What beer is totally gluten-free? A complete guide for safe drinking

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the global population, requiring them to avoid gluten completely. This makes knowing what beer is totally gluten-free crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience, moving past traditional barley-based options.

Quick Summary

Find out which beer is truly gluten-free by understanding the crucial difference between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed options. This guide highlights top brands and breweries for safe enjoyment.

Key Points

• Naturally GF vs. Gluten-Removed: A beer is only truly gluten-free if it's brewed with naturally GF grains like sorghum or millet, not treated with an enzyme to remove gluten from barley.

• Dedicated Breweries are Safest: The safest choice for celiacs is beer from dedicated gluten-free facilities, as it eliminates any risk of cross-contamination.

• Check Labels and Certification: Always read the ingredient list to ensure no barley is used and look for third-party certifications like the GFCO logo for added assurance.

• Gluten-Removed Beer is a Risk: For individuals with celiac disease, gluten-removed beer is unsafe due to the unreliability of testing for potentially harmful gluten fragments.

• Market Growth Provides Choices: The growing market means more high-quality, flavorful, naturally gluten-free beers are available than ever before.

• Reliable Brands Exist: Brands like Redbridge, Glutenberg, and Ghostfish offer widely available and certified naturally gluten-free options for drinkers.

• Alternatives are Available: If beer options are limited, safe alternatives include hard cider, wine, and spirits, though it is always recommended to read the labels.

Understanding the Two Types of Gluten-Free Beer

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding the distinction between brewing methods is critical. The term "gluten-free beer" can refer to two very different products: naturally gluten-free beer and gluten-removed beer. Making the wrong choice could have serious health implications, so it's vital to know what you're buying. Naturally gluten-free beers are the safest option, while gluten-removed beers carry a significant risk for those with a serious intolerance.

Naturally Gluten-Free Beer: Ingredients from the Start

Naturally gluten-free beers are brewed using alternative, naturally gluten-free grains, not a process to remove the gluten later. This is the safest and most reliable way to produce a gluten-free beverage for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity. Brewers experiment with a range of innovative grains to create diverse and flavorful beers. These include:

• Sorghum: Offers a distinct, fruity, and sometimes sweet flavor profile.
• Millet: Provides a grainy, often nutty taste, similar to a traditional barley base.
• Buckwheat: Used to add complex, earthy, and sometimes toasted notes.
• Rice: Lighter and cleaner, often used in lagers to create a crisp finish.
• Quinoa: A less common choice that can add a unique character.

Since no gluten-containing ingredients ever enter the process, the risk of gluten contamination is significantly lower, especially at dedicated gluten-free brewing facilities.

Gluten-Removed Beer: The Compromise

Gluten-removed beer begins its life like a conventional brew, using barley or wheat. During fermentation, an enzyme (such as Brewer's Clarex®) is added to break down the gluten proteins into smaller fragments. If the final product tests below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, it can be labeled as "gluten-free" in many places. However, this method is highly controversial within the celiac community. Testing methods like ELISA are not always reliable for detecting these smaller, potentially toxic gluten fragments. For this reason, gluten-removed beers are not recommended for celiacs, and labels often bear a warning like "crafted to remove gluten" and may still list barley as an ingredient.

Dedicated Breweries: The Celiac's Haven

The most secure way to find a truly gluten-free beer is to choose brands from dedicated gluten-free facilities. These breweries produce nothing but gluten-free products, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. Pioneers in this field include:

• Ghostfish Brewing Company (Seattle, WA): Known for award-winning beers like the Grapefruit IPA and Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale.
• Holidaily Brewing Co. (Golden, CO): Offers a wide range of styles, including the popular Favorite Blonde Ale and Fat Randy's IPA.
• Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR): Uses unique ingredients like chestnuts and lentils in their beers, including the Dark Ale and IPA No. 5.
• Glutenberg Craft Brewery (Canada): A widely distributed brand with a variety of styles, including a refreshing Blonde and IPA.
• Aurochs Brewing Company (Pittsburgh, PA): Features a diverse portfolio from Session IPAs to Porters.

