Generic Beer: Still Available Or A Thing Of Past?

In the 1970s and 1980s, it was common to find cheap, generic beer in the United States. These beers were typically sold in plain packaging with minimal branding and marketing, allowing them to be sold at a lower price point. However, the popularity of generic products began to wane in the late 1980s, and by the 1990s, the craft beer movement had taken off, shifting consumer preferences towards more premium and unique offerings. While some generic beers, such as Falstaff's BEER and LITE BEER, are no longer available, there are still a few options for those seeking affordable beer. Today, some stores like Walgreens and Kroger have introduced their own branded beers with more appealing packaging, such as Big Flats and Moe's Tap Room, which offer a similar value proposition to the generic beers of the past.

The rise of generic beer

Beer, being a popular beverage in America, was not exempt from this trend. The first major plain-label beer brand was Ralph's out of California, which introduced its "President's Choice" beer. Soon, other companies followed suit, with Falstaff Brewing, the third-largest brewery operation in the US at the time, leading the way. Falstaff's "BEER" and "LITE BEER" were intentionally packaged in plain white cans with only the word "BEER" in bold black font, eliminating all marketing and advertising costs.

The appeal of generic beer was clear: it offered consumers a significantly cheaper option, with a six-pack of "BEER" costing only $1.19, compared to $2.50-$3 for a six-pack of standard beer. This was particularly attractive during the economic downturn of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and generic beers quickly gained popularity. By 1982-83, generic items were at their peak, accounting for 2.4% of all grocery sales.

However, as the economy improved and the craft beer market emerged, the popularity of generic beers began to wane. Consumers started to associate plain-label products with cheapness and low quality. The major stores upgraded their packaging to be more attractive and competitive, and soon, popular branded beers like Budweiser and Miller pushed generic beers out of the market. By 1994, the last generic beers were taken off the shelves, replaced by the more appealing craft beers that offered unique flavours and experiences.

Today, with the craft beer market becoming increasingly expensive and a potential recession on the horizon, there are predictions of a return to cheaper beer options. Some companies have already responded to this demand, with stores like Walgreens offering their own generic beers with improved packaging and branding, such as Big Flats 1901 Premium American Lager. While it remains to be seen if generic beers will make a full comeback, it is clear that the current market dynamics are creating a demand for more affordable options once again.

Generic beer today

Generic beer, which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, was a cheap, no-frills product that simply went by the name "BEER". It was sold in plain white cans with the word "BEER" in bold black font. The generic branding allowed companies to cut costs on packaging and advertising, making it significantly cheaper than branded beers.

The rise of generic beer coincided with the economic recession of the 1970s, when Americans had less disposable income to spend on consumer goods. The lack of branding and advertising allowed companies to sell the product at a lower price, making it appealing to budget-conscious consumers. The beer was produced by various breweries, including Falstaff Brewing, which was known for its cost-cutting measures.

However, by the end of the 1980s, the popularity of generic products began to wane. Consumers started to associate plain-label generic items with low quality. The rise of craft beer also contributed to the decline of generic beer, as drinkers sought out more unique and premium options.

Today, while the classic generic "BEER" brand no longer exists, some stores have introduced their own generic beer brands with upgraded packaging and branding. For example, Walgreens offers "Big Flats 1901 Premium American Lager", which costs around $12 for a 24-pack, or less than 50 cents per can.

With the increasing prices of craft beer, there may be a resurgence in the demand for inexpensive generic beers. However, it is unclear if this will lead to a comeback of the classic generic "BEER" brand or simply inspire new generic options from retailers.

The fall of generic beer

In the 1970s, the United States faced a recession, with high interest rates and inflation. This was caused by the 1973 oil crisis, a stock market crash, and skyrocketing unemployment rates. As a result, most Americans had less money to spend on consumer goods. However, companies needed to continue selling their products, so they introduced "no-frills" generic brands to market shelves. These products had no elaborate packaging or advertising and were sold at significantly cheaper prices.

Beer, being a popular beverage in America, was not exempt from this shift. In 1979, a 12-ounce can with a plain white design and the word "BEER" in bold black lettering appeared on shelves. This generic lager was produced by Falstaff Brewing, a company that was facing financial troubles at the time. With no advertising or fancy packaging, the beer gained popularity due to its low price, selling for less than a quarter a can.

However, as the economy improved in the 1980s, the popularity of generic products began to wane. The novelty wore off, and consumers started to view plain-label items as cheap and second-rate. The rise of the craft beer market also contributed to the decline of generic beer, as more private label beers entered the market and took up shelf space. By the end of 1994, the last generic beers were taken off the shelves, as drinkers now preferred craft beers over cheap, unbranded options.

Today, some stores have introduced their own generic beers with upgraded packaging and branding, such as Big Flats at Walgreens and Moe's Tap Room from Kroger stores. These beers are still affordable, with a 24-pack costing around $12. With the threat of another recession looming, it remains to be seen if generic beers will make a significant comeback or if consumers will continue to favor craft beers, despite their higher prices.

Generic beer taste

Generic beer, which was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, was a cheap lager that was sold in plain white cans with the word "BEER" in bold black font. It was brewed by Falstaff Brewing under the umbrella of the General Brewing Company and was available in 12 oz cans, bottles, and occasionally on draft. While not much is known about the specific formulation of the beer, it is believed to have been a pale lager.

In terms of taste, generic beer has been described as tasting no different from the big labels of its time, as consumers were simply not paying for the branding and marketing associated with those labels. It has been described as a generic pale lager and biscuity, with a smooth and refreshing taste. One reviewer noted that it tasted like a "higher-quality brew".

Today, while the classic generic "BEER" brand no longer exists, some stores have upgraded the packaging and branding of their own generic beers. For example, Walgreens offers Big Flats 1901 Premium American Lager, which retails for less than 50 cents per can. Similarly, Kroger stores offer Moe's Tap Room, which is also a low-cost option. These modern generic beers offer attractive branding and packaging while still being affordable.

Generic beer packaging

Today, generic beers still exist but have evolved to have more attractive branding and packaging. For example, Walgreens' Big Flats 1901 premium American lager and Moe's Tap Room from Kroger stores have upgraded the packaging and branding of their generic beers with names and designs that appeal more to customers. These beers are still inexpensive, with a 24-pack of Walgreens' lager costing less than $12.

The rise of generic beer in the 1970s was due to high interest rates and inflation, which made cheap, no-frills products appealing to consumers. With cost-cutting a priority, generic beers had low-cost production and packaging, forgoing elaborate designs and expensive marketing campaigns.

While the popularity of generic beers waned in the 1990s as consumers moved towards branded products, there is speculation that a recession could bring about a resurgence in demand for inexpensive beers. This could prompt more retailers to develop their own generic beer brands, potentially including organic options.

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