Gluten-Free Beer: Calorie Count And Health Benefits

Beer is traditionally made with barley, hops, yeast, and sometimes wheat, which are grains that contain gluten. This means that beer is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, gluten-free beer is made with grains like millet, sorghum, and rice, which do not contain gluten. While gluten-free beers often have a different taste and are more expensive, they are a healthier alternative for those who are gluten intolerant. Gluten-free beers have a similar calorie count to regular beers, but drinkers report feeling less bloated and fatigued. For example, a 330ml bottle of SkinnyBrands Lager contains 89 calories, while a 100ml serving of Peroni Gluten-Free Beer contains 42 calories.

Calories in gluten-free beer vs regular beer

Regular beer is traditionally made with barley, hops, yeast, and sometimes wheat. As barley and wheat contain gluten, regular beer is unsuitable for those following a gluten-free diet. However, gluten-free options are available, often made with grains like millet, sorghum, and rice.

Gluten-free beers tend to be slightly lower in calories than regular beers. For example, SkinnyBrands Lager is a gluten-free beer with 89 calories per bottle, which is 35% fewer calories than average. Omission Ultimate Light is another gluten-free beer with only 99 calories per 12 ounces.

In comparison, a typical lager has around 90-120 calories per 12 ounces, with Budweiser Select at the lower end with 55 calories per 12 ounces, and Samuel Adams at the higher end with 124 calories per 12 ounces.

Some gluten-free beers are also low in carbohydrates, such as SkinnyBrands Lager, which has only 2.97g of carbohydrates per bottle, compared to 14g in a Corona Extra.

Gluten-removed beers are also available, which are made with gluten-containing grains but have the gluten removed in production. However, some fragments of gluten may remain, so these beers are not recommended for people with celiac disease.

Overall, gluten-free beers tend to have slightly fewer calories than regular beers, and some are also low in carbohydrates, making them a healthier option for those following a gluten-free diet.

The best gluten-free beers

Gluten-free beers are typically made with grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and rice. Gluten-free beers are suitable for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

Ghostfish Brewing Co

Ghostfish Brewing Co. is a gluten-free brewery based in Seattle, Washington, that has won several awards for its beers. Their range includes the Grapefruit IPA, Shrouded Summit, and Meteor Shower (125 calories) blonde ales, as well as seasonal and taproom-only beers like the Lunar Harvest Pumpkin Ale.

Ground Breaker Brewing

Ground Breaker Brewing is a dedicated gluten-free brewery in Portland, Oregon. They offer a range of innovative, seasonal beers, as well as their award-winning Inclusion Dry Hopped Pale Ale and Olallie Blackberry and Rosehip Ale.

Holidaily Brewing Co

Holidaily Brewing Co. is a female-owned, gluten-free brewery in Golden, Colorado. Their Big Henry IPA won a Bronze medal at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival, and their seasonal beers include the Buckwit Belgian and Patchy Waters Pumpkin Ale.

Green's Beer

Green's is a UK-based company that has been brewing gluten-free beer for a long time. Their beers are brewed in the Belgian tradition, and their Pale Dry-Hopped Lager is a popular choice.

Bard's Tale Beer

Bard's Tale Beer is a naturally gluten-free lager-style beer brewed from malted sorghum. It has a full lager flavour and is crafted carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

SkinnyBrands Lager

SkinnyBrands Lager is a low-calorie, low-sugar, and low-carb gluten-free beer. With only 89 calories per bottle, it's a great choice for those looking for a healthier option without compromising on taste.

Glutenberg Blonde

Glutenberg Blonde is a gluten-free beer with 160 calories and 4.5% ABV.

Green's IPA

With 6% ABV, Green's IPA is another gluten-free option with 160 calories.

Holidaily Favorite Blonde

Holidaily Favorite Blonde has 5% ABV and 161 calories, making it a great gluten-free choice.

Coors Peak

Coors Peak is a gluten-free beer with 4.7% ABV and 170 calories.

Calories in Gluten-Free Beer

Gluten-free beers typically range from 89 to 170 calories, with an average of around 150 calories per 12 ounces (354 ml). This is comparable to non-gluten-free beers, which can range from 70 to 200 calories.

The difference in taste

Gluten-free beer is made with grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, quinoa, buckwheat, rice, and millet. As a result, the taste of gluten-free beer can differ from regular beer. Gluten-free beer may be sweeter or less carbonated than regular beer. For example, sorghum beer is slightly sweet, quinoa beer has a different smell, and buckwheat beer doesn't have stable foam.

