Foster beer drinkers in the UK will soon find the alcohol strength of their Lager cut to 3.4%.
Heinoken UK, which the brewers said is moving to cut the alcohol strength from the current 3.7% will make the Lager eligible for the Low Alcohol Duty Rate.
The Brewer started with cheaper pints saying “Customers benefit from more competitive prices” due to lower tax payments.
The change is set to take effect in February, marking the second time in three years that the percentage of alcoholic beverages, or ABV, has been diluted.
Heinen UK explained that it was responding to changes in UK government policy, which encouraged Brefers to offer the lowest alcohol options.
The government has introduced a new system of alcohol duties based on strength in August 2023, which will make many alternatives and cider relatively cheaper compared to stronger substitutes.
Since then, rival Brews Carlsberg Pilsnerg, Sol, Coors Lights and Grolsch have also been reformed to an abv of less than 3.4% to qualify for the UK’s lower tax rate.
It means punters won’t notice the difference, after “extensive” consumer testing.
“Our Master Brewers have spent months refining the recipe to ensure the flavor remains unmistakable – fresh, and refreshing,” the Brewing fix, “the Brewing fix
Heineken says there is a “continuing shift” in beer drinking trends, towards Low ABV options “as part of a balanced and meaningful lifestyle”.
Heineen last month said global beer sales would fall next year as breweries cut back due to pressure on their household budgets.