Is there a non alcoholic beer that is gluten-free?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 report, the non-alcoholic beer market is experiencing significant growth, with a rising demand for products that cater to specific dietary needs like gluten sensitivity. This surge in consumer interest has directly led to a wider availability of excellent options, answering the question: is there a non alcoholic beer that is gluten-free?

Quick Summary

The market for non-alcoholic (NA) gluten-free (GF) beer is thriving, offering diverse options for health-conscious and gluten-sensitive consumers. Brewers use alternative grains like millet or an enzyme to reduce gluten, but labeling rules vary by country. Reputable brands like Athletic Brewing and Big Drop provide flavorful NA GF choices.

Key Points

Two Primary Methods: Non-alcoholic gluten-free beer is made by either using naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum or rice, or by using enzymes to break down gluten in traditional grains.
Labeling Matters: Be aware of the difference between "gluten-free" and "gluten-reduced." True gluten-free beer is made from GF ingredients, while gluten-reduced beer starts with barley and uses an enzyme.
GFCO Certification: For individuals with celiac disease, products certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) are the safest, as they test below 10 ppm of gluten.
Popular Brands: Prominent NA GF brands include Athletic Brewing Co., Big Drop Brewing Co., and dedicated gluten-free breweries like Glutenberg and Holidaily Brewing Co.
Consumer Safety: While gluten-reduced beers meet some regulatory standards, the safest choice for those with celiac disease is always a product made exclusively from naturally gluten-free ingredients to avoid potential reactions to residual gluten fragments.

Navigating the World of Non-Alcoholic, Gluten-Free Beer

The demand for both non-alcoholic (NA) and gluten-free (GF) beverages has exploded, and brewers have responded with a wide array of high-quality products. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, finding a beer that meets both criteria can be a challenge. Fortunately, the landscape has changed dramatically, and consumers no longer have to compromise on taste or dietary restrictions. This guide will walk you through the primary methods for creating NA GF beer, key differences in labeling, and popular brands to seek out.

How Non-Alcoholic, Gluten-Free Beer is Made

There are two main strategies brewers use to produce non-alcoholic beer that is also gluten-free:

Using Naturally Gluten-Free Grains: This is the most straightforward method. Instead of using traditional barley or wheat, brewers use naturally gluten-free grains such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa. This process ensures the beer is gluten-free from the start, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Because these grains have different flavor profiles, the resulting beers can have unique characteristics. This method is the safest for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Using Enzymes to Remove Gluten: Another technique involves brewing the beer with traditional gluten-containing grains (like barley) and then adding an enzyme, such as Brewer's Clarex®, during fermentation. This enzyme breaks down the gluten proteins into smaller fragments, bringing the overall gluten content below the 20 parts per million (ppm) threshold required for 'gluten-free' labeling in many regions. While this is effective, regulations vary significantly. In the United States, beers made this way can only be labeled as "gluten-reduced" or "crafted to remove gluten," not fully "gluten-free". This distinction is crucial for those with celiac disease, as studies have shown these residual fragments may still trigger an immune response.

Decoding the Labels: Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced

For consumers with celiac disease, understanding the labeling is critical. A "certified gluten-free" product, particularly those certified by organizations like the GFCO, is the safest bet. These products have been tested to ensure they contain less than 10 ppm of gluten and follow strict production protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Conversely, "gluten-removed" beers, while testing below 20 ppm, started with gluten-containing ingredients, and some experts remain cautious about their safety for those with severe intolerances.

