Which American Beers Are Gluten-Free?

The market for gluten-free beer has seen significant growth, with North America holding the largest market share. This means there are now more delicious options than ever before for those needing to know which American beers are gluten-free, moving far beyond the simple lager options of the past. From dedicated breweries to specialty craft selections, the choices are expanding rapidly.

Quick Summary

This guide details the wide variety of American gluten-free beers, including those from dedicated gluten-free breweries and larger-scale producers. It covers the difference between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed options and offers specific examples for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

• Dedicated Breweries: For celiac sufferers, dedicated 100% gluten-free breweries like Ghostfish and Holidaily offer the safest, cross-contamination-free options.

• Naturally GF vs. Gluten-Removed: Beers can be made from naturally gluten-free grains (sorghum, rice, etc.) or treated with enzymes to remove gluten from traditional grains like barley.

• Check the Label: Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free' for products made entirely without gluten, versus 'Gluten-Reduced' for enzyme-treated beers.

• Market Expansion: The American gluten-free beer market has grown significantly, offering a much wider array of flavors and styles than in the past.

• Diverse Options: From light lagers and crisp blonde ales to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, gluten-free beer is no longer limited in taste or style.

• Widely Available Brands: Popular brands like Redbridge and Stone Delicious IPA offer more accessible gluten-free or gluten-reduced choices nationwide.

Understanding Gluten-Free Beer

For many years, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity felt left out of the craft beer revolution. Traditional beer, brewed from grains like barley and wheat, contains gluten. However, innovative brewers across the United States have developed two primary methods to produce safe and flavorful alternatives. Understanding these methods is crucial for making the right choice, especially for those with severe sensitivities.

The first and safest method involves using naturally gluten-free grains, such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, corn, and rice. This process, often practiced by dedicated gluten-free breweries, eliminates any risk of cross-contamination from the start because the facility never handles gluten-containing grains. The second method, which results in "gluten-removed" or "gluten-reduced" beer, starts with traditional barley or wheat but adds an enzyme during fermentation to break down the gluten proteins. The final product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which meets the FDA's standard for a gluten-free label. While this is safe for many with sensitivities, it may not be suitable for all individuals with celiac disease, as some may react to even trace amounts.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries in the USA

For the absolute safest option, seek out breweries that are 100% dedicated to gluten-free production. These breweries use separate, certified equipment and ingredients to ensure a product free from cross-contamination risks. They have pioneered the industry and offer some of the most diverse and high-quality gluten-free beers available.

Pioneers and Powerhouses

• Ghostfish Brewing Company (Seattle, WA): An award-winning brewery known for a wide variety of excellent gluten-free beers, including their Watchstander Stout, Grapefruit IPA, and Meteor Shower Blonde Ale. They are a cornerstone of the American gluten-free beer scene.
• Holidaily Brewing Co. (Golden, CO): The nation's largest dedicated gluten-free brewery, Holidaily offers a robust lineup that includes their Favorite Blonde Ale, Buckwit Belgian, and Fat Randy's IPA. They have expanded distribution to several states.
• Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR): This brewery was the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in the United States and offers a full spectrum of ales, including the popular Dark Ale.
• Aurochs Brewing Company (Emsworth, PA): Focusing on traditional styles, Aurochs brews a Light Lager and other favorites using naturally gluten-free ingredients.
• Burning Brothers Brewing (St. Paul, MN): Offering a wide range of styles, from IPAs to porters, Burning Brothers is a well-respected name in the dedicated gluten-free community.

Widely Available Gluten-Free and Gluten-Removed Brands

Beyond the dedicated breweries, several larger companies offer gluten-free or gluten-reduced options that are more easily found in standard grocery stores and liquor shops across the nation. This increased accessibility has been key to expanding the market.

Popular Picks

• Anheuser-Busch Redbridge Lager: Brewed with sorghum, Redbridge has been a readily available staple in the gluten-free market for many years.
• Lakefront Brewery New Grist: This was America's first certified gluten-free beer, brewed with sorghum, rice, and gluten-free yeast.
• Stone Delicious IPA: This popular IPA is gluten-reduced, meaning it uses an enzyme to break down gluten during the brewing process. It's a flavorful option for those who are not severely sensitive.

