Is Blue Moon Beer Low FODMAP? The Definitive Guide

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

While standard lagers and ales are often considered low FODMAP by Monash University due to the yeast consuming fructans during fermentation, not all beers follow this rule. So, is Blue Moon beer low FODMAP? The answer lies in its distinct style and key ingredients.

Quick Summary

Blue Moon Belgian White is not considered reliably low FODMAP because its wheat-based recipe is typically high in FODMAPs. Standard beer fermentation does not eliminate all high-FODMAP components from wheat beers, making them a potential trigger for IBS symptoms.

Key Points

High FODMAP Risk: Blue Moon is a wheat beer (witbier), a style typically high in FODMAPs due to its specific grain composition.
Not all Beers are Equal: While standard lagers are often low FODMAP, craft beers like Blue Moon with added wheat and fruit ingredients may contain higher levels of fermentable carbohydrates.
Listen to Your Body: Beyond FODMAPs, the alcohol and carbonation in any beer can be GI irritants for some individuals, potentially causing bloating and gas.
Opt for Alternatives: Safer low FODMAP beer options include standard lagers, pilsners, and certified gluten-free or sorghum-based beers.
Consult a Dietitian: For personalized guidance during the FODMAP elimination phase, consulting a registered dietitian is the most reliable approach.
Not Celiac-Safe: As it is brewed with wheat and barley, Blue Moon is not gluten-free and is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease.

Why Blue Moon is a High-FODMAP Concern

Blue Moon Belgian White is a witbier, a type of wheat beer. The fermentation process of standard beer breaks down many of the fructans (a type of FODMAP) found in grains like barley, resulting in a low FODMAP final product. However, this does not apply equally to all beer types. Wheat beers, including witbiers like Blue Moon, contain significantly more of these undigested carbohydrates, making them typically high in FODMAPs. Additionally, Blue Moon's recipe includes ingredients beyond just malted barley, such as wheat, rolled oats, orange peel, and coriander. These additions contribute to its flavor profile but can also increase its FODMAP load, especially the wheat and unfermented sugars from added fruits or spices. Therefore, for individuals with IBS following a low FODMAP diet, Blue Moon is generally considered a beverage to avoid, particularly during the elimination phase.

The Science Behind Beer and FODMAPs

To understand why Blue Moon is different, it's helpful to know how the brewing process works. Beer is made by fermenting grains with yeast, which consumes the sugars. In many standard beers, this process is so efficient that the final product has very few residual FODMAPs. However, craft brewing, and specifically the production of wheat beers, often leaves behind more fermentable sugars and proteins that can trigger digestive distress in sensitive individuals.

In addition to the FODMAP content, it's important to remember that alcohol itself can be a gut irritant, and carbonation can cause bloating and gas for some people with IBS, regardless of the FODMAP levels. Moderation is always key when managing digestive health and enjoying alcoholic beverages.

Low FODMAP Beer Alternatives

While Blue Moon may be off the menu for those on a low FODMAP diet, several suitable alternatives exist. Choosing the right beer can make a significant difference in managing IBS symptoms without completely abstaining from alcohol. Generally, lagers and pilsners are safer bets as they undergo a colder, longer fermentation process that reduces residual sugars. For those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, there are excellent gluten-free options available.

Here are some categories and examples of better-tolerated choices:

Standard Lagers and Pilsners: Many popular and readily available brands fit into this category. Examples include Corona Extra and Budweiser.
Sorghum-Based Beers: Brewed from naturally gluten-free sorghum, these are an excellent option for those avoiding both gluten and FODMAPs. Redbridge is a well-known example.
Gluten-Reduced Beers: These beers use enzymes to break down gluten proteins, which may also reduce some FODMAP content. However, they are not suitable for celiacs. Omission Lager is one such brand.
Rice-Based Beers: Some Japanese beers, like Asahi Super Dry and Sapporo, are primarily brewed with rice and may be lower in FODMAPs.

Comparison Table: Blue Moon vs. Low FODMAP Beers


Feature	Blue Moon Belgian White	Standard Lagers/Pilsners	Gluten-Free/Sorghum Beers
Beer Style	Witbier (Wheat Beer)	Lager, Pilsner	Various (e.g., Ale, Lager)
Key Grains	Wheat, Malted Barley	Barley, Rice	Sorghum, Millet, Rice
FODMAP Status	Likely High FODMAP	Typically Low FODMAP	Typically Low FODMAP
Gluten Content	Contains Gluten	Contains Gluten	Gluten-Free
Brewing Process	Adds wheat, fruit, spices	Efficient fermentation	Uses naturally GF grains
IBS Suitability	Potential Trigger	Generally better tolerated	Good alternative

Enjoying Beer Responsibly on a Low FODMAP Diet

Beyond simply choosing the right type of beer, there are other strategies to minimize the risk of IBS symptoms. Always practice moderation and consider the following tips:

Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Have a low FODMAP meal or snack before consuming alcohol to slow absorption and reduce gut irritation.
Stay Hydrated: Alternate each beer with a glass of water. This helps manage alcohol intake and flushes out potential irritants.
Consult a Dietitian: If you are in the elimination or reintroduction phase of the low FODMAP diet, seeking guidance from a registered dietitian specializing in IBS is crucial for accurate assessment and personalized advice.

Conclusion

While the prospect of enjoying a cold beer can be tempting, understanding its FODMAP content is essential for managing IBS. Because of its wheat-based recipe and added ingredients, Blue Moon is not a low FODMAP beer and should be avoided during the elimination phase. However, many standard lagers, pilsners, and especially gluten-free alternatives offer a safer way to enjoy a brew without the risk of triggering painful digestive symptoms. By making informed choices and listening to your body's signals, you can find a satisfying way to fit beer into your diet without compromising your health.

For more detailed information on which alcohols are low FODMAP, you can consult a reputable source like the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app, which offers tested guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Moon is generally considered a high FODMAP beverage because it is a Belgian-style witbier, and wheat beers are typically high in FODMAPs.

Standard beers like lagers are often low FODMAP because the yeast consumes most of the fermentable sugars during fermentation. Blue Moon, as a wheat beer, has higher initial FODMAP content and added ingredients that may not be fully fermented, leaving more FODMAPs in the final product.

The primary concern is the wheat used in the brewing process. While the fermentation process helps, the high wheat content is what classifies it as a high FODMAP beer.

Yes, standard lagers and pilsners are often better-tolerated low FODMAP alternatives. For a completely safe option, look for certified gluten-free or sorghum-based beers.

For some individuals with IBS, the carbonation in any beer can cause gas and bloating, independent of its FODMAP content. This is a non-FODMAP-related trigger that can still cause symptoms.

No, Blue Moon is not gluten-free. It is brewed with wheat and barley and is therefore not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

During the FODMAP elimination phase, it is best to avoid Blue Moon completely. If you are in the reintroduction phase and want to test your tolerance, do so in a controlled manner under the guidance of a dietitian, as it is a known high FODMAP beer.