However, as more gluten-free beers enter the market, the taste improves. For instance, SkinnyBrands Lager is a gluten-free beer that has been described as tasting like a "normal beer." In addition, gluten-free beers from DrinkWell, such as the DrinkWell IPA and Kona Light, are said to be "just-as-delicious" as regular beers and "packed with interesting flavors."

While the taste of gluten-free beer has improved, there are still some differences compared to regular beer. One notable difference is the absence of the thick mouthfeel that is characteristic of regular beer made with gluten-containing grains. Gluten gives beer its body and a thicker mouthfeel, which is lacking in gluten-free options.

Furthermore, gluten-free beers may have a different effect on the drinker's body. Drinkers of gluten-free beer have reported feeling less bloated and fatigued compared to drinking regular beer. This could be due to the absence of gluten, which can cause digestive issues in some people.

In summary, while the taste of gluten-free beer has improved significantly, there may still be some subtle differences compared to regular beer. The absence of gluten-containing grains can lead to variations in flavor, mouthfeel, and the drinker's overall experience. However, with the increasing demand for gluten-free options, brewers are continuously working to create gluten-free beers that rival the taste and experience of their glutenous counterparts.

The cost of gluten-free beer

Gluten-free beer is made from grains that don't contain gluten, such as sorghum, quinoa, rice, buckwheat, and millet. The process of making gluten-free beer often adds to the production costs, which are then passed on to the consumer.

For example, SkinnyBrands Lager, a gluten-free option available in the UK, offers a premium malty flavour with each can or bottle costing under £1. Meanwhile, DrinkWell's IPA, another gluten-free option, costs £19.99 for a case of 12, which is priced higher than regular IPAs.

In the United States, gluten-free beer options such as Anheuser-Busch's Redbridge (made from sorghum) and Coors Peak (made with brown rice) can be found in well-stocked stores and gluten-free-friendly restaurants. These options may be priced higher than regular beers due to the specialised ingredients and brewing processes.

It's important to note that the cost of gluten-free beer may also be influenced by factors such as supply and demand, distribution, and local taxes. Additionally, the availability of gluten-free beers can vary by region, which may impact the pricing.

While gluten-free beers may come with a higher price tag, they offer an essential option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, who would otherwise be unable to enjoy a beer. The peace of mind and ability to socialise with a beverage in hand can make the extra cost worth it for those who need to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.

In conclusion, the cost of gluten-free beer is typically higher than that of regular beer due to the use of alternative grains and adaptations in the brewing process. However, with the increasing demand for gluten-free products, we may see a wider range of options and more competitive pricing in the future.

The process of making gluten-free beer

There are two main ways to make gluten-free beer. The first is to use a malt from naturally gluten-free cereals or pseudocereals such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, quinoa, or maize. The second method is to produce a beer using a gluten-containing malt (wheat, barley, or rye) and then introduce a process to reduce the gluten content so that it complies with the law on gluten-free products, which states that gluten-free beer must contain 20 parts per million (ppm) or less of gluten.

Using Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients

Gluten-free beer can be made using grains that are naturally free of gluten, such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, quinoa, or maize. These beers often have slightly different aromas and flavors compared to regular beer. For example, sorghum beer is slightly sweet, quinoa beer has a different smell, and buckwheat beer doesn't have stable foam.

Reducing Gluten Content

The second method of making gluten-free beer involves using a gluten-containing malt, such as wheat, barley, or rye, and then introducing a process to reduce the gluten content. This can be done by using an enzyme at the start of the fermentation process to break down the gluten protein. An example of this is the patented product Brewers Clarex®, which degrades the gluten to levels below the 20 ppm threshold. As this type of beer has been made from barley, by law, the labeling must also state 'contains barley'.

Gluten-Free Beer and Celiac Disease

It is important to note that for individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can be harmful. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body triggers inflammation in the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Over time, this damages the lining of the small intestine, causing it to absorb fewer nutrients. While there is no cure for celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage the condition.

Calories in Gluten-Free Beer

Gluten-free beers are typically lower in calories compared to regular beers. Some examples of low-calorie gluten-free beers include Glutenberg Blonde (4.5% ABV) with 160 calories, Green's IPA (6% ABV) with 160 calories, and Holidaily Favorite Blonde (5% ABV) with 161 calories.

Frequently asked questions