Navigating Beer for Gluten Intolerance: Two Types of Safe Brews
For anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, enjoying a beer requires careful consideration of its ingredients and brewing process. The two main types of safe beers are naturally gluten-free beer and gluten-removed (or gluten-reduced) beer. Understanding the distinction is critical for your health.
Naturally gluten-free beer is made from grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat. These are the safest option for those with celiac disease as no gluten is present. Gluten-removed beers are brewed with barley, but use an enzyme to break down gluten proteins. While this can lower gluten below the 'gluten-free' threshold of 20 ppm, it's not considered safe for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease due to unreliable testing.
Top Certified Gluten-Free Beer Brands
Certified gluten-free beers are brewed in dedicated facilities using exclusively non-gluten grains, offering the highest safety.
- Glutenberg Craft Brewery: Known for a variety of styles (blonde ales, IPAs) made from millet, buckwheat, and corn.
- Ghostfish Brewing Company: A Seattle brewery with a 100% gluten-free facility.
- Holidaily Brewing Co.: Another 100% gluten-free brewery with a diverse lineup.
- Ground Breaker Brewing: An award-winning Portland brewery using ingredients like roasted chestnuts.
- Redbridge Lager: A widely available sorghum-based lager from Anheuser-Busch.
Brewing with Alternative Grains
Naturally gluten-free beers utilize alternative grains:
- Sorghum: Provides a neutral base for lagers.
- Millet: Offers a mild, sweet profile and body.
- Buckwheat: Adds nutty, earthy notes.
- Rice: Contributes a crisp, light body.
Comparison Table: Certified GF vs. Gluten-Removed Beer
| Feature | Certified Gluten-Free Beer | Gluten-Removed Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Grains | Millet, sorghum, rice, buckwheat, etc. | Barley, wheat, and rye |
| Brewing Process | Exclusively in dedicated, gluten-free facilities | Uses enzymes to break down gluten proteins |
| Safety for Celiacs | Safest option, made without gluten | Not recommended due to unreliable testing |
| Flavor Profile | Diverse and complex, constantly improving | Often retains a more traditional beer flavor |
| Labeling | Can be labeled "Gluten-Free" | Labeled "Crafted to Remove Gluten" or similar |
| Examples | Glutenberg, Ghostfish, Holidaily | Omission, Estrella Daura, Mongozo |
Ciders and Other Gluten-Free Alternatives
Hard cider, made from fermented apples, is a naturally gluten-free alternative. Always check labels for additives or cross-contamination. Distilled spirits are generally gluten-free due to the distillation process removing gluten, even if made from gluten-containing grains.
Choosing Your Best Beer for Gluten Intolerance
The best choice depends on your sensitivity. For celiac disease, certified gluten-free options from dedicated breweries are safest. Gluten-removed beers carry a risk, though they may be acceptable for those with less severe sensitivities. With the growth of high-quality gluten-free options, there's a safe and delicious beer for almost any preference. For more information on gluten-free alcohol, consult resources like the Celiac Canada alcohol guide.
Conclusion
Safe and enjoyable beer options are available for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Prioritize certified gluten-free beers made from alternative grains to avoid risks from gluten-removed products. Dedicated breweries offer high-quality, flavorful choices. Always read labels and consider alternatives like hard cider and distilled spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are beers labeled "crafted to remove gluten" safe for celiacs? Answer: No, they are not recommended for individuals with celiac disease due to unreliable gluten testing after the enzyme process.
Question: What ingredients are used in naturally gluten-free beer? Answer: Grains like sorghum or millet are used, which do not contain gluten. Rice, buckwheat, and corn may also be included.
Question: What are some popular certified gluten-free breweries? Answer: Glutenberg, Ghostfish Brewing Company, Holidaily Brewing Co., and Ground Breaker Brewing are highly-regarded certified gluten-free breweries.
Question: Is hard cider gluten-free? Answer: Most traditional hard ciders are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the label for additives or cross-contamination warnings.
Question: Is Redbridge beer completely gluten-free? Answer: Yes, Redbridge Lager is brewed with sorghum and is a certified gluten-free option.
Question: How can I tell if a beer is truly gluten-free? Answer: Look for a certified gluten-free logo on the packaging or check for certification from organizations like GFCO. Certified products must test below 20 ppm of gluten.
Question: Are popular light beers like Corona or Bud Light gluten-free? Answer: No, these beers are brewed with barley and are not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
