Does Hop Contain Gluten? Unpacking the Truth for Gluten-Free Diets

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over one-third of consumers worldwide consider themselves to be on a gluten-free or gluten-reduced diet, making the gluten content of common ingredients a frequent concern. A common misconception, particularly among those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, is that hops might contain gluten because of their role in brewing beer. However, the truth is that hops are naturally gluten-free and do not pose a direct threat for those avoiding gluten.

Quick Summary

Hops are gluten-free flowers, not grains, meaning they do not inherently contain gluten proteins. Cross-contamination risk during processing or brewing with gluten-containing grains is the primary concern for people with celiac disease.

Key Points

Hops Are Naturally Gluten-Free: Hops are flowers from the Humulus lupulus plant, not a grain, and therefore do not contain gluten proteins.
Beer Contains Gluten from Grains: In traditional beer, the gluten comes from the malted barley or wheat, not the hops used during the brewing process.
Cross-Contamination is the Risk: For individuals with celiac disease, the main risk comes from cross-contamination in breweries that produce both gluten-free and regular beers.
Choose Certified Products for Safety: The safest option for a strictly gluten-free diet is to consume hop products from dedicated gluten-free breweries or opt for certified hop-infused beverages.
Naturally Gluten-Free Beers Exist: Many breweries now produce beers using alternative, gluten-free grains like sorghum or rice, which are safe for consumption.
Hop Water is a Safe Alternative: Hop-infused sparkling water or hop tea provides the flavor of hops without any grain, making it a completely gluten-free option.

What is a hop?

Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, a member of the Cannabaceae family, which is also related to hemp. These flowers are a crucial ingredient in brewing, providing beer with its characteristic bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Different varieties of hops offer unique characteristics, ranging from floral and citrusy to piney and spicy notes. Hops also possess natural antimicrobial properties, which act as a preservative and help extend the shelf life of beer. Because they are flowers and not related to gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye, hops themselves are entirely gluten-free.

The brewing process and gluten

The confusion about hops and gluten largely stems from their use in traditional beer production. While hops themselves are safe, most traditional beers are made with malted barley or wheat, which are the sources of gluten. The gluten proteins in these grains are what make most regular beer unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

How beer can become a gluten risk

Cross-contamination: Breweries that produce both traditional and gluten-free beers in the same facility run a significant risk of cross-contamination. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction in someone with celiac disease.
Brewing process: The gluten from the malted grain is introduced early in the brewing process and, despite some proteins being filtered out, is not entirely removed in a standard brew.

Gluten-free alternatives and products with hops

For those who need to avoid gluten but love the hoppy flavor, several products and brewing methods are available:

Naturally gluten-free beers: These are brewed with alternative, gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, or millet. Since hops are added to a gluten-free base, the resulting beverage is safe. Many craft breweries now specialize in these options, offering a wide range of flavors.
Gluten-removed beers: Some brewers use a special enzyme during fermentation to break down the gluten proteins from traditional grains like barley. While these products may test below the gluten-free threshold of 20 ppm, they are not always safe for individuals with celiac disease and should be approached with caution.
Hop-infused waters and teas: These non-alcoholic beverages are made with water, hops, and sometimes added flavors or citric acid. Since they do not contain any grain, they are a completely safe, gluten-free way to enjoy the flavor of hops.

Comparison of hop-based products for gluten-free diets


Product Type	Brewing Process	Gluten Source	Safety for Celiacs	Certified Gluten-Free Options	Best For
Traditional Beer	Uses malted barley or wheat.	Malted grains.	Unsafe: High risk of gluten.	Rare.	Those without gluten restrictions.
Gluten-Removed Beer	Brewed with traditional grains, then treated with enzymes.	Originally from malted grains.	High Risk: May still contain trace amounts.	Some certified, but not always safe.	Individuals with mild sensitivities, not Celiac.
Naturally Gluten-Free Beer	Brewed with alternative grains (rice, sorghum, etc.).	None (if produced in a dedicated facility).	Safe: No gluten-containing ingredients.	Widely available and often certified.	Anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Hop Water / Tea	Infused with hops and water; no grains used.	None.	Safe: Inherently gluten-free.	Many brands offer third-party certification.	The safest way to enjoy hop flavor without alcohol or grains.

Understanding cross-contamination and sourcing

For those with celiac disease, avoiding cross-contamination is as critical as avoiding the ingredient itself. While hops are naturally free of gluten, it's essential to understand the journey they take from the farm to your glass. A reputable source of gluten-free products, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, ensures manufacturers follow strict standards to prevent contamination.

Processing: During processing, hops could potentially come into contact with gluten-containing materials if the equipment is not meticulously cleaned. Manufacturers of certified products will have procedures in place to prevent this.
Brewery facilities: The most common source of contamination is a shared brewing facility. A truly safe gluten-free beer for a person with celiac disease must come from a dedicated gluten-free brewing facility.

Conclusion

The simple and reassuring answer to "Does hop contain gluten?" is no. As a flower, the hop plant is naturally gluten-free. The risk of gluten lies not in the hop itself, but in the other ingredients used alongside it, particularly the malted barley or wheat in traditional beer. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, seeking out naturally gluten-free products like hop-infused water or beer from a certified, dedicated gluten-free brewery is the safest path. For those with milder sensitivities, gluten-removed beers might be an option, but caution is advised. By understanding the distinction between the hop and the brewing process, you can make informed choices and enjoy the flavors you love safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, hops themselves are safe for someone with celiac disease because they are naturally gluten-free flowers. However, any product containing hops, especially beer, must be carefully vetted for potential gluten from other ingredients and cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Gluten-removed beers are brewed with gluten-containing grains but treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten protein. While they may test below the gluten-free threshold, they can still contain trace amounts and are not considered safe for everyone with celiac disease.

Naturally gluten-free beer is made with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or millet. Gluten-removed beer uses traditional gluten-containing grains and then attempts to remove the gluten during processing.

Most traditional IPAs contain malted barley, which has gluten, and are therefore not safe for a gluten-free diet. You must specifically seek out a 'naturally gluten-free IPA' or a 'gluten-removed IPA,' and exercise caution with the latter if you have celiac disease.

Yes, hop-infused sparkling waters and teas are inherently gluten-free. They typically contain only water, hops, and sometimes citric acid, with no grain-based ingredients.

This is a common misconception that likely stems from the fact that hops are a key ingredient in beer, and most beer contains gluten from malted barley or wheat.

To ensure a product is safe, look for a certified gluten-free label from an organization like the GFCO. This certification verifies that the product meets strict standards and is protected from cross-contamination.