Wheat Beer Allergies: Understanding The Connection And Symptoms

Wheat allergies are a real concern for many people, and wheat is a common ingredient in beer. However, it's important to distinguish between a wheat allergy and a wheat intolerance, as the former is an immune response, while the latter is a digestive response. If you have a wheat allergy, even a small amount of wheat in beer can trigger a reaction. On the other hand, if you have a wheat intolerance, you may be able to tolerate small amounts of wheat without experiencing any significant symptoms. It's always best to consult a doctor if you suspect you have an allergy or intolerance.

Wheat allergy vs. intolerance

Wheat beer has been known to cause anaphylaxis in people with a wheat allergy. A wheat allergy is when your body's immune system overreacts to wheat, which can be life-threatening. On the other hand, a wheat intolerance is a digestive response to wheat, which is not immediately dangerous but can cause discomfort and affect overall health.

Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergies are when the body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to wheat. Wheat allergies can cause symptoms such as hives, a rash, a stuffy or runny nose, nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis may develop, causing the body's blood pressure to fall, and the person may lose consciousness and stop breathing. Wheat allergies are typically outgrown by adulthood, with about 65% of children outgrowing them by the age of 12.

Wheat Intolerance

Wheat intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a digestive disorder that causes uncomfortable symptoms after consuming gluten. It is not an immune system problem and does not damage the intestine or run in families. Symptoms of wheat intolerance include bloating, gas, constipation, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, and nausea. It is important to note that wheat intolerance is not an allergy, and there are currently no tests for an accurate diagnosis.

Managing Wheat Allergy and Intolerance

People with a wheat allergy must strictly avoid all wheat products, as consuming any amount could be life-threatening. Wheat is commonly found in foods such as cereals, pasta, crackers, and even some hot dogs, sauces, and ice cream. It is also found in non-food items such as Play-Doh and cosmetic and bath products. People with a wheat intolerance should also generally avoid wheat but may be able to tolerate small amounts without experiencing severe symptoms.

Wheat beer ingredients

Wheat beer is a top-fermented beer brewed with a blend of wheat and barley, with the wheat portion typically ranging from 30% to 70% of the total. Wheat extract malts often contain 40% wheat and 60% barley. Wheat contributes more proteins than barley, resulting in long-lasting heads and a hazy appearance. It also lends a lighter colour and less flavour, making it ideal for summer brews and a smooth transition for those accustomed to lighter lagers.

The two main varieties of wheat beer are German Weizenbier and Belgian Witbier, but other types include Lambic (made with wild yeast), Berliner Weisse (a cloudy, sour beer), and Gose (a sour and salty beer).

German wheat beers, or Hefeweizens, are typically brewed with special yeasts that produce clove, banana, bubble gum, and vanilla flavours, particularly at warmer fermentation temperatures. They have low hop bitterness and high carbonation. The malt bill for a Hefeweizen should contain at least 50% malted wheat, with the remainder often being German Pilsner malt.

Belgian Witbiers, or white beers, are similar to German Hefeweizens but include flavourings such as coriander and orange peel. They use a special yeast that ferments crisp with a hint of tartness. The malt bill for a Witbier starts with a heavy dose of wheat malt and pilsner malt in equal parts, along with flaked oats to add body and creaminess.

American Wheat beers have more freedom in their recipes and often serve as a base for flavoured beers, particularly those with fruit additions. Wheat should still make up around 50% of the grain bill, with the remainder open to interpretation, including light-coloured base malts such as two-row pale, pilsner, Maris Otter, or Golden Promise. Character malts like Crystal/Caramel, Munich, Victory, or Honey malt can be used in small amounts (5% to 10%). Hops are more prominent in American Wheat beers, with upwards of 30 IBUs, and classic citrus-forward hops like Cascade, Citra, Amarillo, or Azacca are commonly used.

Beer allergy symptoms

Beer allergies are rare, and you may have an intolerance to beer or one of its ingredients. However, it's important to seek a proper diagnosis to determine if you have a true beer allergy.

If you are allergic to beer, you will probably experience symptoms similar to those of other allergic reactions, such as:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Tightness of the chest
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Chest pain

Allergic reactions that involve hives, wheezing, and chest pain can occur almost immediately and should be considered severe and potentially life-threatening. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If your symptoms are very mild, you may have a beer sensitivity or intolerance rather than a true allergy. This can be uncomfortable, but it's not an immune system response and isn't as serious. You can take over-the-counter medications to relieve milder symptoms such as sneezing.

