Is Coors Wheat Based? Separating Fact from Brewery Legend

November 10, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 90% of beer is made from just four ingredients, but the specifics can vary dramatically between brands. The common misconception that Coors is wheat based is widespread, but a closer look at the official brewery information reveals that this is not the case. This article will delve into the grains and other components used to brew Coors and what that means for drinkers with dietary concerns.

Quick Summary

Coors beers, including Coors Light and Coors Banquet, are primarily brewed using barley malt and corn syrup, not wheat. While this means it does not contain wheat, the barley used includes gluten, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Key Points

Not Wheat Based: Coors Light and Banquet primarily use barley malt and corn syrup, not wheat, for brewing.
Contains Gluten: The use of barley means Coors contains gluten and is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Brewing Process: Corn syrup is used during fermentation to produce a lighter body but is converted and not present in the final product.
Allergen Distinction: A specific wheat allergy may allow Coors consumption, but caution is needed due to potential cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: Coors offers gluten-free alternatives like Coors Hard Seltzer, which is fermented from sugar.
Barley is Key: Moravian barley is the signature grain used in Coors beers, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.

The Truth Behind Coors Ingredients

Contrary to popular belief, Coors beers are not brewed using wheat as a main ingredient. The Molson Coors beverage company does not list wheat in the ingredients for Coors Light and Coors Banquet.

The primary grain is barley, specifically a two-row lager malt from Moravian barley, combined with other ingredients for flavor. This is typical for lagers and is important for those with gluten-related issues.

Decoding the Brewing Process

The Coors brewing process involves key stages using barley and corn syrup.

The Role of Barley and Corn Syrup

Barley Malt: Malted Moravian barley provides fermentable sugars for alcohol and contributes to color and body.
Corn Syrup (not High Fructose): Simple corn syrup is added during fermentation as a sugar source. The yeast consumes it, so it's not in the final beer. This helps achieve a lighter body.
Yeast and Hops: A specific lager yeast ferments the beer, and hop extracts are used for balance and aroma.

Why Coors is not a Wheat Beer

Wheat beers use a significant amount of wheat, resulting in a cloudy look and distinct flavors. Coors' use of barley and corn produces a clear, American-style light lager.

Gluten and Allergies: A Crucial Distinction

Despite not being wheat based, Coors contains gluten from barley, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Wheat vs. Gluten

A wheat allergy is different from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Coors may be safe for someone with a wheat allergy, but cross-contamination is a risk. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, Coors is not safe due to the barley containing gluten. Gluten-free beers use alternative grains like rice or sorghum.

Coors Products and Gluten

Coors offers some gluten-free options, such as Coors Hard Seltzer, which is fermented from sugar. Always check product labels and manufacturer information for dietary concerns.

Comparison: Coors vs. Typical Wheat Beer


Feature	Coors (Light/Banquet)	Typical Wheat Beer (e.g., Hefeweizen)
Primary Grain	Barley Malt, Corn Syrup	Wheat, Barley Malt
Appearance	Bright, golden, clear	Hazy, cloudy
Taste Profile	Crisp, light, mild	Fruity, clove-like, bready
Body	Light	Medium
Gluten Content	Contains gluten (from barley)	Contains gluten (from wheat and barley)
Primary Allergen	Barley (Gluten)	Wheat, Barley (Gluten)

Conclusion

Coors is not a wheat-based beer; it uses barley malt and corn syrup. While this might be acceptable for a wheat allergy, the barley content means it contains gluten and is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Always verify ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Potential Cross-Contamination Risks

Even without wheat as a primary ingredient, there's a slight risk of cross-contamination in brewing facilities. For severe allergies or celiac disease, relying solely on ingredient lists is not sufficient; look for certified gluten-free products.

Coors is not a wheat beer; it is an American-style lager brewed primarily with barley and corn syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Coors beer does not contain wheat as a direct ingredient. The primary grain used in Coors Light and Coors Banquet is barley malt.

No, Coors is not gluten-free. It is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten, making it unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

The main ingredients in Coors Light are water, barley malt, corn syrup (used for fermentation), yeast, and hops.

Yes, corn syrup is used during the brewing process for fermentation. It is fully converted by the yeast into alcohol and carbon dioxide and is not present in the final product.

If you have a wheat-specific allergy, Coors may be an option, as it does not contain wheat as a primary ingredient. However, due to the risk of cross-contamination in the brewery, severe allergies may still be triggered. It's best to consult a medical professional.

True wheat beers often have a cloudy or hazy appearance and distinct fruity or spicy flavor notes. Always check the label or ingredients list, as they will explicitly state if wheat is a component.

For those seeking gluten-free options from the Coors family, their Coors Hard Seltzer is a viable alternative, as it is fermented from sugar and does not contain barley or wheat.