Chasing duty savings and battling rising costs, brewers have been dialling back the strength of everything from mainstream lagers to cask favourites, a trend that is causing debate among publicans about ‘drinkflation’.
This round-up tracks the latest big names to go lower and will be updated as alcohol by volume (ABV) changes are announced.
Foster’s
Earlier this month, Heineken UK announced it will brew Foster’s Lager with a reduced ABV in line with shifting drinking habits.
The beer will reduced from 3.7% to 3.4% from February 2026 as consumers continue to opt for lower-ABV options as part of a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.
Heineken said the move reflected its commitment to offering a diverse range of beers and ciders as consumer preferences evolve.
The global brewer added the lower ABV would allow for more competitive pricing as inflationary pressures continue to bite alongside the changes to alcohol duty introduced earlier this year.
Sol
In January 2025, Heineken UK also reduced the ABV of its Mexican beer brand, Sol, to 3.4%. At the same time, it announced a 2.97% price hike for its draught products in pubs.
John Smith’s Extra Smooth
Another one for Heineken UK, in 2024, the global brewer reduced the ABV of John Smith’s Extra Smooth to 3.4%.
Grolsch
In October last year Asahi announced it would be lowering the ABV of Grolsch Premium Pilsner to 3.4% in the UK.
After relaunching the Dutch lager in the UK five years ago with an ABV of 4%, Asahi said the decision was made in light of the new duty rates.
Coors Light
Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC) has also lowered the ABV of some of its products to take advantage of duty savings this year.
In April, MCBC lowered the ABV of Coors Light from 4% to 3.4%, stating the move was in response to more consumers looking to moderate alcohol intake.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg reduced the ABV of its flagship Danish Pilsner in the UK from 3.8% to 3.4% in August 2023.
The change was implemented to take advantage of the new duty structure.
Rekorderlig
In April 2024, MCBC also lowered the ABV of its Rekorderlig Strawberry & Lime cider from 4% to 3.4%.
While not an ABV change, new flavours of Rekorderlig cider released by the brand this year have also been 3.4%.
Greene King IPA
Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator Greene King reduced the alcohol by volume of its IPA in September 2023.
The brew was reduced from 3.6% to 3.4%. Greene King said the move was to combat rising costs while maintaining quality.
Hophead
Last August, Asahi lowered the strength of Dark Star’s Hophead beer from 3.8% to 3.4% to benefit from duty cuts.
However, operators shared their frustration with The MA after the savings were not passed on, with the wholesale on-trade price for the brew remaining the same.
The global brewer told The MA the move would allow for more investment into the Dark Star brand.
Kronenbourg
In June 2024 the ABV of Kronenbourg 1664 Bière was reduced from 5% to 4.6%.
Carlsberg, which procured the rights to the French lager in 2023, attributed the decision to shifting consumer preferences and increased desire for lower strength beers.
Spitfire
Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, reduced the ABV of its Spitfire Amber Ale from 4.5% to 4.2% in 2023 to help offset rising costs.
