Are Alcohol Free Coronas Gluten-Free? An Essential Guide

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite the removal of alcohol, the non-alcoholic version of Corona is not considered gluten-free for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Like its alcoholic counterpart, Corona Cero is brewed with barley, a gluten-containing grain. For those with dietary restrictions, understanding the ingredients and brewing process is crucial for making safe choices.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies why alcohol-free Corona, including Corona Cero, is not gluten-free due to its barley malt content. It compares traditional and non-alcoholic brewing, distinguishes between gluten-free and gluten-removed beers, and lists genuinely gluten-free alcohol-free alternatives for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.

Key Points

Not Gluten-Free: Alcohol-free Corona Cero is brewed with barley malt and is not safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Barley is the Problem: The presence of barley in the brewing process means gluten remains in the final product, even after the alcohol has been removed.
Don't Confuse 'Gluten-Removed': Some beers have gluten-reduced levels, but this is not the same as certified gluten-free and is unsafe for celiacs.
Check Labels for Safety: Always look for "Certified Gluten-Free" labels or brands that explicitly use non-gluten grains like sorghum or millet.
Alternatives Exist: Several dedicated gluten-free and non-alcoholic beer options are available from brands like Athletic Brewing Co., Big Drop Brewing Co., and others.
Seltzers are a Safe Bet: Corona Hard Seltzers are fermented from sugar and are a safe, gluten-free alternative.

Understanding the Ingredients: Why Corona Cero Contains Gluten

When consumers see an "alcohol-free" label, they often assume it extends to other dietary considerations, but this is a common misconception. The non-alcoholic version of Corona, known as Corona Cero or Corona Sunbrew, utilizes the same base ingredients as traditional Corona, including barley malt. Barley is a primary source of gluten. The non-alcoholic status is achieved by removing alcohol after brewing, not by altering the fundamental, gluten-containing grain recipe.

The Brewing Process: From Grains to Glass

Beer brewing relies on grains like barley, wheat, and rye, which contain gluten. For non-alcoholic beers like Corona Cero, the fermentation process proceeds normally with these grains. Alcohol is then extracted using methods such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. This process removes alcohol but does not eliminate the gluten proteins from the barley. Therefore, most traditional non-alcoholic beers, including Corona's, contain gluten.

Gluten-Removed vs. Gluten-Free: A Critical Difference

For those with celiac disease, the distinction between 'gluten-removed' and 'gluten-free' is essential for safety.

Gluten-Removed:

Made with traditional, gluten-containing grains (e.g., barley).
Enzymes are used to break down some gluten proteins.
Health organizations like the FDA and Coeliac UK advise against consumption for individuals with celiac disease due to potential residual gluten and unreliable testing of fermented products.

Certified Gluten-Free:

Brewed using naturally gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat.
Must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, adhering to FDA standards.
Produced in facilities free from cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.

Corona Cero contains barley and is not marketed as gluten-free or gluten-removed, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Safe Alternatives to Alcohol-Free Corona

Several genuinely gluten-free and alcohol-free options exist for those seeking alternatives. These often use alternative grains or are certified gluten-free.

Comparison Table of Non-Alcoholic Options


Brand/Product	Gluten Content	Brewing Method	Notes
Corona Cero	Contains gluten (from barley)	Traditional brewing, alcohol removed	Unsafe for celiac; contains gluten.
Corona Hard Seltzer	Gluten-free	Fermented from sugar	A safe, non-beer alternative.
Athletic Brewing Co. (Upside Dawn)	Certified Gluten-Free	Alternative grains	Popular, award-winning gluten-free beer.
Big Drop Brewing Co.	Certified Gluten-Free	Alternative grains	Award-winning specialist NA gluten-free craft brewer.
Glutenberg	Certified Gluten-Free	Alternative grains (millet, buckwheat, corn)	Canadian brand, nationally available.
Redbridge (Anheuser-Busch)	Certified Gluten-Free	Sorghum-based	Widely available national option.

How to Choose a Safe Non-Alcoholic Beer

Choosing a safe non-alcoholic beer on a gluten-free diet requires careful label reading. Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" marks or indications that the beer is brewed with gluten-free grains. Do not assume a product is gluten-free just because it is alcohol-free. Always check the ingredients list, and avoid products containing barley malt or wheat.

Conclusion

In summary, alcohol free Coronas are not gluten-free. They are brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten, making them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While the market for non-alcoholic beverages is growing, consumers with dietary restrictions must be diligent. Reading ingredient labels and seeking out certified gluten-free options are essential steps to ensure safe consumption.

Outbound Link For more information on living with celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Corona Cero is not safe for people with celiac disease. It is brewed with barley malt, a grain that contains gluten, and is therefore not gluten-free.

No, the process of removing alcohol does not eliminate gluten. Gluten is a protein found in the grains used for brewing, and it remains in the liquid even after the alcohol has been extracted.

'Gluten-removed' beers are made with gluten-containing grains and use an enzyme to break down gluten, but they are not reliably safe for celiacs. 'Certified gluten-free' beers are brewed exclusively with gluten-free grains and contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Yes, but not in the beer family. Corona Hard Seltzer and Corona Seltzerita are fermented from sugar and are considered gluten-free alternatives.

Always read the ingredients list and look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label. Avoid any product containing barley or wheat unless it is specifically labelled and certified as gluten-free.

Several brands specialize in certified gluten-free non-alcoholic beers, including Athletic Brewing Co., Big Drop Brewing Co., and Glutenberg.

The confusion likely stems from online rumors and the misunderstanding that because a beer is alcohol-free or an import, it must be gluten-free. Manufacturer information confirms that all of their beer products contain gluten.