alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during a social occasion.
According to industry press, as The Beverage Daily reports, “The practice of ‘zebra striping’ is a trending alcohol moderation tactic: where individuals switch between alcoholic and alcohol-free alternatives during the same occasion.”
Eisberg’s Dan Harwood, Managing Director of SW Wines Europe, explained this, saying, “I think zebra striping resonates particularly well with those who are ‘sober curious’ and looking to cut down on their alcohol consumption without fully committing to a completely alcohol-free evening. When you start anything, you start slowly and ease your way in.
You don’t wake up one day and think, ‘I’m going to start jogging so I’ll go out and run a marathon’.
Zebra striping allows you to tap into alcohol-free while still enjoying your favourite alcoholic drink. It offers the best of both worlds, enabling social engagement while maintaining control over alcohol intake.”
Paul Beavis, CEO of Wild Idol alcohol free wine, speaking with The Drinks Business said this this trend is “a tangible reflection of the growing mindfulness around drinking habits, especially during festive social occasions” adding how, “alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks allows people to stay in control while still fully enjoying the experience, ensuring no one feels left out.”
Read More: Bartenders From Small Towns Like Moradabad Are Changing The Drinking Scene In India
Sports dietitian for NYU Athletics, Amy Stephens, speaking to The Post, also said that “The goal is to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed but still continue to socialise the same way.”
Stephens further added, “Drinking fewer empty calories from alcohol will allow for more nutritious calories.”
“Drinking less also reduces the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances — especially important in warmer months or if you plan to exercise the next day,” she said.
Apparently, the term first started to be used in the UK and started gaining attention when a report from alcohol-free brand Lucky Saint and research consultancy KAM found that a quarter of drinkers in the UK are zebra-striping during their visits to pubs and bars, with 78% of them being Gen Z (18 to 24 year olds).
This trend quickly started to go global, as more and more Gen Z around the world are starting to shun or actively distance themselves from drinking.
An April report by The Food Institute claimed that data compiled by the research firm IWSR reveals “Gen Zers tend to consume roughly 20% less alcohol than even Millennials on average.”
Another global report cited by Moneycontrol states that “36% of Gen Z individuals of legal drinking age have never consumed alcohol.”
Further, the report notes that “health remains the foremost reason behind this conscious choice, with nearly 87% of respondents stating that they avoid alcohol to maintain physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”
Around 30% of the participants in the study said that they avoided alcohol due to financial reasons, while “25% said they do so to enjoy better sleep and mental clarity.”
The term might be young, but the practice itself is quite old, with many netizens pointing out how this is something that their parents and members of the older generations have often advocated for.
The term is just being branded now, giving it a distinct uniqueness and probably comes from the way a Zebra’s fur alternates between black and white strips; similarly, the younger generation alternates between their drinks.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: The Guardian, Firstpost, Hindustan Times
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Gen Z, Gen Z drinking trend, Gen Z drinking, zebra stripping, zebra stripping gen z, zebra stripping drinking trend, zebra stripping meaning
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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