What are the most popular beverages in Nigeria? How tasty are these beverages? Nigeria is a land of vibrant flavors and diverse cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its beverages. From traditional beverages known for their health benefits to new, popular refreshments, Nigerians have many tasty options to enjoy.
This article explores the most popular drinks and beverages in Nigeria.
What are beverages?
Beverages are also called drinks. Wikipedia explains that beverages are liquids intended for human consumption. In addition to their basic function of satisfying thirst, beverages also play important roles in human culture.
Beverages can also be categorized into alcoholic and non-alcoholic kinds.
An alcoholic beverage contains alcohol, while a non-alcoholic beverage contains no alcohol or reduced alcohol content. Some alcoholic beverages in Nigeria are beer, wine, or spirits, while some non-alcoholic beverages are water, milk, and juice.
Top Most Popular Traditional Beverages in Nigeria
The top traditional Nigerian beverages are as follows:
1. Zobo (Hibiscus Tea)
Zobo remains one of Nigeria’s most popular traditional drinks. It is also known as Roselle or Sorrel drink. Made from dried hibiscus petals, this deep red beverage is loved for its tart taste, refreshing quality, and numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and lowering blood pressure. Flavored versions with pineapple, ginger, or cloves are increasingly popular, and ready-to-drink bottled Zobo is now more widely available in stores.
2. Kunu
Kunu is a nutritious and refreshing drink made from grains such as millet, sorghum, or maize. Its slightly thick texture and mildly sweet taste make it a favorite among locals. The drink is often enriched with ginger and other spices. With growing health consciousness, Kunu variants with added protein and fiber are now trending.
Kunu is a good source of energy, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. It’s also rich in probiotics and nutrients, making it a popular weaning drink for infants. There are different varieties of kunu, including
- Kunu tsamiya (tamarind juice)
- Kunun gyeda (a thin gruel made from groundnuts)
- Kunu aya (a nourishing drink made from tiger nuts, coconut, dates, and ginger)
Kunu is also known as kununzaki.
3. Palm Wine
Palm wine, a naturally fermented beverage tapped from palm trees, remains a staple, particularly in rural areas and social gatherings. Its low alcohol content and organic nature appeal to those looking for a traditional and natural drink. In recent times, bottled and pasteurized versions of palm wine have been available in urban areas, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Palm wine can be consumed in a variety of flavors, from sweet unfermented to sour, fermented, and vinegary. Ogogoro, a local gin distilled from fermented palm wine, is used in many religious and social ceremonies. Some claim palm wine can help lactating mothers produce more breast milk.
4. Fura da Nono
This northern Nigerian delicacy is a blend of fermented cow milk (nono) and millet dough (fura). It is popular among the Fulani and Hausa communities. As Nigerians seek more natural and probiotic-rich drinks, Fura da Nono is increasingly being packaged in convenient ready-to-drink bottles.
5. Burukutu and Pito
Burukutu is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented sorghum or millet. It is widely consumed in the northern and central regions of Nigeria and is known for its earthy taste and nutritional content.
Pito is another fermented beverage, similar to Burukutu but lighter in alcohol content. It is a staple drink among many indigenous communities and is often enjoyed in social gatherings.
Pito and burukutu are considered “twin drinks” and are part of the socioeconomic life of Nigerian and West African communities. The fermentation process increases the probiotic content of pito and burukutu, which may have health-promoting effects. Studies have shown that pito has antioxidant, anticholesterol, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive effects.
Popular Beverages in Nigeria: Modern and Commercial Soft Drinks
The most popular modern and commercial soft drinks in Nigeria are listed below:
1. Malt Drinks
Non-alcoholic malt drinks, such as Malta Guinness, Amstel Malta, and Beta Malt, remain favorites, especially among the younger and working-class demographic. There is an increase in sugar-free and vitamin-fortified versions to cater to health-conscious consumers.
Malt beverage stands out for its sweet flavor and refreshing taste, and it is best enjoyed chilled. While malt serves as a key ingredient in beer production, malt drinks do not undergo the full brewing process, keeping them non-alcoholic.
Manufacturers create this fermented drink by soaking barley seeds in water, allowing them to sprout, and then drying them in a process called malting. After processing, they package malt beverages in bottles, cans, and plastic containers to cater to different consumer preferences.
2. Carbonated Soft Drinks or Minerals
Carbonated soft drinks are among the most popular beverages in Nigeria. They are made up of carbonated water, artificial flavoring, and color. It is not alcoholic in content.
The calories in a typical soft drink in Nigeria are correlated with the amount of sweetener in the drink. They are usually affordable and sold in stores nationwide.
They can be found in cans and bottles. Carbonated soft drinks are best consumed when they are chilled.
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Bigi brands continue to be market leaders in Nigeria’s soft drink industry. However, consumers are increasingly choosing healthier carbonated options, such as zero-sugar variants and drinks infused with natural flavors and vitamins.
3. Energy Drinks
As the name suggests, energy drinks are liquids that give both mental and physical stimulation. It contains sugar as well as stimulant chemicals, most notably caffeine.
They might be carbonated or not, and they can also contain additional sweeteners, herbal extracts, and amino acids. They are not sports drinks but rather a part of a larger collection of energy products.
In today’s market, there are numerous brands and varieties to pick from. Powerhorse, Red Bull, Monster, Fearless, and Bullet are some of the most popular brands in the country. They are typically sold in cans and bottles and can cost up to 500 to 1,000 naira per can.
In recent times, there has been a rise in organic energy drinks made with natural caffeine sources like green tea and guarana.
