Understanding Gluten-Free Lager Production
When seeking a lager without gluten, it is important to distinguish between the two primary manufacturing methods. The first uses naturally gluten-free ingredients from the start, while the second uses a process to remove gluten from traditionally-brewed beer. Both result in a final product with less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the international standard for being labeled 'gluten-free'. However, the approach can matter to those with high sensitivity or celiac disease.
Method 1: Naturally Gluten-Free Lagers
These lagers are brewed using grains and ingredients that contain no gluten from the beginning. This method eliminates any risk of gluten protein entering the brew and is often the safest choice for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Alternative grains and starches used in these brews can include:
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Corn
By using these ingredients, brewers can create unique flavor profiles and mouthfeels that differ from traditional barley-based lagers. Some of the first widely-available gluten-free beers, like Redbridge, were developed using these alternative grains.
Method 2: Gluten-Removed Lagers
This method involves brewing beer with traditional gluten-containing grains, such as barley, and then using an enzyme to break down and remove the gluten proteins during the fermentation process. This allows the lager to retain the classic flavor of a barley-based beer. The final product is tested to ensure the gluten level is below the 20 ppm threshold, allowing it to be legally labeled gluten-free. However, in some regions, beers made this way must also list 'contains barley' on the label. Brands like Peroni Gluten Free and Estrella Damm Daura use this process to create gluten-removed lagers that taste remarkably similar to their standard versions. For some individuals, particularly those with high sensitivity, consuming a gluten-removed product carries a small risk, though the low ppm count is considered safe for most.
Popular Gluten-Free Lagers and Pilsners
Both major brewers and dedicated gluten-free craft breweries now offer excellent lager options. Some of the most notable include:
- Redbridge Lager (Anheuser-Busch): A classic and widely available gluten-free lager brewed with sorghum.
- Lakefront New Grist Pilsner (Lakefront Brewery): An all-sorghum pilsner, historically one of the first certified gluten-free beers in the US.
- Estrella Damm Daura (S.A. Damm): A popular gluten-removed Spanish lager that has won several awards.
- Peroni Gluten Free Lager (Birra Peroni): This Italian lager is gluten-removed, maintaining its signature crisp taste.
- Tennent's Gluten Free Lager (Tennent Caledonian Breweries): A gluten-removed lager that keeps the classic flavour of its original brew.
- Aurochs Light Lager (Aurochs Brewing Company): A dedicated gluten-free brewery offering a light and refreshing lager option.
- Siren Pastel Pils (Siren Craft Brew): A gluten-free pilsner born out of the Italian Pils tradition, popular with fans of the style.
How to Find and Choose a Gluten-Free Lager
Checking Labels and Certification
Always check the label to ensure a lager is certified gluten-free. Look for a 'gluten-free' designation or a logo from a certifying body. Be mindful that some beers, like Corona, advertise a reduced gluten content through fermentation but are not officially certified gluten-free due to the presence of malted barley. For those with celiac disease, dedicated gluten-free brewing facilities, like those run by Ghostfish Brewing or Holidaily Brewing, offer the highest level of safety by eliminating any risk of cross-contamination.
Comparison of Gluten-Free Lager Types
| Feature | Naturally Gluten-Free Lager | Gluten-Removed Lager |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Gluten-free grains (e.g., sorghum, rice, millet) | Traditional grains (e.g., barley) |
| Brewing Process | Uses inherently gluten-free ingredients from the start | Removes gluten proteins with an enzyme after brewing |
| Gluten Content | Trace or undetectable gluten, naturally | <20 ppm, achieved through processing |
| Taste Profile | Can differ from traditional beer, often described as sweeter or with different notes | Designed to replicate the taste of traditional barley-based lagers |
| Safety for Celiacs | Optimal choice, eliminates risk of gluten contamination | Generally safe, but some highly sensitive individuals may react |
| Labeling | Labeled simply 'gluten-free' | May also be required to state 'contains barley' |
Conclusion
Navigating the world of gluten-free beer has never been easier, with numerous breweries now dedicated to producing high-quality lagers for people with gluten sensitivities. Whether you prefer a naturally gluten-free option from brands like Redbridge and New Grist, or a gluten-removed alternative that captures the flavor of a classic lager from brands like Peroni or Estrella Damm, the market offers plenty of choices. Always prioritize checking for official 'gluten-free' certification to ensure the product meets your dietary needs, especially if you have celiac disease. This wider availability means that asking 'what lager has no gluten?' no longer limits your options, but opens the door to a diverse range of refreshing brews.
For more detailed information on gluten-free brewing and safety, consider consulting organizations like Coeliac UK for their expert guidance on fermented products and testing methods.
