Americans' Beer Consumption: How Much Is Too Much?

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage in the United States, with 42% of drinkers choosing it as their favourite tipple. In 2018, Americans consumed an estimated 6.3 billion gallons of beer, or about 26.2 gallons per drinking-age adult. This is a decrease from 1981, when beer consumption was at its peak and the typical American over 21 drank 36.7 gallons. Beer consumption varies across the country, with per capita consumption ranging from 18.6 gallons to 40.8 gallons, depending on the state. Overall, the average American over the age of 21 consumes about 28.2 gallons of beer per year, or about one six-pack per week.

Beer consumption varies across US states

Beer consumption varies considerably across US states. While the overall US beer consumption per adult age 21 and over is around 28.2 gallons per person, per year, this number ranges from as little as 18.6 gallons to 45.8 gallons depending on the state.

Montana is the thirstiest state for beer, with 45.8 gallons consumed per person, per year. New Hampshire and North Dakota follow closely behind, with 43.9 and 45.8 gallons consumed per person, per year, respectively. These states have higher rates of unhealthy drinking habits than the national average, with North Dakota having the highest percentage of driving deaths involving alcohol in the country.

On the other hand, some states consume far less beer per capita. Utah, for example, consumes the least beer at 18.6 gallons per person, per year. Connecticut and New Jersey are also among the lowest-consuming states, with 20 gallons and 22.4 gallons consumed per person, per year, respectively. These states tend to have lower rates of excessive drinking and driving deaths involving alcohol.

The variation in beer consumption across US states can be influenced by various factors, including differences in alcohol tax rates, tourism, and cultural preferences.

Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink

The popularity of beer in the US is further evidenced by the country's position as the second-largest beer producer in the world, with a production volume of about 194 million hectoliters of beer annually. The US beer market is also substantial, valued at around $120 billion and expected to grow to $145 billion by 2027. The number of breweries in the country has been increasing over the last decade, with 9,709 breweries in operation as of 2022.

While beer is the most preferred alcoholic beverage among American drinkers, overall alcohol consumption trends in the US show a shift towards wine. Since 1970, beer consumption has decreased while wine consumption has risen. In 2021, the average American age 21 or older consumed 26.5 gallons of beer, 3.8 gallons of wine, and 2.8 gallons of distilled spirits. Despite this shift, beer remains a significant part of the US drinking culture, with Americans consuming an estimated 6.3 billion gallons of beer in 2018.

Beer consumption has decreased since the 1980s

Beer consumption has been on a downward trajectory in the US since the 1980s. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the peak year for beer consumption was 1981, when the average American aged 21 or older drank 36.7 gallons. By 2021, beer consumption had dropped to 26.5 gallons per person. This decline in beer consumption is part of a broader shift in American drinking preferences. While beer was once the most popular alcoholic beverage in the US, it has since been surpassed by wine. In 2021, 17.4% of all alcohol consumed by Americans came from wine, up from 12% in 1971. Over the same period, the share of alcohol consumption from beer decreased from 44.6% to 42.3%.

The decrease in beer consumption is also reflected in the number of breweries operating in the country. While the US once had 9,709 breweries, that number has dropped significantly in recent years. As of 2022, there were only 2,670 breweries in the US, indicating a decline in beer production and consumption. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and stricter alcohol regulations.

Despite the overall decline in beer consumption, there are still variations among different states. Some states, such as North Dakota, New Hampshire, and Montana, have higher per capita beer consumption, ranging from 45.8 gallons to 41 gallons. On the other hand, states like Utah, Connecticut, and New Jersey have lower consumption rates, with Utah having the lowest per capita consumption at 18.6 gallons. These differences may be due to factors such as state-specific cultural norms, taxes, and alcohol regulations.

The decrease in beer consumption has had economic implications for the beer industry. The volume of beer produced and sold has decreased, impacting breweries and beer retailers. However, the total value of the beer market in the US remains substantial, amounting to around $120 billion. The market is expected to grow further, with a forecasted value of $145 billion by 2027. This projected growth suggests that while Americans may be drinking less beer per person, the industry is still expected to expand.

While beer consumption has decreased since the 1980s, it is important to note that alcohol consumption in the US has become more diverse. Americans are increasingly opting for wine and spirits, leading to a more varied drinking culture. Additionally, the overall consumption of alcohol has fluctuated over the years, with per-capita consumption peaking in the early 1980s and reaching its lowest point in the late 1990s. These trends highlight the dynamic nature of American drinking habits and the ongoing evolution of the alcohol industry.

Beer consumption is highest in the West

Beer is a widely consumed beverage in the United States, with Americans drinking an estimated 6.3 billion gallons of beer in 2018, or about 26.2 gallons per drinking-age adult. Beer consumption patterns vary across the country, with per capita consumption ranging from as little as 18.6 gallons to 40.8 gallons in different states.

Montana, New Hampshire, and North Dakota are among the states with the highest per capita beer consumption, while Utah, Connecticut, and Maryland are among those with the lowest. Overall, the West has the highest per-capita alcohol consumption, followed by the Midwest, the South, and the Northeast.

While beer is the favored beverage among American drinkers, with 42% choosing it over wine or liquor, the preference for beer has decreased over time. Since 1970, peak beer consumption occurred in 1981 when the average drinking-age American consumed 36.7 gallons. By 2021, this number had decreased to 26.5 gallons, while wine consumption has been steadily increasing.

The beer market in the United States is growing, with a current value of around $120 billion and an expected value of $145 billion by 2027. The number of breweries has also been increasing, with 9,709 breweries in the United States as of 2022, up from 2,670 in 2012.

Beer consumption is lowest in the South

While beer is a widely consumed beverage in the United States, beer consumption patterns vary across the country. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), per-capita alcohol consumption appears to be lowest in the South.

The NIAAA data suggests that per-capita alcohol consumption is highest in the West and lowest in the South. At the state level, New Hampshire and Delaware have the highest per-capita consumption, while Utah has the lowest. However, it is important to note that state-level consumption estimates can be influenced by factors such as sales to individuals from neighbouring states, particularly when there are significant differences in alcohol tax rates, and alcohol consumption by tourists.

The volume of beer consumed annually by the average American has decreased over time. In 1981, the peak year for beer consumption, the average American aged 21 or older drank 36.7 gallons of beer. By 2021, this figure had decreased to 26.2 or 26.5 gallons per person, depending on the source. The range of per capita beer consumption across states in 2018 was between 18.6 gallons and 40.8 gallons, with an average of 26.2 gallons per drinking-age adult.

Beer is the preferred alcoholic beverage among Americans who drink, with 42% choosing it over wine (34%) and liquor (19%). Overall, 62-63% of U.S. adults consume alcohol, while 38% abstain completely.

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