What Lager is Gluten-Free? Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Choices

Celiac disease affects about 1 in 100 people in the UK, making gluten avoidance crucial for health. The availability of certified gluten-free lagers has grown to meet this need, offering safe alternatives.

Quick Summary

Selecting a gluten-free lager involves understanding brewing methods used to remove or avoid gluten. Many breweries now produce lagers with alternative grains or enzymes, providing certified options for various dietary requirements.

Key Points

• Two Brewing Methods: Gluten-free lagers are made with either naturally gluten-free grains or using gluten-removing enzymes.

• Celiac Safety: Naturally gluten-free lagers are the safest for those with celiac disease, especially from dedicated gluten-free facilities.

• Labeling: Distinguish between 'certified gluten-free' and 'crafted to remove gluten'.

• Key Brands: Popular options include Redbridge, Estrella Damm Daura, and beers from dedicated GF breweries like Ghostfish and Holidaily.

• Sensitivity Risk: Highly sensitive individuals may react to gluten-removed beers.

• Taste: Naturally gluten-free lagers can have unique taste profiles.

Understanding Gluten-Free Lagers

For those with gluten sensitivities, the beer market can be challenging. Many brewers are innovating to provide safe, enjoyable options. Two main methods create these beers, and understanding them is key.

The Naturally Gluten-Free Route

Naturally gluten-free lagers use ingredients like sorghum, rice, millet, and buckwheat instead of barley. This process makes the beer gluten-free from the start and is preferred by those with celiac disease, especially when produced in dedicated facilities.

Examples of Naturally Gluten-Free Lagers:

• Redbridge Lager (Anheuser-Busch): Brewed with sorghum.
• Aurochs Brewing Light Lager: Produced in a 100% gluten-free facility.
• Bard's Gold Lager: Made from malted sorghum.
• Green's Dry Hopped Lager: Uses ancient grains.

The Gluten-Removed Approach

Gluten-removed lagers start with traditional grains, such as barley, but use enzymes during fermentation to break down gluten proteins, reducing the content to below 20 ppm. In the US, these beers are often labeled "crafted to remove gluten," while in the UK and EU, they can be labeled "gluten-free" if below 20 ppm. Those with severe celiac disease should be cautious, as some gluten fragments may remain.

Examples of Gluten-Removed Lagers:

• Estrella Damm Daura: A popular Spanish lager.
• Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free: Brewed to replicate the original taste.
• Omission Lager: Tested to be below 20 ppm.
• Stella Artois Gluten Free: A gluten-removed version of their classic lager.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries

Dedicated gluten-free breweries only produce gluten-free products, reducing contamination risks.

Examples of dedicated gluten-free breweries:

• Ghostfish Brewing Company (Seattle, WA).
• Holidaily Brewing Co. (Colorado, USA).
• Aurochs Brewing Company (Emsworth, PA).

Comparison of Gluten-Free Lager Types

Feature	Naturally Gluten-Free Lager	Gluten-Removed Lager
Starting Ingredients	Alternative grains (sorghum, rice, millet)	Traditional grains (barley, wheat)
Production Method	Gluten-free grains and yeast fermented in a controlled environment	Enzyme added during fermentation to break down gluten
Celiac Safety Level	Highest, especially from dedicated GF facilities	Good for most, but not guaranteed for highly sensitive celiacs
Contamination Risk	Very low, especially in dedicated facilities	Possible, as equipment may be shared with gluten beers
Taste Profile	May have unique flavors from alternative grains	Generally similar to traditional lagers, though may vary

Conclusion

Choosing a gluten-free lager involves knowing the differences between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed options. Those with celiac disease should choose beers made with alternative grains or from dedicated gluten-free breweries. Always check labels and certifications to ensure safety and enjoy a refreshing drink worry-free.

For more information on gluten-free diets, visit Coeliac UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stella Artois Gluten-Free?

Yes, Stella Artois offers a gluten-free lager using an enzyme method to reduce gluten to less than 20 ppm, making it safe for many with sensitivities.

Is Corona Extra Gluten-Free?

No, Corona Extra is not gluten-free as it is brewed with barley malt. It is not recommended for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Is Omission Lager safe for celiacs?

Omission Lager is gluten-removed, so it is brewed with barley and treated with enzymes. While safe for many, those with severe celiac disease should be cautious, as trace gluten fragments may remain.

How can I be sure a lager is truly gluten-free?

Look for a 'certified gluten-free' label from a recognized organization. Choosing beers from dedicated gluten-free breweries also ensures no cross-contamination.

What grains are used in naturally gluten-free lagers?

Brewers use grains like millet, sorghum, brown rice, and buckwheat. These ingredients provide sugars for fermentation without gluten.

Can a gluten-removed beer still cause a reaction?

Yes, some sensitive individuals may react. Though the enzyme process breaks down gluten, some fragments might trigger a reaction.

How does a naturally gluten-free lager taste?

Naturally gluten-free lagers may have a different flavor influenced by the grains used. Some may have nutty, earthy, or fruity notes, though taste varies.