Popular and Widely Available Truly Gluten-Free Beers

Beyond dedicated craft breweries, some larger brands offer reliable, naturally gluten-free options that are easier to find in many stores.

• Redbridge Lager (Anheuser-Busch): One of the most widely available gluten-free beers, brewed with sorghum.
• New Grist Pilsner (Lakefront Brewery): A gluten-free pilsner made from sorghum, rice, and corn.
• Bard's Tale Beer Bard's Gold Lager: A reliable sorghum-based lager option.

Comparison Table: Choosing Your Beer Safely

Feature	Naturally Gluten-Free Beer	Gluten-Removed Beer
Brewing Method	Brewed exclusively with naturally gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat.	Brewed with traditional, gluten-containing grains (barley, wheat) and treated with an enzyme to break down gluten.
Ingredients	Always uses gluten-free ingredients from the start; no barley or wheat involved.	Starts with gluten-containing grains, which may still be listed on the label despite the treatment.
Celiac Safety	Considered the safest option, especially when from a dedicated facility, as it completely avoids gluten.	Not considered safe for celiacs. Testing methods are unreliable for detecting all potentially harmful gluten fragments.
Labeling	Clearly marked as "gluten-free." Dedicated breweries are often noted.	May state "gluten-free" if below 20 ppm, but will also have a warning like "crafted to remove gluten" and may list barley.
Flavor Profile	Can offer a broader and more unique flavor range due to alternative grains. Modern brewing has refined the taste significantly.	Generally aims to replicate the taste of traditional, barley-based beer.

Conclusion: Making a Safe and Informed Choice

While the market for gluten-free beer continues to expand, the safest and most reliable choices remain those brewed with naturally gluten-free grains in dedicated facilities. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten-removed beers present an unnecessary and scientifically unverified risk that is best avoided. Thanks to innovative craft brewers and growing consumer demand, the variety and quality of truly gluten-free beers have never been better, offering an authentic and delicious experience without the health concerns. Always prioritize clear labeling and the sourcing of your brew. Healthline provides additional details on the safety of gluten-free options.

How to Find a Truly Gluten-Free Beer

• Check for Dedication: Prioritize breweries that operate 100% gluten-free facilities, which eliminates any risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment.
• Read the Ingredient List: A truly gluten-free beer will not list barley, wheat, or rye as ingredients. Instead, look for alternatives like sorghum, millet, or rice.
• Look for Certification: Many reputable gluten-free products feature third-party certification seals, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo.
• Understand the Risks: For those with celiac disease, remember that "gluten-removed" is not a substitute for truly "gluten-free," regardless of the <20 ppm test results.
• Explore Options: The market is full of innovative craft brewers creating delicious, naturally gluten-free beers. Use online resources and apps to find new brands and styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed beer?

Naturally gluten-free beer is brewed using ingredients like sorghum and millet, while gluten-removed beer starts with gluten-containing grains (like barley) and has an enzyme added to break down the gluten.

Is gluten-removed beer safe for someone with celiac disease?

No, experts advise that gluten-removed beer is not considered safe for celiacs. While often testing below 20 ppm, it may still contain immunotoxic gluten fragments that are undetectable by standard tests and can trigger a reaction.

Which grains are used to make naturally gluten-free beer?

Common alternative grains include sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, and corn.

What does 'less than 20 ppm of gluten' mean?

This is the regulatory standard for a product to be labeled gluten-free in many countries, indicating a very low level of gluten. However, for gluten-removed beers, it doesn't guarantee absolute safety for celiacs.

Can I trust a 'crafted to remove gluten' label?

This label indicates the beer was made with gluten-containing grains. It is not a guarantee of safety for celiacs and should be avoided if you have a serious intolerance.

Are dedicated gluten-free breweries safer?

Yes, breweries with dedicated gluten-free facilities completely eliminate the risk of cross-contamination from gluten-containing grains, making their products the safest choice for celiacs.

Are there any widely available, non-craft gluten-free beers?

Yes, brands like Redbridge Lager by Anheuser-Busch are made with sorghum and are commonly available in many stores.