Popular Non-Alcoholic, Gluten-Free Brands

Thanks to brewing innovation, several brands are making a name for themselves in the NA GF space:

Athletic Brewing Co.: A leader in the non-alcoholic craft beer scene, Athletic Brewing offers several NA options that are also gluten-reduced, such as their award-winning Upside Dawn Golden Ale. They openly label their products for transparency regarding gluten content.
Big Drop Brewing Co.: Hailing from the UK, Big Drop specializes in low and no-alcohol beers and has made a reputation for its extensive vegan and gluten-free range. Their Galactic Milk Stout and Pine Trail Pale Ale are examples of their GF offerings.
Drop Bear Beer Co.: This Welsh brewery focuses exclusively on alcohol-free, gluten-free, and vegan beers. Their Tropical IPA and Bonfire Stout are crafted with naturally GF grains.
Glutenberg: As their name suggests, Glutenberg is a dedicated gluten-free brewery that uses alternative grains like millet and quinoa. They have a range of excellent NA offerings, providing a truly celiac-safe option.
Holidaily Brewing Co.: An exclusively gluten-free brewery that has won numerous awards, Holidaily offers certified GF beers, including some non-alcoholic options, brewed in a dedicated facility, ensuring no risk of cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced NA Beer


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free (Natural)	Gluten-Reduced (Enzyme-Treated)
Ingredients	Uses naturally gluten-free grains (millet, rice, sorghum, etc.).	Uses traditional grains (barley, wheat) and an enzyme.
Processing	Brewer uses dedicated GF equipment to prevent cross-contamination.	Brewer uses enzyme (like Clarex) to break down gluten proteins.
Gluten Level	Tests below 20 ppm; typically lower, GFCO cert requires <10 ppm.	Tests below 20 ppm in final product.
U.S. Labeling	Can be labeled "Gluten-Free" if brewed with 100% GF ingredients.	Must be labeled "Gluten-Reduced" or "Crafted to Remove Gluten".
Safety for Celiacs	Generally considered the safest option for celiac disease.	Not recommended for those with severe celiac or gluten sensitivity due to residual gluten fragments.
Taste Profile	May have a slightly different flavor profile due to alternative grains.	Often designed to mimic the taste of traditional beer.

The Future of NA GF Brewing

The market for non-alcoholic, gluten-free beers is poised for continued expansion. As brewers perfect their techniques and consumers become more aware of the options, the variety and quality of NA GF beers will only improve. The emphasis on dedicated gluten-free facilities and clear labeling will continue to be a key differentiator, particularly for consumers with serious health concerns. For those with celiac disease, the peace of mind offered by truly certified gluten-free options is invaluable, and their increasing availability marks a significant step forward in inclusive brewing.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, there is a non-alcoholic beer that is gluten-free, and many excellent options now exist. For the safest and most reliable choice, opt for brands that brew exclusively with naturally gluten-free grains in a dedicated facility and carry third-party certification. For those with less severe sensitivities, gluten-reduced options offer a wider range of flavors. By understanding the different brewing methods and labeling conventions, consumers can confidently navigate the market and find a delicious NA GF brew that suits their taste and dietary needs. The rise of these inclusive beverages proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to live a gluten-free or alcohol-free lifestyle. For more information on celiac disease and gluten-free living, you can visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gluten-free beer is made entirely from naturally gluten-free ingredients like rice, corn, or sorghum. Gluten-reduced beer is brewed with traditional gluten-containing grains (barley, wheat) but is treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten, resulting in a final product with less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Most experts and celiac organizations recommend caution with gluten-reduced beers. While they test below the 20 ppm threshold, the enzyme process leaves behind gluten fragments that can still cause an immune response in some individuals with celiac disease.

Top brands include Athletic Brewing Co. (offering GF options like Upside Dawn), Big Drop Brewing Co., Drop Bear Beer Co., and Holidaily Brewing Co., a dedicated gluten-free brewery.

Yes, some can taste different because they are made with alternative grains. However, brewing technology has advanced significantly, and many modern NA GF beers are praised for their complex flavors and ability to rival traditional brews.

No, not all Athletic Brewing Co. beers are gluten-free, but they offer several that are certified or "crafted to remove gluten," such as their Upside Dawn Golden Ale. Always check the specific product label.

To avoid cross-contamination, look for products from breweries that are exclusively dedicated to gluten-free brewing, like Glutenberg or Holidaily Brewing Co. Another sign of safety is a third-party certification seal, like from the GFCO.

No, non-alcoholic beer is not automatically gluten-free. Many NA beers are brewed using the same gluten-containing grains as traditional beer, and the alcohol is removed later in the process, leaving the gluten proteins intact.