The US craft beer industry is increasingly moving towards aluminum cans, with 78% of packaged craft beer volume now in cans, according to 2025 data from the Brewers Association.
This shift away from glass, which accounted for 22% of packaged craft beer volume in 2025, reflects a steady trend in recent years, with cans rising from 69% in 2022.
As reported by the Brewers Association, the rise of cans and fall of glass varies by state, with some states like Rhode Island having a high percentage of craft beer in cans, at 92%.
State Variations
Conversely, states such as Mississippi, Kansas, and Louisiana have a lower percentage of craft beer in cans, with around 58% or lower, leaving room for further growth in aluminum share.
Matt Gacioch, staff economist with the Brewers Association, notes that tariffs and operational costs remain a challenge for brewers, with high switching costs if they were to change packaging.
Packaging Trends
Sales are growing for formats other than six-packs, with singles now accounting for 8% of craft beer volume and 19.2-ounce cans making up 60% of single beer sales in 2025.
Additionally, 24-packs have become more popular, with a 6.4% rise in volumes sold and a 4.6% decline in average case price year over year.
Consumer Preferences
Consumers are seeking perceived value, regardless of container size, according to Gacioch, with some opting for smaller packs like 19.2-ounce cans and others choosing larger packs like 24-packs for a lower unit price.
Gacioch anticipates that the share between bottles and cans may continue to shift, with cans likely to remain in the high 70s in 2026, but notes that further tariffs or disruptions to the supply chain could impact this trend.
Industry Challenges
The craft beer industry has faced a tough period, with evolving consumer preferences and declining sales volumes in recent years, as reported by the New York Times and the Brewers Association.
Gacioch emphasizes the importance of brewers communicating well with their packaging suppliers to navigate the current uncertainty.