To determine if you have a beer allergy, the best course of action is to visit an allergist who can perform specific allergy tests. One of the quickest and easiest ways to diagnose allergies is a skin prick test, which takes about 15 minutes. If a skin prick test cannot be used, other methods such as an elimination diet or provocation test may be used.

During an elimination test, you would avoid beer to see if your symptoms subside. On the other hand, a provocation test involves consuming a small amount of beer to see if it triggers a reaction. It is important to note that provocation tests should only be done in a clinical setting under the supervision of a medical professional.

If you are allergic to beer, the best treatment is avoidance. While most beer allergy symptoms are not life-threatening, it is crucial to stay away from the ingredients that trigger your allergy. If you are allergic to an ingredient in beer, such as barley, you should also avoid other foods and drinks that contain this ingredient.

Diagnosing a wheat allergy

• Physical Exam and Medical History: Your doctor will start by performing a physical examination and taking your medical history. They will ask about your symptoms, family history, and any other relevant information. If you have a family history of allergies, including asthma or eczema, you may be at a higher risk of developing a wheat allergy.
• Skin Prick Test: This is a common test used to diagnose allergies. During this test, your doctor or nurse will place tiny drops of purified allergen extracts, including wheat proteins, on your arm or back. They will then prick your skin with a small, sterile probe to introduce the allergen into your skin. If you are allergic to wheat, you may develop a raised, reddish, itchy bump within 15 to 20 minutes.
• Blood Test: If a skin prick test is not suitable due to skin conditions or medication interactions, your doctor may opt for a blood test. This test checks for the presence of specific allergy-causing antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, in response to wheat proteins. The results are reported as numerical values, indicating the likelihood of a wheat allergy.
• Food Challenge Test: This test is usually conducted in a hospital or specialised allergy clinic. Under medical supervision, you will be asked to consume small amounts of food suspected of causing the allergy, gradually increasing the amount over several hours or days. This test is designed to provoke a reaction and confirm the diagnosis.
• Food Diary: Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary, where you record everything you eat, along with any symptoms that develop and the time they occur. This can help identify patterns and determine if wheat is the cause of your symptoms.
• Elimination Diet: Your doctor may suggest an elimination diet, where you temporarily stop consuming wheat products. After a few days, you will gradually reintroduce wheat to observe any reactions. This process should be done under the guidance of a qualified health professional.

It is important to note that a wheat allergy can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially if it triggers anaphylaxis. Therefore, it is crucial to work closely with an allergist or doctor to undergo the appropriate tests and receive an accurate diagnosis.

Wheat-free beer options

Wheat allergies are becoming more common worldwide, with about 2 million adults in the U.S. thought to have a wheat allergy. If you are allergic to wheat, you may be able to drink barley-based beers, but this depends on the individual. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure.

If you are looking for wheat-free beer options, you will need to look for beers brewed without wheat, barley, triticale, or any close relatives. This will mostly leave you with rice and corn-based options. Here are some wheat-free beer options:

• BuckWit Belgian by Holidaily Brewing Company is a full-flavoured, zero-gluten beer made with millet and buckwheat.
• Roasted Coffee Strong Ale by Burning Brothers Brewing is a gluten-free beer with notes of caramel and cold-brew coffee.
• Blanche by Glutenberg Craft Brewery is a hazy Belgian witbier recreated without wheat, using quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and amaranth.
• Delicious IPA by Stone Brewing is a gluten-reduced IPA with notes of lemon and watermelon.
• Grapefruit IPA by Ghostfish Brewing Company is a bold and bitter gluten-free IPA with a citric jolt.
• Codename: Superfan by Odd13 Brewing is a gluten-reduced hazy IPA with a balance of sweetness and bitterness.
• Blonde Ale by New Planet Beer is a gluten-free blonde ale made with millet, gluten-free oats, and blue corn.
• Glütiny Pale Ale by New Belgium Brewing Company is a gluten-reduced pale ale with aromas of papaya and guava.
• Prairie Path Golden Ale by Two Brothers Artisan Brewing is a gluten-reduced golden ale with subtle lemony flavours.
• Dark Ale by Ground Breaker Brewing is a gluten-free dark ale with notes of dark chocolate and chicory coffee, made with roasted chestnuts and lentils.
• Ultimate Light Golden Ale by Omission Beer is a gluten-reduced, low-calorie, and low-carb option with tropical aromas.

Frequently asked questions