Understanding the Gluten Status of Coors Products
For anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, knowing the ingredients in your favorite beverages is critical. The straightforward answer to whether Coors offers a gluten-free beer is complex: while the company once had a dedicated gluten-free product, its core beer lineup is not gluten-free today. The gluten content in beer is determined by its ingredients and brewing process. Traditional beers, like most of those brewed by Molson Coors, rely on barley, a gluten-containing grain, for their malt base.
Coors Peak: The Now-Defunct Gluten-Free Option
In 2015, Molson Coors introduced Coors Peak, a certified gluten-free beer. This product was a significant development in the mainstream beer market because it was naturally gluten-free from the start, brewed using brown rice malt instead of barley. It was launched exclusively in the Seattle and Portland metropolitan areas with two variations: a Copper Lager and a Golden Lager. Despite positive reviews and a commitment to quality, Coors Peak appears to have been discontinued and is no longer widely available. Its limited run and subsequent disappearance highlight the challenges of marketing gluten-free products on a national scale for major brewers.
Why Coors Light and Coors Banquet Are Not Gluten-Free
Contrary to some popular misconceptions, Coors Light and Coors Banquet are not gluten-free. Both of these popular lagers are brewed with barley malt, a primary source of gluten. While some online reports may suggest that Coors Light contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, this is not a reliable metric for individuals with celiac disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a product be brewed without gluten-containing grains to be labeled 'gluten-free,' not just test below a certain threshold. For this reason, anyone with a serious gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid these products.
The Rise of Hard Seltzers as a Gluten-Free Alternative
For those seeking a gluten-free option from the Molson Coors family of brands, hard seltzers like Coors Seltzer are a safe bet. These beverages are fermented from sugar rather than barley, making them naturally gluten-free. As the market for hard seltzers has expanded, they have become a popular alternative for those who need to avoid gluten but still want a beverage from a familiar brand.
Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Removed Beers
When exploring gluten-free beer options, it's crucial to understand the difference between 'gluten-free' and 'gluten-removed' products. The distinction is critical for consumer safety.
- Gluten-Free Beer: These beers are brewed from ingredients that are naturally free of gluten, such as sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat. The brewing process ensures no gluten is introduced at any stage. Certified gluten-free products, like the former Coors Peak, undergo rigorous testing and are safe for celiacs.
- Gluten-Removed Beer: These are beers made with traditional gluten-containing grains (like barley) but treated with an enzyme, often Brewers Clarex, to break down the gluten protein. While this process can significantly reduce the gluten content, it may not eliminate it entirely. For individuals with celiac disease, these beers carry a risk, as some people still experience an immune response despite the lower gluten levels.
Comparison of Coors Products and Gluten-Free Alternatives
| Product | Gluten Status | Base Grain | Suitable for Celiacs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coors Light | Not Gluten-Free | Barley Malt | No, contains gluten |
| Coors Banquet | Not Gluten-Free | Barley Malt | No, contains gluten |
| Coors Pure | Not Gluten-Free | Barley Malt | No, contains gluten |
| Coors Peak (Discontinued) | Certified Gluten-Free | Brown Rice Malt | Yes, safe when available |
| Coors Seltzer | Certified Gluten-Free | Fermented Sugar | Yes, safe |
| Redbridge Lager | Certified Gluten-Free | Sorghum | Yes, safe |
| Glutenberg Pale Ale | Certified Gluten-Free | Gluten-Free Grains | Yes, safe |
Alternatives to Coors for the Gluten-Free Drinker
Fortunately, the gluten-free beer market has expanded significantly since the days of Coors Peak. A wide variety of breweries now specialize in gluten-free products, offering diverse and flavorful options.
Here are some of the most popular and reliable certified gluten-free brands:
- Redbridge Lager: Brewed by Anheuser-Busch, this lager is made from sorghum and has been a reliable gluten-free option for many years.
- Glutenberg: A Canadian brewery that offers a full lineup of certified gluten-free beers, including a Pale Ale, IPA, and Red Ale.
- Ghostfish Brewing Company: Based in Seattle, this brewery is dedicated to brewing solely gluten-free beers, such as their Vanishing Point Pale Ale.
- Holidaily Brewing Co.: A dedicated gluten-free craft brewery in Colorado with a wide selection of styles.
In addition to these dedicated breweries, many mainstream companies offer certified gluten-free hard seltzers, ciders, and other alternative alcoholic beverages. Always check the label for a certified gluten-free logo, particularly if you have celiac disease or a high sensitivity to gluten.
Conclusion
While Coors briefly offered a certified gluten-free beer called Coors Peak, it has since been discontinued. The company's flagship beers, including Coors Light, Coors Banquet, and Coors Pure, are all brewed with barley and are not safe for a gluten-free diet. For those seeking a gluten-free option from Molson Coors, hard seltzers are available. However, a growing number of dedicated gluten-free breweries and brands offer certified products specifically designed to be safe for those with gluten sensitivities. For the most up-to-date and authoritative information on celiac-safe products, it is always recommended to consult resources like the Gluten Intolerance Group.
