What Beer Uses Non-GMO Ingredients?

According to a 2021 study, the global organic beer market is projected to grow significantly, indicating a strong consumer preference for beverages made with cleaner, more natural ingredients. For those seeking to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs), identifying which beer uses non-GMO ingredients is an increasingly important part of mindful consumption.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a curated list of verified non-GMO and organic beer brands, exploring the role of certifications and ingredient sourcing. It explains how to identify brewers committed to natural ingredients and offers a comparison of major vs. craft non-GMO options to help you choose the best pure brew.

Key Points

• Non-GMO vs. Organic: All certified organic beers are non-GMO, but a beer can be non-GMO without being certified organic.

• Check for Certifications: Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly logo or the USDA Organic seal on product packaging for confirmation.

• Beware of Adjuncts: Mass-market beers sometimes use GMO-derived corn syrup or corn as adjuncts, so check the ingredient list for these.

• Trust Craft and Traditional Brews: Many smaller craft breweries and those following strict purity laws like the Reinheitsgebot use naturally non-GMO ingredients.

• Notable Non-GMO Brands: Confirmed options include North Coast Brewing, Peak Organic, Eel River, and some offerings from Athletic Brewing and Sierra Nevada.

• Verify with the Source: For certainty, consult the brewery's official website or customer service to confirm their non-GMO status.

Understanding Non-GMO in Brewing

When a consumer asks, "What beer uses non-GMO ingredients?" they are often seeking assurance that their beverage is made without genetically modified components, particularly from common adjuncts like corn or certain enzymes. While the core ingredients of traditional beer—water, barley, hops, and yeast—are often naturally non-GMO, some modern brewing practices can introduce genetically engineered materials. For example, some mass-market breweries may use genetically modified corn syrup as a cheaper adjunct to fermentable sugars. The non-GMO label, therefore, signifies a brewery's commitment to avoiding these modified components, often overlapping with the principles of organic certification.

Non-GMO beer is not a new concept. In fact, many craft breweries and European brewers, especially those following Germany's Reinheitsgebot purity law, have long maintained a tradition of using only a select few, non-modified ingredients. However, formal non-GMO verification, often from third-party organizations like the Non-GMO Project, provides an extra layer of consumer trust and transparency that many modern drinkers value. This verification ensures a rigorous process of sourcing ingredients free from genetic engineering.

Certified Non-GMO and Organic Breweries

Several breweries have taken the extra step to certify their products as non-GMO or organic, providing a clear path for consumers. These companies range from dedicated organic pioneers to well-known craft brewers committed to ingredient transparency.

Non-GMO Project Verified Breweries

• North Coast Brewing Company: Known for its rigorous commitment, North Coast has had many of its core brands verified by the Non-GMO Project.
• Peak Organic Brewing Co.: A leader in the organic and non-GMO space, Peak Organic was one of the first craft breweries to receive this verification.
• Eel River Brewing Company: This California brewery is certified organic and emphasizes its use of all-natural ingredients.
• Wolaver's Fine Organic Ales: Another pioneer in the organic brewing scene that has been verified for its non-GMO practices.

Organic and Natural Ingredient Focus

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Company: While not all products carry the Non-GMO Project seal, Sierra Nevada emphasizes traditional brewing methods and naturally sourced ingredients, with some of its products certified organic.
• Lakefront Brewery: Based in Milwaukee, this brewery produces a certified organic brew that is therefore non-GMO.
• Island Brands: This American-owned company specifically markets its products as all-natural and GMO-free, free of artificial flavors and other additives.
• New Belgium Brewing Company: A large, environmentally conscious brewery that is known for its ingredient transparency and non-GMO commitment.

The Difference: Non-GMO vs. Organic Beer

When seeking a non-GMO beer, it's helpful to understand the distinction between a non-GMO label and an organic one, as they are closely related but not identical. Certified organic beer is, by definition, also non-GMO, because organic farming standards prohibit the use of genetically engineered ingredients. However, a beer can be non-GMO without being certified organic, as the non-GMO designation does not prohibit the use of conventional farming pesticides or fertilizers.

Comparison Table: Non-GMO vs. Organic Beer

Feature	Non-GMO Verified Beer	Certified Organic Beer
Genetic Modification	Explicitly prohibits genetically engineered ingredients and processing aids.	Prohibits GMOs, and ingredients must be from organic sources.
Pesticides/Herbicides	No restriction; allows conventionally grown ingredients.	Ingredients must be grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Other Additives	Focuses specifically on GMOs, may still contain conventional additives.	Follows strict standards for processing, which limits artificial additives.
Farming Practices	No specific requirements for farming, only the final ingredient.	Requires ingredients from farms that follow specific organic agricultural practices.
Certifying Body	Typically the Non-GMO Project.	USDA Organic for products in the United States.