4. Tea
This widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage is enjoyed by people across Nigeria and is known for its numerous health benefits.
Tea has a distinct and pleasant aroma, derived from the infusion of cured leaves in hot water. It is commonly available in convenient tea bags, making it easy to prepare and accessible to all. As a result, tea remains one of the most popular beverages in Nigeria.
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5. Coffee
Nigerians widely consume coffee for its stimulating effects, thanks to its high caffeine content. Producers roast coffee beans and grind them into granules for brewing.
Although people typically serve coffee black with a naturally bitter taste, many enjoy it plain, while others prefer adding sugar and milk to enhance the flavor. Many individuals rely on it to stay alert, particularly at night.
While coffee is generally affordable and available in various packaging sizes, excessive consumption may pose health risks.
Popular Beverages in Nigeria: Alcoholic Beverages
Here are the most popular alcoholic beverages in Nigeria:
1. Beer
Beer remains one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. Popular brands such as Star, Gulder, and Heineken dominate the market, while craft and premium beers gain a niche following. Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers are also growing in popularity.
Beer is enjoyed and sold to a lot of adults in Nigeria. After water and tea, beer is consumed the most. It is probably one of the popular beverages in Nigeria.
The drink is made by the process of brewing. Grains like barley, hops, wheat, and corn are used to brew beer. Fermentation of the starch from sugar and carbonation is a process of beer makings. Hops are responsible for the bitter taste.
2. Local Liquors (Ogogoro and Alomo Bitters)
Ogogoro, a locally distilled spirit, and herbal bitters such as Alomo Bitters continue to be widely consumed. More standardized and regulated production methods have made these drinks safer and more acceptable across different social classes.
3. Wine and Spirits
Imported wines and spirits remain a significant part of Nigeria’s nightlife and hospitality industry. There is an increasing preference for locally produced wines made from Nigerian-grown fruits such as pineapple and hibiscus.
Wine could be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Wineries produce wine by fermenting grapes and processing them into different flavors, which directly affect its sweetness.
The production of wine involves five major steps:
- Harvesting: Grapes are carefully selected and gathered.
- Crushing: The grapes are crushed to release their juice.
- Fermentation: The juice undergoes fermentation to develop its alcohol content.
- Packaging: The wine is prepared for distribution.
- Bottling: Finally, it is sealed and made ready for sale.
Wine is widely available across Nigeria. From restaurants and bars to parties and homes, Nigerians continue to enjoy this beverage without losing interest. It is also commonly found in major markets nationwide.
Wine is among the popular beverages in Nigeria.
4. Champagne
Champagne is called sparkling wine because of its fizzy nature. It takes the name “Champagne” from the Champagne region of France, where producers craft it using a unique method.
Winemakers use carefully selected grapes, which undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation. Unlike regular wine, its production requires specific vineyard techniques, grapes sourced exclusively from designated areas in Champagne, and specialized pressing methods.
Due to its prestigious branding, people often associate champagne with royalty and the wealthy.
A bottle of champagne in Nigeria can cost over 30,000 depending on the brand.
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5. Cocktails and Ready-to-Drink Alcoholic Mixes
Pre-mixed cocktails and flavored alcoholic beverages are becoming more popular, especially among urban youth who prefer convenience and variety.
Popular Beverages in Nigeria: Health and Wellness Drinks
The most popular health and wellness beverages in Nigeria are as follows:
1. Smoothies and Fresh Juices
A smoothie is a beverage made by blending fruits and vegetables with a liquid base. Typically, people use fruit juice or dairy products like milk, yogurt, ice cream, or cottage cheese to create a smooth texture.
To enhance flavor and nutrition, they often add nondairy milk, crushed ice, sweeteners like honey or sugar, vinegar, whey powder, chocolate, or nutritional supplements.
Smoothies are delicious, healthy, help you lose weight, and are one of Nigerians’ most consumed and popular beverages.
With a growing focus on wellness, natural fruit juices and smoothies are on the rise. Companies now offer cold-pressed juices with no preservatives, catering to those looking for a healthier lifestyle.
2. Herbal and Detox Teas
Herbal teas infused with moringa, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass are gaining popularity for their medicinal benefits. More Nigerians are opting for detox teas and immune-boosting herbal blends.
3. Dairy and Plant-Based Milk
Milk-based drinks such as yogurt and flavored dairy beverages continue to be popular. Additionally, plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, and coconut milk are becoming more mainstream due to lactose intolerance and vegan dietary choices.
4. Chapman
Chapman is a popular non-alcoholic cocktail that combines Fanta, Sprite, lemon, cucumber, grenadine, and Angostura bitters. Bartenders typically serve it in a glass with ice and cucumber slices on top.
While some people now choose to add alcohol, this remains optional. Many consider Chapman a favorite Nigerian drink because of its delicious taste.
Bars and hangout spots usually serve Chapman in cups, with prices starting at around 500 naira, depending on the quantity ordered.
Imported and International Beverages
International beverage brands continue to have a strong presence in Nigeria. Imported coffee brands, specialty teas, and flavored mineral waters are gaining traction, especially among the urban elite and expatriate communities. Nigerian coffee culture is also expanding, with more specialty coffee shops offering locally roasted beans.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s beverage industry is quite an exciting one. While traditional drinks like Zobo, Kunu, and Palm Wine continue to thrive, the rise of health-conscious, low-sugar, and functional beverages is shaping the market. Consumers are more informed and are demanding better quality, healthier options, and innovative flavors. As the industry evolves, both local and international brands have opportunities to meet the growing and diverse needs of Nigerian consumers.
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