Modelo Expands Its Chelada Franchise With a Non-Alcoholic First

Modelo has officially entered the non-alcoholic chelada space with the launch of Chelada Limón y Sal Non-Alcoholic, marking the first alcohol-free SKU within its long-standing Chelada franchise. Rather than positioning the product as a side experiment, Modelo has integrated the release directly into its core portfolio—signaling a broader shift in how major beer brands are approaching non-alcoholic innovation.

A Strategic Extension of a Proven RTD Platform

The Chelada Limón y Sal flavor was selected for the non-alcoholic beer debut based on its established performance within Modelo’s ready-to-drink lineup. Since launching the Chelada franchise in 2013, Modelo has led the RTD michelada category for six consecutive years, making Limón y Sal a logical foundation for an alcohol-free extension.

Instead of introducing a new flavor concept or repositioning the product as a wellness alternative, Modelo has chosen continuity—bringing a known, high-velocity SKU into a new format to meet rising demand for moderation and expanded choice within the beer category.

Non-Alcoholic Beer Formulation and Packaging Details

Chelada Limón y Sal Non-Alcoholic is packaged in 12-ounce cans and delivers a nutritional profile consistent with expectations in the NA beer segment:

60 calories

17.3g carbohydrates

1g protein

0g fat

Importantly, the alcohol-free version closely mirrors the original Chelada Limón y Sal recipe introduced in 2019. This positions the non-alcoholic beer offering as a direct alternative format, not a reformulated or compromised flavor—an approach increasingly favored by both retailers and consumers seeking parity between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Distribution Signals a National Play

The product is currently available across major U.S. markets including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, sold in six-packs of 12-ounce cans. Distribution language and pack configuration suggest a national rollout strategy rather than a limited test market.

By maintaining standard non-alcoholic beer pack sizes and merchandising formats, Modelo has ensured the non-alcoholic chelada fits seamlessly into existing beer sets and non-alcoholic retail placements—reinforcing its role as a core portfolio item rather than a specialty product.

What This Means for NA Beer Manufacturers

Modelo’s move highlights several important trends shaping the non-alcoholic beer manufacturing market:

• Established brands are leveraging proven SKUs rather than launching entirely new NA sub-brands
• Flavor continuity matters—successful NA products increasingly mirror existing recipes instead of reinventing them
• Non-alcoholic beer is being integrated into primary distribution channels, not sidelined into niche placement
• By extending a top-performing RTD flavor into an alcohol-free format, Modelo has expanded its assortment while preserving brand equity, packaging consistency, and retail familiarity.

The Bigger Picture for the Category

Chelada Limón y Sal Non-Alcoholic beer enters the market as a portfolio-level addition, reinforcing non-alcoholic beer’s growing role within established brand architectures. For manufacturers, the launch underscores a clear signal: NA beer is no longer peripheral—it is becoming a foundational component of long-term growth strategies for major players.

As more brands follow this model, manufacturers who can deliver authentic flavor replication, scalable production, and seamless integration into traditional beer channels will be well positioned to support the next phase of non-alcoholic category expansion.

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