As Canadians kick off the new year, many are taking a more mindful approach to their everyday routines, especially when it comes to what they drink. For many, the start of a new year brings a renewed focus on wellness, moderation, and balance, with more shoppers looking to reduce sugar, rethink alcohol consumption, or choose beverages that better suit their lifestyle.
At Walmart Canada, those evolving preferences are reshaping the beverage aisle. From modern sodas to alcohol-free beers and wine, Walmart Canada is meeting customers where they’re at, offering new options that reflect changing behaviours around wellness, inclusivity, and social connection.
“Our customers are telling us they want more choice, whether that’s cutting back on sugar, choosing alcohol-free options, or finding beverages that match how they want to feel,” says Edward Hilling, Senior Omni Merchant, Beverages, Water and Alcohol, Walmart Canada. “Our focus is on making those choices easy to find and available at great value. We’ve expanded our non-alcoholic beverage assortment by introducing a broader range of alcohol-free beer.”
The Rise of Modern Soda
As shoppers move away from traditional sugary soft drinks, many are choosing alternatives that offer familiar fizz with added benefits such as fibre, botanicals, prebiotics, vitamins, or natural sweeteners. Building on strong momentum in the modern soda category, Walmart Canada will expand its assortment to dozens of items by spring.
This expanded assortment includes Canadian-made products, including Golden Ticket recipients from Walmart Canada’s first Growth Summit – an event in July 2025 where Canadian entrepreneurs and businesses pitched their products directly to our merchants, for a chance to be listed in store, online or both. At the event, more than 50 ,
entrepreneurs were presented with “golden tickets” representing a deal.
- Healtea - Made in Canada, this Golden Ticket recipient combines brewed teas with functional ingredients to support everyday wellness. It’s hitting Walmart Canada shelves this spring.
- Farming Karma - Arriving this spring, Canadian-made Farming Karma – another Golden Ticket recipient - offers lightly sparkling teas crafted with simple, transparent ingredients for a crisp, refreshing taste.
- Solly’s - Proudly made in Canada, Solly’s offers sparkling beverages made from real fruit. Since November 2025, three flavours have been available in 200 Walmart Canada stores.
More Non-Alcoholic Options in the Beverage Aisle
With more Canadians exploring non-alcoholic options, Walmart Canada has increased its non-alcoholic beer lineup by 30%. Alongside brands like Guinness, Busch, Heineken and Corona, Walmart Canada’s expanded offering now includes craft alcohol-free beers and premium options such as:
- Phillips iOTA - Brewed in Canada, iOTA delivers a thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic beer experience rooted in West Coast brewing expertise. This Golden Ticket recipient will arrive on shelves this spring.
- Boréale - Rooted in Québec’s brewing tradition, Boréale brings authenticity and craftsmanship to its non-alcoholic series, now available in three varieties at Quebec stores.
- Sober Carpenter - Sober Carpenter crafts true brewery-style experiences without the alcohol. From IPAs to stouts, they’re raising the bar for full-flavor non-alcoholic beer.
- Athletic Brewing - Athletic Brewing’s award-winning beers are built for active, mindful lifestyles, proving that great beer doesn’t need alcohol.
“What we’re seeing in the beverage aisle reflects broader changes in how Canadians think about what they drink,” Hilling continues. “There’s growing interest in moderation-led and ‘sober-curious’ lifestyles, along with a desire for inclusive options that everyone can enjoy at social occasions. Continued innovation across both soda and alcohol-free beverages is raising the bar on taste and quality.”
