Ginger Beer: A Safe Drink For Coeliacs?

Ginger beer is a popular cocktail mixer and a key ingredient in the Moscow Mule. The name can be misleading, as traditional ginger beer is made from ginger-flavoured water that is fermented with sugar and yeast. As it does not contain gluten ingredients, pure ginger beer is generally considered safe for coeliacs to drink in moderation. However, some commercial ginger beers may be produced in facilities that also process gluten or have trace amounts from equipment. It is therefore important to check labels and contact manufacturers to confirm gluten-free status.

Is traditional ginger beer gluten-free?

Traditional ginger beer is made from ginger-flavoured water that is fermented with sugar and yeast. It does not contain gluten ingredients, so it is generally considered safe for coeliacs to drink in moderation. However, some commercial ginger beers may be produced in facilities that also process gluten or have trace amounts from equipment.

The original recipe for ginger beer—water, fresh ginger root, sugar and yeast—does not contain gluten. However, some manufacturers add other ingredients to make commercial ginger beers, such as natural and artificial flavours, high-fructose corn syrup, and thickeners like guar gum. While many of these are gluten-free, some can potentially introduce trace amounts of gluten or have been processed on equipment shared with gluten-containing grains.

When selecting ginger beer, coeliacs need to check product labels and ingredients lists carefully for any sign of gluten sources, such as oats. Ideally, choose brands that are labelled as gluten-free or contact the manufacturer directly to enquire about gluten content and production processes.

Some indications that a ginger beer may be unsafe include:

• "Natural flavours" – can hide gluten sources like malt
• No gluten information available
• Produced on shared equipment with gluten products
• Unclear responses from the manufacturer about gluten testing

Cross-contamination is also possible if ginger beer is served from taps in bars that pour regular beer. Opt for bottled options where possible.

What ingredients are in ginger beer?

Ginger beer is made from a few simple ingredients, but the exact quantities and preparation methods can vary. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients commonly used in ginger beer:

• Ginger: Fresh ginger root is the key ingredient, providing the distinctive spicy flavour. It is typically peeled and grated or minced to release its flavour.
• Water: This forms the base of the drink. It is often recommended to use distilled, spring, or non-chlorinated water for the best results.
• Sugar: Sugar is added for sweetness and can be adjusted to taste. Some recipes use brown sugar, while others use granulated cane sugar.
• Acid: Lemon or lime juice is added for a tangy flavour and to provide an acidic environment for the yeast to thrive in.
• Yeast: This is essential for the fermentation process, which gives ginger beer its carbonation and slight alcohol content. Common types used include baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, and champagne yeast.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients, such as:

• Cream of tartar: This is not necessary but is traditionally added to help the yeast and bacteria thrive.
• Spices: Other spices may be added to enhance the flavour, such as cinnamon or citrus zest.
• Salt: A small amount of salt can be added to enhance the other flavours.

The specific quantities of each ingredient can vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of sweetness, spiciness, and carbonation. Some recipes also involve making a simple syrup by boiling the sugar, ginger, and water together before combining it with the other ingredients.

Overall, ginger beer is a simple drink to make at home, and the ingredients are easily adjustable to personal preferences.

Which ginger beer brands are gluten-free?

Pure ginger beer is generally considered safe for coeliacs to drink in moderation, as it is traditionally made from ginger-flavoured water that is fermented with sugar and yeast, and does not contain gluten ingredients. However, some commercial ginger beers may be produced in facilities that also process gluten or use equipment that has come into contact with gluten. Therefore, it is important for coeliacs to check labels and contact manufacturers to confirm the gluten-free status of a product.

• Fentimans
• Fever-Tree
• Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer
• Bundaberg Ginger Beer
• Maine Root
• Q Mixers
• Reed's Ginger Beer
• Barritt's Original Ginger Beer
• Cock'n Bull Ginger Beer
• Hollows & Fentimans Ginger Beer
• Old Jamaica Ginger Beer
• Regatta Ginger Beer
• G's Hard Ginger Beer
• Islander Ginger Beer
• Unity Vibration Ginger Kombucha Beer
• Lakefront Brewery New Grist Ginger Ale

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting around 1% of people worldwide. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response to gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and triticale. When people with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, affecting their body's ability to absorb nutrients from food.

The symptoms of coeliac disease can range from mild to severe and often come and go. Some people with the disease have no noticeable symptoms at all, while others may experience a range of digestive and other symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Foul-smelling, greasy and frothy stools (poo) due to malabsorption of nutrients
• Unintended weight loss
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Fatigue and extreme tiredness
• Itchy rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Tingling and numbness in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Problems with coordination, balance and speech (ataxia)
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores
• Osteoporosis and osteomalacia
• Cognitive impairment
• Depression and anxiety
• Headaches or migraines

Coeliac disease can be difficult to diagnose as it affects people differently, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Treatment for the disease currently involves following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet to allow the small intestine to heal and improve nutrient absorption.

What other drinks can coeliacs have?

Coeliacs must avoid gluten, which is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This means that traditional gluten-containing beers are off the menu, but there are still plenty of other drinks that coeliacs can enjoy.

Wine and Gluten-Free Beers

Wines are made from grapes and are therefore safe for coeliacs to drink. This includes fortified wines like sherry and port. There are also gluten-free beers available, which are made from alternative grains like sorghum and buckwheat.

Spirits

Most spirits are distilled, which separates gluten from the final product. However, some people with coeliac disease still report side effects after drinking spirits made from gluten-containing ingredients. To be safe, opt for liquors with naturally gluten-free ingredients, such as potato-based vodka or brandy, which is distilled from wine.

Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers rarely contain gluten, but some flavoured varieties may include gluten, so always check the label.

Cider

Cider is gluten-free, but it's best to stick to plain varieties to avoid any unexpected gluten-containing ingredients.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks, coeliacs can enjoy pure fruit juices (avoid malt-added versions), smoothies made with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa, herbal teas, and coffee and tea (but avoid flavoured syrups that may contain gluten).

Frequently asked questions