Understanding Great Northern Zero's Ingredients
Many consumers seeking a non-alcoholic beer assume it will also be gluten-free, but this is a common misconception. The removal of alcohol is a distinct process from the removal of gluten. In the case of Great Northern Zero, the product is brewed from a standard beer base before the alcohol is extracted. This traditional brewing process leaves the gluten proteins intact in the final product.
The ingredient lists provided by retailers such as Coles and Woolworths clearly state the presence of gluten sources.
Key Ingredients
- Carbonated Water
- Malted Barley
- Wheat
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Roasted Barley
- Hops
- Hop Extract
- Barley Malt Extract
- Flavours
Noticeably, several ingredients are derived directly from gluten-containing grains, including malted barley, wheat, and barley malt extract. The brewing process does not eliminate these proteins, making the final product unsafe for those with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. The presence of barley and wheat alone is sufficient to classify this beer as containing gluten, regardless of the 0.0% alcohol content.
The Difference Between Gluten-Reduced and Gluten-Free Beers
In Australia, food labelling laws are very strict regarding 'gluten-free' claims, a point that is crucial for consumers to understand when choosing a product.
Gluten-Free
- Must contain no detectable gluten.
- Cannot be made from wheat, rye, barley, or oats.
- Brewed from naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat.
- Safe for individuals with coeliac disease.
Gluten-Reduced (not permitted in Australia)
- The term 'gluten-reduced' is not permitted for beer labelling in Australia.
- Some companies outside of Australia may use enzymes to break down gluten, but this does not guarantee safety for coeliacs.
- Products processed this way, even if they test below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, are still not suitable for coeliac diets, as the remaining gluten peptides can trigger an autoimmune response.
Because Great Northern Zero is brewed with malted barley and wheat, it does not fit the criteria for a gluten-free beer in Australia.
Comparison: Great Northern Zero vs. Truly Gluten-Free Options
For those needing to avoid gluten, many genuinely gluten-free beer options are available. The following table provides a clear comparison to help you make an informed choice.
| Feature | Great Northern Zero (Not Gluten-Free) | Truly Gluten-Free Beer (e.g., TWØBAYS Pale Ale) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Malted barley, wheat | Naturally gluten-free grains (millet, rice, buckwheat) |
| Alcohol Content | 0.0% ABV | Varies (often 4-5% ABV or non-alcoholic options) |
| Gluten Status | Contains Gluten | No Detectable Gluten |
| Coeliac Suitability | Unsuitable for coeliacs and gluten-sensitive individuals | Safe for coeliac diets |
| Brewing Process | Standard brewing with alcohol removed later | Brewed from the start with gluten-free malts |
| Availability | Widely available in Australian supermarkets | Increasingly available in independent bottle shops and major retailers |
What About the Alcohol Removal Process?
Some might wonder if the alcohol removal process also removes gluten. The answer is no. The techniques used to remove alcohol, such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis, do not filter out the gluten proteins. These proteins are much larger and remain in the final liquid, making the product unsafe for consumption by those with coeliac disease. The only way to produce a genuinely gluten-free beer is to use gluten-free grains from the beginning of the brewing process.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Great Northern Zero
To be completely clear, Great Northern Zero is not a gluten-free beer. It is brewed with traditional gluten-containing ingredients, including malted barley and wheat, and is therefore not suitable for anyone with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance. When selecting a beer, it is essential to check the ingredients list, not just the alcohol content. For those with a strict dietary need to avoid gluten, dedicated gluten-free options are widely available from specialist breweries like TWØBAYS. Always seek out products explicitly labelled 'gluten-free' and confirmed to be safe for coeliacs, rather than assuming based on the beer's alcoholic strength. For more information, refer to Coeliac Australia's guidelines on making a gluten-free claim.
Alternatives to Great Northern Zero
For those seeking a non-alcoholic and genuinely gluten-free beer, alternatives are available. Here are some options:
- Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beers: Specific products are brewed from gluten-free grains from the outset. Brands like Big Drop and Infinite Session offer zero-alcohol, gluten-free options.
- Cider: Naturally gluten-free, cider is a great alternative. There are many low or no-alcohol cider options available as well.
- Spirits and Wine: Unflavoured distilled spirits (like vodka, gin, and rum) and most wines are naturally gluten-free.
- Water and Soft Drinks: Sometimes the simplest option is the best. A refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lime or a soft drink can be a perfect choice.
How to Verify Gluten-Free Claims
- Check the Label: Look for a certified 'gluten-free' symbol or statement. In Australia, this means no detectable gluten.
- Read the Ingredients: Always check the ingredient list for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or oats.
- Visit the Brand's Website: Reputable brands will provide clear information on their website regarding allergen statements.
- Consult Coeliac Australia: Their website provides comprehensive and reliable information on products suitable for a coeliac diet.
By staying informed and always checking product details, individuals with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a variety of delicious and safe beverage options without risking their health.
