Poll: Preference for beer grows in U.S.

PRINCETON, N.J., July 25 (UPI) -- Preference for beer by U.S. adults has increased to a double-digit margin over its rival beverage wine, Gallup Poll researchers said.

In 2005, wine enjoyed a brief stint at the top of the list of alcoholic drinks favored by adult U.S. consumers, Gallup said.

The trend back to beer reflects a shift among drinkers aged 30 to 49 years old, the survey indicates.

Data from 2004 to 2005 concludes wine and beer were almost equally preferred. But, wine as a favorite peaked at 39 percent in 2005 and has since slipped to 31 percent, Gallup said.

Beer is now chosen first 47 percent of the time, the poll said.

Among those who drink, respondents indicated they consumed an average 3.8 alcoholic drinks a week, a drop from a high of 5.1 drinks per week in 2003.

Daily drinking among college graduates and those earning more then $75,000 is more common than it is among non-graduates and those earning less, Gallup said.

The poll included 1,016 telephone interviews conducted July 10-13 and carried a margin of error of plus and minus 3 percentage points.