Dry January

What is Dry January?

Dry January is an annual health trend where people choose to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. The aim is to give the body a break from alcohol, improve health, and create a more conscious approach to alcohol.

Dry January has become an increasingly common choice for people who want to prioritize well-being, exercise, mental clarity, and long-term health – without giving up social connections or enjoyment.

How and why did Dry January start?

Dry January was started in the UK in 2013 by the organisation Alcohol Change UK. The background was a growing concern about the impact of alcohol consumption on public health, especially after the Christmas and New Year period when consumption is often high.

The campaign encouraged people to try an alcohol-free month to:

  • Reflect on your habits
  • Experience how your body reacts without alcohol
  • Create more balance in everyday life

What started as a national initiative has quickly developed into a global lifestyle movement.

How big is Dry January today?

Dry January has spread to large parts of the world and continues to grow every year.

Countries where Dry January is particularly prevalent:

  • UK
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Sweden and the rest of the Nordic countries
  • Netherlands
  • Australia

Globally, an estimated 8–9 million people participate each year, and significantly more choose to reduce or pause alcohol consumption without officially registering.

Dry January is now seen not just as a campaign – but as part of a broader trend towards alcohol-free, mindful drinking and healthy lifestyle choices.

What happens to your body when you go without alcohol for 30 days?

Abstaining from alcohol for a month can have both short-term and long-term health benefits.

Effects after 1–2 weeks

  • Improved sleep quality
  • More consistent energy levels
  • Reduced fluid retention and bloating
  • Increased mental clarity

Effects after 3–4 weeks

  • The liver gets a chance to recover
  • Lower levels of inflammation in the body
  • Improved skin, radiance and elasticity
  • More stable mood and reduced stress sensitivity

Many also experience better focus, higher productivity and a stronger sense of control over their habits.

Dry January and training

Alcohol affects the body's recovery, muscle building and hormonal balance.
During Dry January, many report:

  • Faster recovery after exercise
  • Better fitness and endurance
  • Improved motivation and discipline
  • More stable blood sugar and reduced sugar cravings

That's why Dry January is popular among people who exercise regularly, yoga practitioners, and those who are committed to performance and long-term health.

Dry January without sacrificing taste and enjoyment

Dry January is not about saying no to social occasions, dinners or parties – but about choosing alternatives without alcohol.

We at Zest and Zero offer a wide and high-quality range of:

  • Non-alcoholic sparkling wines
  • Non-alcoholic still wines
  • Mocktails and ready-mixed non-alcoholic drinks
  • Sparkling tea
  • Alcohol-free alternatives to spirits and liqueurs

These drinks make it easy to continue enjoying good taste, elegance and fellowship – completely without alcohol.

At Zest & Zero you will find a carefully curated range of premium non-alcoholic beverages, perfectly suited for Dry January and for those who want to live a more balanced life all year round.

Dry January – more than a month

For some, Dry January is a temporary break.
For others, it will be the start of a new, more conscious way of living.

Whether you choose an alcohol-free January or an alcohol-free life - today there are more opportunities than ever to choose quality, health and enjoyment at the same time.