Comparison of Popular American Gluten-Free Beers

Brand	Brewery Type	Gluten Type	Style(s)	Key Ingredients	Tasting Notes
Holidaily Favorite Blonde Ale	Dedicated GF	Naturally GF	Blonde Ale	Millet, Buckwheat	Light, crisp, balanced with a mild, sweet finish
Ghostfish Grapefruit IPA	Dedicated GF	Naturally GF	IPA	Malted Sorghum, Millet	Bursting with citrus, tropical fruit, and hoppy bitterness
Redbridge Lager	Widely Distributed	Naturally GF	Lager	Sorghum	Hearty, full-bodied, slightly sweet with a clean finish
Stone Delicious IPA	Widely Distributed	Gluten-Reduced	IPA	Traditional Barley (Enzyme-Treated)	Citrus and hop-forward, with a smooth, lingering bitterness
Ground Breaker Dark Ale	Dedicated GF	Naturally GF	Dark Ale	Chestnuts, Lentils, Sorghum	Complex, notes of coffee, chocolate, and dark fruit

What to Know Before You Drink

1. Labeling: Look for the "Certified Gluten-Free" label, which indicates the product was made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. "Gluten-Removed" or "Gluten-Reduced" beers will typically be explicitly labeled as such, indicating they were brewed with traditional grains and treated with an enzyme. Read labels carefully.
2. Ingredient Transparency: Dedicated breweries often list the exact gluten-free grains they use, providing clarity and confidence in their product. Familiarize yourself with these alternative grains to understand what you're drinking.
3. Local vs. National: While some brands have national distribution, many fantastic gluten-free beers come from smaller, regional dedicated breweries. Explore local liquor stores or specialty shops to find hidden gems, or look for specific dedicated gluten-free breweries in your state or region.
4. Taste and Style: Gluten-free brewing techniques and ingredients have advanced dramatically. Today's market offers a complete range of styles, from light lagers and crisp ales to hazy IPAs and rich stouts. Don't assume all gluten-free beer tastes the same or is limited in style.

The Expansion of the Gluten-Free Beer Market

The market has matured well beyond simple lagers, with breweries pushing the boundaries of style and flavor. This growth is driven not only by those with celiac disease but also by a broader audience seeking diverse options. Many non-celiac customers are also trying gluten-free options due to lifestyle choices or perceived health benefits, like less bloating. Brewers are responding with innovative techniques and more complex offerings. The cost of production for gluten-free grains can be higher due to lower production scales, but competitive pricing is becoming more common as the market expands.

Conclusion

The question of which American beers are gluten-free has a much more robust and exciting answer today than in years past. Thanks to dedicated breweries and larger brands incorporating safe methods, a wide variety of choices are now available. Whether you prefer a naturally gluten-free craft ale from a dedicated brewery or a gluten-reduced IPA from a national brand, the options are plentiful. Always remember to check the label and understand the brewing method, especially if you have celiac disease, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

TWØBAYS Brewing Co

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Naturally gluten-free beers are brewed using alternative grains like millet, sorghum, and rice, and contain no gluten from the start. Gluten-removed beers are brewed with traditional grains like barley but have an enzyme added during fermentation to break down the gluten protein to safe levels (<20 ppm).

Are gluten-removed beers safe for people with celiac disease?

For some individuals with celiac disease, gluten-removed beers are safe, but they are not universally recommended. Those with a high sensitivity may still react to the remaining trace amounts of gluten. Naturally gluten-free beers from dedicated facilities are the safest choice for celiacs.

Can I find gluten-free beer in regular grocery stores?

Yes, many regular grocery and liquor stores carry gluten-free options. Mass-market brands like Redbridge Lager are widely available. For more variety, check specialty beer stores or dedicated breweries.

Why do some people with gluten sensitivity still feel ill after drinking gluten-reduced beer?

This can happen because while the gluten has been broken down, trace amounts may still remain, which can be enough to trigger a reaction in some highly sensitive individuals. It's also possible that other compounds in beer, aside from gluten, are causing the reaction.

What are some of the best-tasting American gluten-free beers?

Taste is subjective, but highly-rated options include Ghostfish Brewing's Watchstander Stout, Holidaily's Favorite Blonde Ale, and Ground Breaker's Dark Ale. Many dedicated craft breweries are producing high-quality, flavorful gluten-free beers.

Is gluten-free beer more expensive than regular beer?

Gluten-free beer can sometimes be slightly more expensive due to the higher cost and smaller production scale of alternative ingredients like gluten-free malts. However, as the market expands, prices are becoming more competitive, especially with mass-produced options.

What alternative grains are used to brew gluten-free beer?

Common alternative grains used in gluten-free brewing include sorghum, millet, buckwheat, corn, and rice. Some brewers also experiment with less common ingredients like quinoa or chestnuts.