Mold Allergies: Is Beer Safe To Drink?

Beer allergies are rare, but they can be caused by an allergy to one of its many ingredients, such as grains, barley, hops, yeast, or even mold. People with mold allergies may have an allergic reaction to brewer's yeast, which is used in fermented beverages like beer and wine. However, distilled liquor does not contain brewer's yeast, so it is generally safe for people with mold allergies. While true beer allergies are uncommon, it's important to be cautious and consult a doctor or allergy specialist if you experience any adverse reactions.

Beer allergy symptoms

True beer allergies are rare, and you may have an intolerance to beer or be allergic to a specific ingredient in beer. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after drinking beer, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Trouble breathing

If your symptoms are very mild, you may have a beer sensitivity or intolerance rather than a true allergy. Symptoms of a beer sensitivity or intolerance include:

• Hives
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Cramping
• Gas
• Bloating

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is best to avoid beer or any other food product that causes your body to react negatively.

Beer ingredients that cause allergies

Beer allergies are rare, but they do exist. If you experience an allergic reaction after drinking beer, it is very likely that you are allergic to a specific ingredient in beer. Here are some common beer ingredients that can cause allergies:

Grains

Grains are a common ingredient in beer, and they can be a source of allergies for some people. The most common grains used in beer are malted barley, wheat, and sorghum. People who are allergic to wheat are often also allergic to barley. However, it's important to note that barley is typically considered safe for those with wheat allergies. Other grains used in beer include corn, maize, rice, millet, cassava, and agave.

Hops

Hops are another key ingredient in beer, used for flavouring. Some people may have an allergy to hops, which can trigger allergic reactions.

Yeast

Yeast is a crucial ingredient in the beer-making process, and it can also be a potential allergen. Allergy to yeast is extremely rare but has been documented in some cases.

Additives and Preservatives

Some beers contain additives and preservatives, such as sulphites, sodium benzoate, and tartrazine, which can cause sensitivities or intolerances in some individuals.

Alcohol Intolerance

While not a true allergy, some people may experience alcohol intolerance, which is a genetic condition where the body cannot break down alcohol efficiently. This can cause reactions such as a stuffy nose and skin flushing.

If you suspect you have a beer allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult a doctor or allergist for proper diagnosis and advice.

Beer allergy testing

Beer allergies are rare, and you may actually have an intolerance to beer. However, it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis to determine if you do have a true beer allergy.

Beer Allergy Symptoms

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

If your symptoms are very mild, you may have a beer sensitivity rather than a true allergy. It 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.

Beer Allergy Diagnosis

The best way to determine if you have a beer allergy is to visit an allergist. An allergist can perform specific allergy tests to diagnose allergies. One of the easiest ways to diagnose allergies is to perform a skin prick allergy test. This test takes about 15 minutes to diagnose allergies. If your allergist cannot use a skin prick test to diagnose beer allergy, there are other methods like an elimination diet or provocation test.

During an elimination test, you should avoid beer to see if your symptoms subside. In contrast, a provocation test means consuming a small amount of beer to see if it evokes a reaction. You should never attempt a provocation test on your own. These challenges should be done in a clinical setting.

Beer Allergy Treatment

If you’re allergic to beer, the best treatment is avoidance. Although most beer allergy symptoms aren’t life-threatening, it’s important to stay away from the ingredients you are allergic to. If you are allergic to barley in beer, you should avoid other foods and drinks that contain this ingredient.

Beer intolerance vs. allergy

Beer intolerance and beer allergy are two different things, and it's important to understand the difference between them.

Beer Allergy

A true beer allergy is rare, and it occurs when your immune system reacts to a specific ingredient in beer. The many ingredients in beer make an allergy to one of the specific ingredients more likely. These ingredients include malted barley or other grains, such as wheat, sorghum, gluten, and rye, as well as assorted colourings, flavourings, and preservatives.

If you are allergic to beer, you will likely experience symptoms similar to other allergic reactions, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and chest tightness. Allergic reactions can also include hives, wheezing, and chest pain, and should be considered severe and potentially life-threatening. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required.

Beer Intolerance

Beer intolerance, on the other hand, is more common and is related to the digestive system's response to beer. Symptoms of beer intolerance are typically less serious and often limited to digestive problems like gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and nausea.

Beer intolerance can also be caused by an inability to break down alcohol effectively. This is a genetic condition, not an allergy, and can cause symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, and worsening of asthma symptoms.

Mould Allergy and Beer

While mould allergy is not directly related to beer intolerance, it is worth noting that mould is one of the common allergens found in beer, along with grains, hops, yeast, and barley. If you have a mould allergy, it is advisable to check the ingredients and avoid beers that contain mould.

Preventing beer from moulding

Mould in beer is a serious issue and can be dangerous. Moulds are multicellular fungi that grow in the form of filaments called hyphae, which look like long branch-like structures under a microscope. They require oxygen to grow and are tolerant of hops and alcohol levels above what is found in beer.

• Punch down any floating fruit in the beer with a dish-like tool to prevent mould growth on the fruit. Commercial sour brewers often do this.
• Purge the headspace with CO2 to prevent mould growth. Homebrewers can gently swirl their carboys to accomplish the same thing.
• Limit oxygen exposure to the beer.
• Practice diligent sanitation.
• Inspect barrels for mould prior to use; discard barrels that have mould growth.
• Keep relative humidity levels under 60% and preferably between 30-50%.

Frequently asked questions