Does Sol Beer Contain Gluten? The Definitive Answer

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring them to avoid gluten entirely. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the question, "Does Sol contain gluten?" is critical, and the answer is that standard Sol beer is not gluten-free due to its primary ingredient, malted barley.

Quick Summary

Standard Sol Mexican lager contains gluten because it is brewed with malted barley. It is unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Specific gluten-free alternatives exist for those who must avoid gluten.

Key Points

Sol is Not Gluten-Free: Standard Sol beer is brewed with malted barley and contains gluten.
Malted Barley is the Culprit: The use of malted barley during the brewing process introduces gluten into the beer.
Unsafe for Sensitive Individuals: Regular Sol beer is not safe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Look for Alternatives: The market offers safe alternatives, such as naturally gluten-free beers and gluten-removed products.
Always Read Labels: Checking ingredient lists for allergens like cereals containing gluten is critical for dietary safety.
Gluten-Removed is Not Always 'Safe' for Celiacs: While gluten-removed beers have reduced gluten, they may not be fully safe for everyone with celiac disease.
Trust Certifications: Look for products with official gluten-free certification for the highest level of safety.

The Core Ingredients of Sol Beer

To understand whether Sol contains gluten, one must first look at its ingredient list. The main ingredients of standard Sol Cerveza are water, malted barley, glucose syrup, and hop extract. Malted barley, a primary grain used in traditional beer brewing, is the source of gluten in this product. When consumed, it can trigger adverse reactions in people with celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

The brewing process, which ferments the sugars from the malted barley, does not remove the gluten proteins to a safe level for those with sensitivities. While the fermentation breaks down some proteins, it does not eliminate them entirely. Therefore, for someone on a strict gluten-free diet, regular Sol beer is not a safe choice.

The Impact of Gluten in Beer

Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat, barley, and rye. For individuals with celiac disease, ingesting gluten causes an immune reaction that damages the small intestine's lining, leading to long-term health complications. Even for those with a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming products with gluten can cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The gluten content in traditional beer, including Sol, makes it a significant risk for this population. Labels often list cereals containing gluten as an allergen, which is the case for Sol beer.

Alternatives for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Fortunately, the market has expanded significantly to offer safe alternatives for beer lovers who need to avoid gluten. These alternatives can be categorized into naturally gluten-free beers and gluten-removed beers.

Naturally Gluten-Free Beers: These beverages are brewed using grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, buckwheat, or millet. This category is the safest option for those with celiac disease as there is no gluten introduced during the brewing process. Examples include brands like New Grist by Lakefront Brewery.
Gluten-Removed Beers: These beers are brewed with gluten-containing grains, but the final product is treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten proteins. While this process significantly reduces the gluten content, it may not be suitable for all individuals with celiac disease, as trace amounts of gluten may still remain. These products are often labeled as "crafted to remove gluten" rather than "gluten-free." Michelob Ultra Amber Max is a well-known example of a gluten-removed beer.

Comparison Table: Sol vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives


Feature	Sol Mexican Lager	Naturally Gluten-Free Beer	Gluten-Removed Beer
Gluten Content	Contains gluten from malted barley.	Explicitly gluten-free; brewed with alternative grains.	Gluten is reduced via enzymatic treatment.
Ingredients	Malted barley, water, glucose syrup, hop extract.	Sorghum, millet, rice, or other gluten-free grains.	Malted barley (primary ingredient) and other standard beer ingredients.
Safety for Celiacs	Not safe. Poses a significant risk.	Safest option. No gluten is ever introduced.	Potential risk. May not be suitable for all celiac patients.
Taste Profile	Traditional crisp, light Mexican lager taste.	Varies based on ingredients, can differ from traditional beer.	Tastes very similar to traditional beer.
Regulation	Not regulated as gluten-free.	May be certified gluten-free, following strict guidelines.	Labeled as "crafted to remove gluten" in the US.

Reading Labels for Gluten

For anyone with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, reading ingredient labels is an essential habit. Products that contain gluten must list it as an allergen in many regions, but understanding the source is key. When it comes to beer, "malted barley" and "wheat" are direct indicators of gluten. For those with a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease, consulting a doctor or dietitian is always recommended before trying any new beverage, even those marketed as 'gluten-removed.' For official information, the Celiac Disease Foundation provides comprehensive resources on diet and product safety. Check the Celiac Disease Foundation website

Conclusion

In summary, standard Sol Mexican lager is not a gluten-free product and contains gluten primarily from malted barley. This makes it an unsuitable choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The growing market for gluten-free products, however, offers a variety of safe alternatives, including both naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed beers. Always prioritize reading ingredient labels and, when in doubt, choose beverages that are certified gluten-free to ensure your health and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard Sol beer is not safe for someone with celiac disease because it contains gluten from malted barley.

No, if you have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you should avoid drinking standard Sol beer due to its gluten content.

The primary source of gluten in Sol beer is malted barley, which is a key ingredient in the brewing process.

There are no official gluten-free versions of Sol beer. For a gluten-free option, you would need to choose a different brand that is specifically labeled gluten-free.

No, the traditional brewing process for Sol, involving malted barley, does not remove the gluten proteins to a safe level for a gluten-free diet.

You can find gluten-free beer alternatives at most liquor stores or grocery stores. Look for options labeled as 'naturally gluten-free' (made from grains like sorghum) or 'crafted to remove gluten' (enzymatically treated).

It is crucial to check allergen information for beer because, for individuals with celiac disease or sensitivities, consuming gluten can cause serious health complications.