In a significant move for the beverage industry, Modelo®, the number one beer brand in the United States by sales, has officially entered the non-alcoholic market. The brand announced on January 7, 2026, the launch of Modelo Chelada® Limón y Sal Non-Alcoholic, marking its first-ever offering without alcohol.
A Bold Flavor for a Growing Trend
The new product is designed to deliver the same vibrant and authentic taste that has made Modelo Chelada a favorite, now tailored for consumers seeking moderation. The launch is strategically timed for Dry January—and the increasingly popular "Damp January"—a period when many people reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
Logan Jensen, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Modelo, emphasized the brand's commitment to choice. "People want options without compromise," Jensen stated. "With Limón y Sal being the fan favorite in our ready-to-drink Chelada lineup for six consecutive years, it was the clear choice for our inaugural non-alcoholic release."
Riding the Wave of Mindful Consumption
The introduction is a direct response to powerful shifts in consumer behavior. The non-alcoholic beverage category is experiencing explosive growth, with 14.2 million U.S. households now participating. Within the specific chelada and michelada segment, the low and non-alcoholic market is projected to expand by a staggering 50% over the next two years.
Modelo Chelada has been the leading ready-to-drink (RTD) Michelada for six straight calendar years, with consistent growth since its 2013 debut. This new non-alcoholic variant aims to build on that dominance by offering the signature lime and salt flavor profile, paired with the taste of authentic Mexican beer, all without the alcohol.
Expanding a Moderation-Focused Portfolio
This launch is part of a broader strategy by Constellation Brands Inc., Modelo's parent company, to cater to mindful drinkers. The new Chelada Limón y Sal Non-Alcoholic joins Corona Extra Non-Alcoholic in the company's nationwide non-alcoholic lineup. Constellation also promotes moderation through smaller format options like the 7oz Modelito and Coronita.
The new beverage is positioned as a low-calorie alternative, containing just 60 calories per 12 oz. can. It will be available in 12 oz 6-packs, priced in line with Corona Non-Alcoholic, and is rolling out in key Modelo markets across the United States. Initial availability includes major states like Illinois, New York, Texas, Florida, and California.
Founded in 1925 in Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo's portfolio includes Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, Modelo Oro, and a range of flavored Cheladas and Spiked Aguas Frescas. The launch of its first non-alcoholic product signals a pivotal evolution for the brand as it adapts to contemporary consumer demands for flavor, quality, and choice.
