Your Guide to Finding Gluten Free Beer at Tesco
For individuals with coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or those choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, finding suitable beer options is essential. Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, has expanded its 'Free From' range over the years to include a solid selection of gluten-free beverages. The availability of these products is a significant step towards more inclusive shopping, ensuring that customers with dietary restrictions can still enjoy a refreshing beer.
Locating Gluten Free Beer In-store and Online
When you're shopping at Tesco, knowing where to look can save you a lot of time. Gluten-free beers are primarily stocked in two potential locations:
- The 'Free From' Aisle: The most reliable place to find gluten-free beer is within the dedicated 'Free From' section. This aisle is specifically for products that cater to common dietary needs like dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. It's often found alongside healthy living or speciality food items.
- The Main Beer and Cider Aisle: In larger Tesco stores, some gluten-free products might be integrated into the main beer section, though they will always be clearly labelled. It's best to check the dedicated 'Free From' area first to be sure.
If you prefer to shop online, the process is even simpler. Using the search function on the Tesco Groceries website or app and filtering by 'Gluten Free' under the 'Beer & Cider' category will display all available options in your area. This method also helps you confirm stock levels before you visit a store.
Popular Gluten Free Beer Brands at Tesco
Tesco stocks an impressive roster of gluten-free brands, offering a variety of beer styles to suit different tastes. Here is a closer look at some of the most prominent ones:
- Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free: This Italian lager is a popular choice for its crisp and refreshing flavour. It's brewed with the same passion as the original but with the gluten carefully removed, maintaining its signature taste. This brand is often available in multipacks of 330ml bottles.
- Greene King IPA Gluten Free: A great option for ale enthusiasts, this gluten-free IPA retains the original's flavour, delivering a crisp and moreish taste. It is typically sold in larger 500ml bottles and is a testament to the fact that traditional ales can be made gluten-free without compromising quality.
- Old Speckled Hen Gluten Free: Another classic English ale from Greene King, the gluten-free version of Old Speckled Hen offers the same rich, malty taste and fruity aroma as the original. This brew is smooth and satisfying, providing a familiar taste experience for those with gluten dietary needs.
- Stella Artois Gluten Free Lager: A popular mainstream option, the gluten-free version of Stella Artois is a crisp and clear-tasting lager that is readily available in multipacks of 330ml bottles at Tesco.
- Daura Damm Gluten Free: From Spain, Daura Damm is an award-winning gluten-free lager known for its high quality. Its availability at Tesco brings an international option to the UK market.
- Brewdog Gluten Free Punk IPA: For craft beer lovers, Brewdog's gluten-free Punk IPA is a standout option. This hoppy beer provides a flavourful alternative that doesn't sacrifice the punch and character expected from a craft brew.
- Skinny Brands Premium Lager: This lager, often available at Tesco, is marketed as both low-calorie and gluten-free, offering a lighter option without compromising on taste.
Understanding Gluten-Free Labelling
It's important to understand what makes a beer gluten-free, as there are different methods used in brewing. Look for products bearing the 'Crossed Grain' symbol, which confirms the product is certified gluten-free.
Naturally Gluten-Free Beers: These are brewed using grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, millet, or rice. These beers never had gluten present during the process.
Gluten-Removed Beers: Many traditional beers, like those from Peroni and Greene King, are brewed using barley but have the gluten removed during a specific filtration or enzyme treatment process. These are still considered safe for coeliacs if they test below the legal limit of 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Comparison of Popular Tesco Gluten Free Beers
| Brand | Type | Brewing Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peroni GF | Lager | Gluten-Removed | Crisp, refreshing Italian lager. |
| Greene King IPA GF | Ale | Gluten-Removed | Classic English IPA taste, crisp and refreshing. |
| Old Speckled Hen GF | English Pale Ale | Gluten-Removed | Smooth, malty flavour with fruity notes. |
| Daura Damm GF | Lager | Gluten-Removed | Spanish, award-winning lager, slightly sweeter. |
| Brewdog Punk IPA GF | IPA | Gluten-Removed | Hoppy, craft beer flavour. |
Tips for a Successful Gluten-Free Shopping Trip
- Read the Labels: Always check the ingredient list and look for the 'Crossed Grain' symbol to ensure the beer is certified gluten-free, especially if you have coeliac disease.
- Check Availability Online: Before heading to the store, use the Tesco Groceries website to confirm which gluten-free beers are in stock at your local branch.
- Distinguish from Alcohol-Free: Be careful not to confuse gluten-free beers with alcohol-free or low-alcohol options, which are often in a separate section. Some beers are both, but it's important to double-check.
- Don't Forget the Market Place: Tesco's online 'Marketplace' can sometimes feature even more niche gluten-free products and multipack offers not found on the standard grocery site, so it's worth checking there too.
For more detailed information on living with coeliac disease and managing a gluten-free diet, the Coeliac UK website is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, for those wondering, “Does Tesco sell gluten free beer?”, the answer is a definitive yes, with a solid range of options available. From classic lagers like Peroni and Stella Artois to traditional British ales from Greene King, Tesco provides a choice of certified gluten-free beers. By navigating the dedicated 'Free From' aisle or using the online filters, coeliac and gluten-sensitive customers can easily find and enjoy a safe and flavourful beer. The increasing variety reflects Tesco's commitment to catering to diverse customer needs, making it easier than ever to follow a gluten-free diet without missing out on your favourite drinks.