Untappd expands beyond the beer category
Global beer rating and review platform Untappd has expanded and will now include assessments of other drinks including distilled spirits, wines, canned cocktails, THC-infused drinks, coffees and carbonated soft drinks. Jessica Mason reports.
What the Untappd model, which is owned by software developer Next Glass, has harnessed in terms of beer review coverage is now set to roll out across more drinks, reaching consumer opinions whatever they are drinking. Now, new permitted beverages have been extended from 450 styles to include more than 900 total distinct drink categories to meet the needs of both craft producers and consumers alike.
Functionality
From hereon in, users of the Untappd app, which is free to download from the App Store and Google Play, can now search, discover, add, check-in, and rate packaged and kegged beverages of all types.
For existing app users who wish to maintain the traditional beer-focused experience, filters in the app’s Settings section will still allow granular control over which drink types are visible across areas of the app, such as Search, Top Rated lists, and Trending categories.
Speaking to the drinks business, Untappd chief product officer Kyle Roderick said:: “I’m incredibly excited about this evolution because it’s a direct response to what we’ve been hearing from our community of breweries, bars, and restaurants. The modern drinker’s curiosity doesn’t stop at one category. People who love craft beer are also exploring craft spirits, natural wine, and non-alcoholic options as more become available. This update reflects that reality and gives both drinkers and producers a more complete way to connect.”
Since its founding in 2010, the Untappd app has received over 1.5 billion “check-ins” of beers by millions of consumers in virtually every country on earth. The Untappd community has recorded “check-ins” at more than a million bars, restaurants, breweries, and other retail outlets globally.
Evolution
The business noted that drinks styles have always been at the core of the app’s evolution, with moderators and industry professionals coming together annually to add new styles and enhance the community’s experience.
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Roderick told db: “I don’t see this as a shift away from beer, but as a way to better serve the full journey of discovery. Brewers themselves are expanding into ready-to-drink beverages (RTDs) and non-alcoholic beverages, and we want to make sure Untappd continues to support them across their entire portfolio. Our foundation will always be our incredible beer community, and this expansion allows us to embrace the creativity that now defines the wider beverage world.”
Diversifying
Roderick explained: “Increasingly, craft beer consumers are diversifying beyond beer, discovering and enjoying new beverage types. To match broadening consumer tastes, an increasing share of traditional beer brewers are pursuing total beverage strategies, producing more beverage types for their consumers to enjoy at the taproom, in bars and restaurants, and at home. These consumers and brewers no longer fit cleanly into a box. This expansion of permitted beverage types affords users the option to discover, check-in, and rate more beverages. It allows brewers and other beverage producers to list more products for consumers to explore and enjoy.”
A 2025 Harris Poll survey of regular craft beer drinkers revealed that more than 40% consume wine and spirits on a weekly basis (a higher frequency than regular craft beer drinkers enjoy craft beer). Additionally, nearly 35% of regular craft beer drinkers now enjoy hard seltzers and flavoured malt beverages at least weekly.
Dogfish Head founder and brewer Sam Calagione said: “Beauty is in the eyes of the beer-holder. Our palates are like snowflakes. Each is a bit different from person to person. The Untappd community is all about sharing love and critiques for the diverse array of beers being made by breweries, small and large, far and wide.”
Broadening the community
Calagione noted: “At Dogfish Head, we have always pushed the creative outer-atmosphere on beers and other tasty adult beverages. As beer-lovers ourselves, we know beer lovers don’t just love to drink beer. We began making beer-wine hybrids when we opened in the mid-90s. And a quarter-century ago, we opened one of the craft distilleries in America and began making off-centred spirits and cocktails. It’s exciting to see Untappd broadening the community scope to include the widest array of thoughtfully-crafted beverages, which we makers love to make and drinkers love to drink.”
Roderick added: “As a passionate 14-year user of the app, I take the responsibility for stewarding the Untappd app and community into the future seriously. This exciting evolution mirrors trends and innovations we have seen with consumers and brewers. It also allows us to welcome new beverage producers and consumers to Untappd.”
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