Wheat-Free, Beer-Friendly: Enjoying Beer Without Wheat

Beer is traditionally made with barley, hops, yeast, and sometimes wheat. As barley and wheat contain gluten, conventional beer is not gluten-free. However, there are now many gluten-free beers on the market, made with gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, or millet. These beers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Gluten-removed or gluten-reduced beers are not recommended for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance, as they may still contain traces of gluten.

Gluten-free beers are made from grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, and millet

Beer is traditionally made with barley, hops, yeast, and sometimes wheat. Barley and wheat are grains that contain gluten. However, this does not mean that people who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease have to completely give up beer. There are gluten-free beers available that are made from grains that do not contain gluten.

Gluten-free beers are often made from grains such as sorghum, rice, and millet. These grains are naturally gluten-free and can be used to create a beer that is safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to drink. Sorghum beer, for example, is slightly sweet, while quinoa beer has a different smell from regular beer. Buckwheat beer, on the other hand, doesn't have stable foam.

In addition to these grains, corn, buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth can also be used to make gluten-free beer. These grains do not contain gluten and can be used as a base for barley-like recipes. For example, sorghum is often used as a substitute for barley, while millet is sweeter and is commonly used as a substitute for wheat.

Gluten-free beers made from these grains are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in many restaurants and bars. Some popular brands of gluten-free beer include Redbridge by Anheuser-Busch, Dragon's Gold by Bard's Tale Beer, and New Planet. These beers provide a great alternative for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease and wish to enjoy a beer without the negative health consequences.

Gluten-removed beers are made from gluten-containing grains, but the gluten is removed during production

Gluten-removed beers are made from gluten-containing grains, such as barley, wheat, or rye, but the gluten is removed during production. This is done by using enzymes to break down the gluten proteins into smaller fragments. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of this process has not been scientifically validated, and there may still be traces of gluten remaining.

The threshold for gluten detection is 20 parts per million (ppm), and gluten-removed beers are typically tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. While these beers are considered gluten-free in Europe, the FDA does not allow them to be labelled as gluten-free in the United States.

Some people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may still experience adverse symptoms after consuming gluten-removed beers. A test-tube study found that gluten-removed beer could still trigger an immune response in some individuals with celiac disease. Therefore, while these beers may be suitable for some, they are not recommended for those with severe gluten intolerance or allergies.

Gluten-removed beers offer a traditional beer flavour and can be labelled as beer according to German purity laws. They are made with wheat or barley, giving them a taste that is closer to that of traditional beers. Examples of gluten-removed beers include Omission and Estrella Damm Daura.

People with celiac disease should avoid gluten-removed beers as they may still contain fragments of gluten

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body triggers inflammation in the small intestine when gluten is consumed. This inflammation damages the lining of the small intestine, reducing its ability to absorb nutrients. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and is present in many processed foods like bread, pasta, noodles, and cereals. It is also commonly found in beer, which is traditionally made with barley, hops, yeast, and sometimes wheat.

Some beer manufacturers have started producing "gluten-removed" beers, which are made with grains that naturally contain gluten. The gluten is removed during production, but fragments may remain. The process used to break down gluten proteins is called hydrolysis, and there is currently no way to accurately check the gluten level in food and drinks that are partially broken down using this method.

Studies have shown that gluten-removed beers can still contain gluten fragments, and may not be safe for people with celiac disease. One study found that blood samples from people with celiac disease reacted to proteins in gluten-removed beer, indicating the presence of gluten fragments. Another study found detectable gluten fragments in all samples of gluten-removed beer using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, even though the beers were rated by their manufacturers as having gluten levels below 20 mg/kg.

For these reasons, experts recommend that people with celiac disease avoid gluten-removed beers. Instead, they should opt for beers that are labeled gluten-free, which are generally safe. Gluten-free beers are made with grains that do not contain any gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or millet.

Wine is gluten-free as it is made from grapes, and distillation removes gluten

Wine is typically made from grapes or other gluten-free fruits like berries and plums. The fermentation process also does not include any gluten. Therefore, wine is naturally gluten-free. Fortified wines like sherry contain distilled alcohol, which is also gluten-free.

However, there are two steps in the winemaking process where wine may come into contact with gluten: ageing and fining. During the ageing process, wine is stored in wooden casks (barrique barrels) that are usually sealed with tallow or paraffin wax. In rare cases, gluten-containing wheat paste may be used for sealing, but only in small amounts.

Fining is a process that removes unwanted elements, such as proteins, plant compounds, and yeast, to ensure the wine is clear rather than cloudy and smells and tastes good. Fining agents bind to unwanted elements, which are then filtered out. Gluten can be used as a fining agent, but this is rare. Even if gluten is used, studies suggest that the remaining gluten falls below 20 parts per million (ppm), which is the limit set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a product to be labelled gluten-free.

Therefore, while wine is naturally gluten-free as it is made from grapes, it is important to be aware that gluten may be introduced during the winemaking process, particularly during the fining step or if the wine has added flavourings or additives. However, the amount of gluten, if any, is generally considered to be harmless to people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Hard ciders are usually gluten-free, but check the label to be sure

If you're on a wheat-free diet, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy a drink. The good news is that there are plenty of gluten-free alcoholic beverages available. However, it's important to be cautious, as many drinks contain gluten, and some can cause adverse reactions even if they are labelled "gluten-removed".

Hard ciders are usually gluten-free, but it's important to check the label to be sure. Hard cider is typically made from apples, pears, or other specialty fruits, and does not contain gluten ingredients. However, some brands of hard cider may use barley for enzymes and flavour, which contains gluten. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the label to ensure the cider is truly gluten-free.

Some popular gluten-free hard cider brands include:

• Angry Orchard
• Strongbow
• Magners
• Blue Mountain Cider Company
• Bulmer’s Hard Cider
• Gaymer Cider Company
• J.K. Scrumpy’s Organic Hard Cider
• Newton’s Folly Hard Cider
• Original Sin Hard Cider
• Smith and Forge Hard Cider
• ACE Cider
• Crispin Cider
• Woodchuck Cider

If you're looking for a gluten-free drink, hard ciders are a great option, but always be sure to check the label to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions