New survey: More Danes are choosing to go without alcohol

29.07.2026 - Four in ten Danes have deliberately avoided alcohol for a period during the past year, while the proportion choosing a completely alcohol-free lifestyle has increased substantially. A new survey conducted by Voxmeter for Blue Cross Denmark suggests that the country’s drinking culture is changing.

Saying no to alcohol is no longer unusual in Denmark. A new survey conducted by Voxmeter for Blue Cross Denmark shows that more Danes are consciously choosing to avoid alcohol, either for certain periods or as a permanent lifestyle choice.

According to the survey, 45% have considered taking a break from alcohol, while 41.3% have deliberately gone without alcohol for a period during the past year. Among those who have chosen not to drink, 30% say that living alcohol-free is a conscious lifestyle choice.

The trend is particularly clear among people aged 18 to 34. In this age group, 55% have considered taking a break from alcohol, while 46% have already done so.

“Young people are leading this development, but we are seeing a broader movement across the population. Unfortunately, alcohol is still taken for granted in many social situations, but not quite to the same extent as before. More people are actively considering what role alcohol should have in their lives,” says Morten Skov Mogensen, Secretary General of Blue Cross Denmark.

Health and well-being are driving the change

For many Danes, the decision to avoid alcohol is linked to health and well-being. According to the survey, 52.2% identify better sleep, increased energy or other health benefits as their main reason. Another 36.8% say that they simply do not feel like drinking alcohol.

“For many people, this is not about giving something up. It is about gaining something, including better well-being in different areas of life, and that is a positive development. Denmark still has a high level of alcohol consumption, and Danish young people continue to have some of the highest levels of heavy drinking in Europe,” says Morten Skov Mogensen.

The development can also be seen in alcohol purchases. New figures from Statistics Denmark show that the average Danish resident aged over 18 purchased 8.8 litres of pure alcohol in 2025, compared with 9.1 litres in 2024.

Key findings

• 45% have considered taking a break from alcohol.

• 41.3% deliberately avoided alcohol for a period during the past year.

• Among people aged 18 to 34, 55% have considered taking a break from alcohol and 46% have already done so.

• 52.2% avoid alcohol for health and well-being reasons.

• 36.8% say they simply do not feel like drinking alcohol.

• 30% say they live without alcohol as a conscious lifestyle choice, up from 21.1% in 2025.

About the survey

Voxmeter conducted the survey for Blue Cross Denmark among 1,002 representative Danish residents aged over 18. The survey was carried out between 12 and 19 May 2026.