Zero-alcohol drinks, which contain little or no alcohol, have become increasingly available in supermarkets, liquor stores, and pubs over the past decade. These products aim to mimic the taste and experience of beer or wine, allowing people to enjoy a similar experience without the effects of alcohol. This has made them popular among those who want to avoid issues like hangovers or the need for a taxi after drinking. Researchers are now exploring how young people view these drinks and whether they could serve as a viable alternative in social situations where alcohol is common. Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide range of health risks, including over 200 diseases and injuries, and is estimated to cause around 2.6 million deaths globally each year. In New Zealand, the economic impact of alcohol-related problems is significant, costing more than NZ$9 billion annually. About half of young New Zealanders drink alcohol, and 6.3% do so in a way that is considered hazardous. Early exposure to alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing harmful drinking habits or dependency later in life. For young people, drinking is often not solely about becoming intoxicated. It can be a way to bond with others, fit in with a group, or express personal identity. Drinking may also be used to celebrate, cope with emotions, or feel more comfortable in certain situations. If zero-alcohol drinks are to be a real alternative, they must fulfill these emotional, social, and symbolic roles just as effectively as traditional alcoholic beverages. A recent study aimed to better understand how young people perceive zero-alcohol drinks. Researchers interviewed 52 students in their 11th grade (ages 15 and 16) from three secondary schools in New Zealand. Using creative and art-based methods, the students shared their thoughts on what alcohol and zero-alcohol drinks represented to them and whether the latter could replace the former in social situations. The findings showed that zero-alcohol drinks could help young people fit in socially and signal positive traits, such as responsibility. However, participants noted that these drinks did not offer the same emotional relief as alcohol, such as making unenjoyable situations more bearable. In fun events like concerts or weddings, they saw zero-alcohol as a possible substitute. But in less exciting or stressful situations, they felt that alcohol played a different role. The symbolic meaning young people attach to zero-alcohol drinks could influence how effective they are as an alternative to alcohol in social settings. If these drinks gain the same cultural value as traditional alcoholic beverages, they may challenge the idea that drinking alcohol is necessary to be accepted or fit in.