How to Find Non-GMO Beer on the Shelf

Identifying which beer uses non-GMO ingredients can be straightforward if you know what to look for. Consumers should prioritize products with clear verification labels, consult brewery websites, and be aware of ingredient lists, especially for mass-produced beers.

1. Look for Certification Seals: The most reliable method is to check for a third-party certification seal, such as the butterfly logo from the Non-GMO Project or the USDA Organic seal. These logos are easily visible on packaging and signify that the product has undergone a rigorous verification process.
2. Explore Craft Breweries: Many smaller, independent craft breweries inherently use traditional, non-GMO ingredients and often list their sourcing information prominently. They may not have formal certification but prioritize transparency and high-quality inputs. Ask your local craft brewer directly about their ingredients and sourcing practices.
3. Read the Ingredient List: For larger commercial brands, the label may list adjuncts like corn or corn syrup. While not all corn is genetically modified, many industrial-scale brewing adjuncts are derived from GMO corn. The absence of such adjuncts is often a good indicator of a purer, more traditional recipe.
4. Consider German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot): Any beer brewed according to the traditional German purity law is by default non-GMO, as it can only contain water, barley, hops, and yeast. Many German imports and some American craft beers adhere to this standard.

Notable Non-GMO and Organic Brews

• Athletic Brewing Co. (Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden Ale): A popular non-alcoholic brand with a strong commitment to natural ingredients.
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: This beer is USDA-certified organic, meaning it contains no GMOs.
• Samuel Smith Old Brewery: An English brewery known for its traditional approach and non-GMO status.
• Heineken 0.0: The non-alcoholic version of this lager is listed as non-GMO.
• Brooklyn Special Effects: Another non-alcoholic option confirmed to be non-GMO.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

For consumers asking, "What beer uses non-GMO ingredients?" the answer is a combination of certified products and informed purchasing decisions. While some large-scale commercial beers may incorporate GMO-derived adjuncts for cost-effectiveness, a wide range of craft, organic, and non-alcoholic brands offer clear non-GMO alternatives. By checking for certifications from the Non-GMO Project or the USDA Organic program, supporting local craft breweries, or opting for beers brewed under traditional purity laws, drinkers can easily find a high-quality, GMO-free option that aligns with their dietary preferences. The growing consumer demand for transparency means more breweries are making their natural ingredient commitments clear, giving you more great-tasting choices than ever before.

This article was created for informational purposes and is not a substitute for expert advice or product verification. Always consult product labeling and official brewery websites for the most current information.

Visit North Coast Brewing Co.'s Website for more on their Non-GMO process

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all organic beers non-GMO?

Yes, by definition, any beer certified USDA Organic is also non-GMO, as organic standards prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients. The certification guarantees that the ingredients were grown and processed without genetic engineering.

Do all craft beers use non-GMO ingredients?

No, not all craft beers are guaranteed to be non-GMO, though many use traditional, non-modified ingredients. Some craft brewers might still use conventional ingredients or adjuncts. To be certain, look for specific non-GMO certification or check the brewery's website for ingredient transparency.

What common beer ingredients might be genetically modified?

The primary ingredient in question is often corn or corn syrup, which can be derived from genetically modified corn crops. While yeast can also be modified, brewers often use traditional strains, but it's another area where a brewer might make changes.

Is Heineken non-GMO?

According to one source, Heineken Light has been cited as non-GMO. The non-alcoholic version, Heineken 0.0, is also listed as a non-GMO option.

What is the Reinheitsgebot and does it guarantee non-GMO beer?

The Reinheitsgebot is a German beer purity law that traditionally limits ingredients to just water, barley, hops, and yeast. Since this law prohibits additives and non-traditional grains, beers brewed under this standard are inherently non-GMO.

How can I tell if a large commercial beer is non-GMO?

For large commercial brands, it is best to check for explicit certifications like the Non-GMO Project or USDA Organic seals. If no certification is present, look for ingredients like corn, which may be genetically modified unless stated otherwise.

What non-GMO non-alcoholic beers are available?

Several non-alcoholic brands offer non-GMO options, including selections from Athletic Brewing Company (Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn), Heineken 0.0, and Brooklyn Special Effects.