Gluten-Free Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Gluten-free beer is now widely available, with many bars and retailers offering excellent gluten-free options. These beers are brewed with grains that don't contain gluten, such as rice, oats, and sorghum, rather than wheat or barley. There are also gluten-reduced beers, which have been modified to minimise their gluten content. Popular gluten-free beer brands include Green's, Glutenberg, and Ground Breaker Brewing Co.

Gluten-free beers are brewed with grains that don't contain gluten, like rice, oats, and sorghum

Gluten-free beers are made with grains that don't contain gluten, such as rice, oats, and sorghum. Traditional beers, on the other hand, are made with wheat or barley, both of which contain gluten. Brewers have become more creative with their ingredients, allowing them to make gluten-free beers that are just as tasty as traditional beers.

Rice is a gluten-free grain that is commonly used in beer brewing, especially in Asian countries where barley is not grown. One challenge of brewing with rice is that it lacks the natural enzymes found in barley that automatically convert starch into sugar during the boiling process. To overcome this, an enzyme can be added to the rice during brewing. This process is used to make sake, which is often referred to as "rice wine" in English, but is actually brewed like beer.

Sorghum is another gluten-free grain that is native to Africa, Asia, and many parts of the Pacific. It is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world and is used by brewers to create gluten-free beers that have the same look, taste, and mouthfeel as traditional beers.

Oats are also used in gluten-free brewing, as in the New Planet Beer Blonde Ale, which is made with gluten-free oats, millet, and blue corn.

Gluten-free beers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, according to FDA regulations, must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. It's important to note that "gluten-removed" or "gluten-reduced" beers are not the same as gluten-free beers and may not be suitable for people with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Gluten-reduced beers are modified to minimise gluten content

Gluten-free beers are brewed with grains that do not contain gluten, such as rice, oats, and sorghum. On the other hand, gluten-reduced beers are made from grains that naturally contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, or rye, but are modified to minimise gluten content.

According to the American Homebrewers Association, the process of producing gluten-reduced beer involves adding "an enzyme into the fermenter that reduces the resulting beer's gluten content". This enzyme, known as Clarex, is added during the fermentation process, where it separates and eliminates the potentially inflammatory nature of the gluten protein chains. While Clarex breaks down the gluten molecule into smaller pieces, it does not completely remove the gluten from the beer.

The use of Clarex in beer production has been a subject of debate. While brewers and the enzyme manufacturer claim that it breaks down the specific gluten protein that triggers an immune response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed uncertainty. The FDA states that it is uncertain whether thesection of gluten proteins eliminates the concern for people with celiac disease, as there may still be immunopathogenic protein fragments present.

Due to the presence of gluten-containing grains and the uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of Clarex, gluten-reduced beers are labelled as "gluten-reduced" or "crafted to remove gluten" rather than "gluten-free". Beers that are labelled as "gluten-free" must meet the requirement of having less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is considered safe for individuals with gluten-related disorders.

Gluten-free beers are safe for people on gluten-free diets

While some beers are labelled "gluten-removed" or "gluten-reduced", these are not truly gluten-free. Gluten-removed beers are made from gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, or rye, and processed using enzymes that break down gluten particles. However, the effectiveness of this process hasn't been scientifically proven, and these beers may still contain traces of gluten. Therefore, they are not recommended for people with severe gluten intolerance or allergies.

Gluten-free beers, on the other hand, are brewed with naturally gluten-free grains and are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some popular gluten-free beers include Buck Wild Pale Ale, Redbridge Lager, Glutenator IPA, and Pale Ale by Wild Polly Brewing Co. These beers offer just as much flavour and variety as their glutenous counterparts, ranging from bitter IPAs to refreshing golden ales.

In addition to choosing gluten-free beers, those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can also opt for wine or distilled liquors, as these are typically gluten-free as well. However, it is always important to carefully read the labels of any alcoholic beverage to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

With the increasing availability of gluten-free beers, those on gluten-free diets can safely enjoy a wide range of beer styles and flavours without compromising their health.

Gluten-reduced beers may not be safe for people with Celiac disease

Gluten-free beers are made with grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or oats. These beers are safe for people with Celiac disease to consume. However, the same cannot be said for gluten-reduced beers.

Gluten-reduced beers are made with grains that naturally contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, or rye. The gluten is then removed in production, but some fragments may remain. The issue is that there is currently no way to accurately test the gluten levels in these types of beers.

A study by Tricia Thompson, MS, RD of Gluten Free Watchdog found that several blood samples from people with Celiac disease showed a reaction to gluten-removed beer. This indicates that these beers may still contain fragments of gluten and therefore may not be safe for people with Celiac disease to consume.

While the American Homebrewers Association states that gluten-reduced beers are made by adding "an enzyme into the fermenter that reduces the resulting beer's gluten content", the effectiveness of this process has not been validated by the scientific or medical communities. As a result, it is recommended that people with Celiac disease avoid gluten-removed beers and instead opt for beers that are labeled gluten-free.

Common beers like Bud Light, Corona Extra, and Stella are not gluten-free

Yes, you can buy gluten-free beer. However, common beers like Bud Light, Corona Extra, and Stella Artois are not gluten-free.

Bud Light

Bud Light is America's best-selling beer, with a revenue of almost 6 billion USD. It is produced by Anheuser-Busch and contains ingredients such as water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and rice. While some people with gluten intolerance may be able to consume Bud Light without experiencing any negative effects, it is not gluten-free and may not be suitable for those with celiac disease.

Corona Extra

Corona Extra, Corona's original beer, is a pale lager produced by the Mexican company Grupo Modelo. It was first introduced in Mexico in 1925 and came to the US in the 1980s. Today, it is the top-selling imported beer in the US. Corona Extra, along with other Corona varieties such as Corona Light, Corona Familiar, and Corona Premier, are made from malted barley, which naturally contains gluten. While the fermentation process reduces the gluten content, there are still traces of gluten in these beers. Therefore, they are not considered gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Stella Artois

Stella Artois is a famous Belgian beer available almost worldwide. It is produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev and contains ingredients such as brewing water and malted barley. While some people with celiac disease may be able to consume Stella Artois without experiencing any negative effects, it is not gluten-free. There is also a gluten-free version of Stella Artois available in some markets.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

There are several gluten-free beer options available for those who want to avoid gluten completely. These beers are typically made from gluten-free ingredients such as sorghum, rice, buckwheat, and millet. Some widely available gluten-free beers include Redbridge, Bard's Tale, Glutenberg, New Grist, and Schnitzer Brau. These beers are often found in health food stores or can be ordered online. Additionally, there are craft breweries that specialise in gluten-free beer, although their distribution may be limited to local markets.

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