The Ingredients: Why Brooklyn Lager Isn't Gluten-Free
The fundamental reason Brooklyn Lager is not gluten-free lies in its primary ingredients. According to publicly available information, Brooklyn Lager is brewed with barley malt. Barley is a grain that naturally contains gluten. For a beer to be certified as truly gluten-free, it must be made with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or millet.
Some confusion has arisen over the years due to a test from 2015 that indicated Brooklyn Lager registered less than 5 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, this is not the same as being gluten-free. Crucially, Brooklyn Brewery has explicitly stated, "None of our beers are gluten free". While enzymes can be used in some brewing processes to reduce gluten content, this process does not guarantee the complete removal of all potentially reactive gluten fragments, making it an unsafe option for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Understanding Gluten Standards for Beer
For those on a gluten-free diet, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. Most countries, including the United States, use a standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten to label a product 'gluten-free'. However, specific regulations govern alcoholic beverages.
In the U.S., the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) dictates that beers made with traditional gluten-containing ingredients, like barley, cannot be labeled 'gluten-free,' even if processing reduces the gluten content below 20 ppm. Instead, they must be labeled as "processed/treated/crafted to remove gluten". This distinction exists because some testing methods for fermented beverages can fail to detect certain gluten fragments that may still trigger an immune response in celiac patients.
A Guide to Gluten-Free Beer Alternatives
For those who cannot consume Brooklyn Lager, there are many genuinely gluten-free beer options on the market. These beers are made with naturally gluten-free grains to prevent any cross-contamination during the brewing process. Some breweries even operate as dedicated gluten-free facilities.
- Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries: Brands like Ghostfish Brewing Company and Holidaily Brewing Company specialize exclusively in gluten-free beers.
- Gluten-Free Lagers: Options such as Estrella Daura Gluten Free Lager or Bard's Tale Beer Bard's Gold Lager offer a taste profile similar to traditional lagers.
- Hard Cider: Naturally gluten-free, hard cider is a great alternative made from fermented apples.
- Wine and Distilled Spirits: Most wines and distilled liquors (not from a malt base) are also naturally gluten-free.
What Are the Risks for Sensitive Individuals?
For someone with celiac disease, consuming a beer like Brooklyn Lager poses a significant health risk. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten damages the small intestine. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger this harmful reaction. The fact that Brooklyn Lager is made with barley means it is not safe for this population. The old test result showing low ppm is not a guarantee of safety, as the body's immune system can still react to the remaining gluten fragments. It is always best to opt for products explicitly certified as gluten-free, which ensures they are made from non-gluten ingredients in a controlled environment.
Comparison: Brooklyn Lager vs. Certified Gluten-Free Beer
| Feature | Brooklyn Lager | Certified Gluten-Free Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Barley Malt | Sorghum, Rice, Millet |
| Official Gluten Status | Not Gluten-Free | Gluten-Free (typically <20 ppm) |
| Recommended for Celiac | No | Yes, and dedicated breweries are even safer |
| Source of Grains | Traditional, gluten-containing | Alternative, naturally gluten-free |
Conclusion
For individuals following a strict gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, Brooklyn Lager is not a safe choice. Despite past discussions about potentially low gluten levels, the beer is brewed with barley and is not labeled or regulated as gluten-free. It is crucial to read labels and seek out certified gluten-free alternatives to ensure safety and avoid adverse health reactions. The market now offers a wide variety of genuinely gluten-free beers and other alcoholic beverages to enjoy without risk.
