Swedes are drinking less alcohol, according to new preliminary figures from the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information (Centralförbundet för alkohol- och narkotikaupplysning, CAN). In 2023, alcohol consumption in Sweden decreased by 2.3%, marking a continued downward trend that has been ongoing since 2019.
CAN has been tracking alcohol consumption habits consistently since 2019, and the data reveals an overall decline of 6% over the past five years. On average, every Swede aged 15 and older consumed 8.4 liters of pure alcohol in 2023, compared to just over 8.6 liters the previous year.
About CAN’s alcohol consumption monitoring
CAN’s monitoring of alcohol consumption began in 2000, aiming to assess both total alcohol intake and annual consumption trends in Sweden. The study compiles data from both registered alcohol sales (Systembolaget, restaurants, and grocery stores) and unregistered alcohol sources, including private imports, smuggled alcohol, online purchases, and homebrewing. The unregistered portion is measured through survey responses collected by CAN.
Each year, approximately 18,000 people participate in the study, providing a comprehensive overview of alcohol consumption patterns across Sweden.
Decline in unregistered alcohol purchases contributes to trend
According to CAN researcher Björn Trolldal, the decline in alcohol consumption is partly due to a reduction in online alcohol purchases outside of Systembolaget, Sweden’s state-owned alcohol retailer. Additionally, purchases of smuggled alcohol also decreased in 2023.
Alcohol consumption is divided into two categories: registered and unregistered alcohol. Registered alcohol includes purchases made at Systembolaget and in restaurants, while unregistered alcohol consists of beverages bought abroad, online, or obtained through smuggling.
The most significant decline was seen in the consumption of unregistered alcohol, which fell by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Since 2019, unregistered alcohol consumption has plummeted by 43%.
No major shifts in preferred types of alcoholic beverages
Despite the overall decline in alcohol consumption, the distribution of different alcoholic beverages has remained relatively stable over time. In 2023, wine accounted for 43% of total alcohol consumption, followed by strong beer (33%) and spirits (18%).
This continued decline in alcohol consumption reflects a shift in Swedish drinking habits, influenced by changing social norms, tighter regulations, and reduced access to unregistered alcohol.
