Which beers are made without wheat?

Over 1% of the population worldwide is affected by celiac disease, a condition triggered by gluten from grains such as wheat. As a result, the beverage industry has innovated, expanding choices for consumers searching for beers made without wheat. Standard lagers and ales are often made with barley, not wheat, though specialized beers brewed with alternative grains are safer for those with sensitivities.

Quick Summary

This guide covers beers brewed without wheat, focusing on naturally gluten-free options and dedicated breweries. It explores grains like sorghum and millet and provides examples for those avoiding wheat for health reasons.

Key Points

• Look for Barley-Based Beers: Many standard beers are brewed with barley, not wheat, and are safe for those with a wheat allergy, but not celiac disease.

• Explore Naturally Gluten-Free Grains: Beers made from grains like sorghum, millet, rice, or buckwheat are naturally wheat-free and gluten-free.

• Be Careful of Gluten-Reduced Products: Beers labeled "gluten-reduced" are made with gluten-containing grains, and may still pose a risk for sensitive individuals.

• Choose Dedicated Breweries for Celiacs: For severe allergies, choose brands from dedicated gluten-free facilities to eliminate cross-contamination risk.

• Read All Labels: Always check the ingredients list and look for "gluten-free" or "brewed with barley" statements.

• Consider Non-Beer Alternatives: Hard ciders, mead, and kombucha are good wheat-free options.

Understanding Wheat-Free Beer

When exploring beers without wheat, it's key to know the difference between beers that are naturally wheat-free and those labeled "gluten-reduced." This distinction is especially important for individuals with celiac disease or severe allergies. Naturally wheat-free beers are made with alternative grains that never contained wheat or other gluten-bearing cereals. This approach eliminates the chance of wheat-related reactions. Gluten-reduced beers use traditional ingredients like barley but are treated with enzymes to break down gluten. Although these beers usually test below the 20 parts-per-million (ppm) gluten-free threshold, they still contain processed gluten and may not be safe for everyone with allergies or celiac disease.

Traditional Beers and Wheat

Many common beers, including pale lagers, do not have wheat in the main ingredients. These beers often use malted barley and adjuncts like corn or rice. However, these beers contain barley, which has gluten. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance need to be careful. If there is a wheat allergy but no other gluten issues, many standard beers may be suitable. Always check the label and contact the manufacturer if needed.

Alternative Grain Beers

For those who must avoid both wheat and barley, a growing number of breweries are making beer from ingredients that are naturally gluten-free. This offers new flavors. These brews use alternative grains:

• Sorghum: This is a base for many gluten-free beers, and gives flavors of apples or honey.
• Millet: Often used by gluten-free breweries, millet malts make various styles.
• Buckwheat: This is not wheat, and is gluten-free, used in special beers.
• Rice and Corn: These are often used in traditional beer, and can be the main ingredient in gluten-free recipes.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries

Some breweries operate in gluten-free facilities, preventing cross-contamination from traditional grains. These breweries offer the safest and widest range of options. Examples include Ghostfish Brewing Company, Holidaily Brewing Co., Ground Breaker Brewing, and Aurochs Brewing Company.

Comparison of Wheat-Free Beer Types

Feature	Traditional Barley-Based Beers	Naturally Gluten-Free Beers	Gluten-Reduced Beers
Wheat-Free?	Yes, most are.	Yes, by definition.	Yes, by definition.
Gluten-Free?	No, contains barley gluten.	Yes, no gluten-containing ingredients.	Yes, tests below 20 ppm after treatment.
Primary Ingredients	Malted barley, hops, yeast, water; may use corn or rice.	Sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, hops, yeast, water.	Malted barley, hops, yeast, water; enzyme added.
Safety for Celiacs	Unsafe; contains gluten.	Safest option; no cross-contamination risk in dedicated breweries.	Potential risk; may react.
Flavor Profile	Classic beer flavor.	Can have unique fruity or nutty notes from alternative grains.	Similar to standard beer.
Labeling	May be labeled "wheat-free" but not "gluten-free".	Clearly labeled "gluten-free".	Labeled "gluten-free" but often also states "brewed with barley".

Conclusion

Many beers are available that are made without wheat, whether you have a wheat allergy or a gluten-related disorder. Those with a wheat allergy can find suitable options among conventional barley-based beers. Anyone with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity should choose beers made from naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet, and rice, especially from dedicated gluten-free facilities. For those with lesser sensitivities, gluten-reduced options offer a bridge. The rise of craft breweries that specialize in these areas means that avoiding wheat no longer limits one to a few options, but opens a new world of brewing.

For more information on celiac disease and food sensitivities, see the resources at the Cleveland Clinic on Wheat Allergy.

Choosing the Right Wheat-Free Beer

Consider your health needs, and consult a doctor if you have celiac disease or a severe allergy. Read labels, and look for breweries that are dedicated to gluten-free practices. The increasing popularity of these brews proves that great-tasting beer can be made without wheat, and without sacrificing flavor.

Practical Guide: Which Beers Are Made Without Wheat?

For those with a wheat allergy or sensitivity, finding safe beverage options is key. While many think of all beer as risky, many styles and brands are brewed without wheat. The most important distinction is whether you need to avoid wheat or all gluten, which is also in barley.

Conventional Beers (Containing Barley, No Wheat)

Many traditional beers use only barley malt and adjuncts like rice or corn, with no wheat. These are generally safe for those with a wheat allergy, but not for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

• Popular Lagers: Brands like Budweiser and Coors do not contain wheat.
• Classic Ales: Standard pale ales and stouts rely primarily on barley. For instance, some oatmeal stouts are made with flaked oats and barley, but not wheat.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Beers (No Wheat or Barley)

These beers are the safest choice for those who must avoid gluten. They are made in facilities using gluten-free grains.

• Ghostfish Brewing Company: Offers a wide variety of certified gluten-free beers.
• Holidaily Brewing Co.: A dedicated brewery with options like blonde ales and ambers.
• Glutenberg: A Canadian brewery with a diverse range of gluten-free beers.

Enjoying a Wheat-Free Brew

With many safe choices, exploring wheat-free beers can be fun. You can stick with barley-based brews or try the flavors of alternative grains. You don't have to miss out on a great beer.

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Additional Wheat-Free Beverage Options

Beverage Type	Is it Wheat-Free?	Notes
Hard Cider	Yes	Made from fermented fruit juice (typically apples). Generally gluten-free, but check labels.
Kombucha	Yes	Fermented tea beverage. Naturally gluten-free unless grains are added in certain versions.
Traditional Sake	Yes	Made from fermented rice. Safe for most wheat and gluten sensitivities.
Mead	Yes	Made from fermented honey. Naturally wheat and gluten-free.

This table shows some alternatives to beer that are naturally wheat-free. Always check labels to confirm ingredients and manufacturing processes, especially for potential cross-contamination.

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The beverage market offers more choices than ever for those who need to avoid wheat. From standard barley-based lagers to craft beers made with alternative grains, finding a safe wheat-free beer is not hard. By understanding the differences between naturally gluten-free, gluten-reduced, and standard beers, consumers can choose the best option. Dedicated gluten-free breweries provide many options with no risk of cross-contamination. Cheers to a safe beer experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people with a wheat allergy drink regular beer?

Many regular beers, such as lagers and ales, are brewed with barley instead of wheat. These are generally safe for those with a wheat allergy. Always check the ingredient list, as some styles do use wheat.

Is gluten-free beer always wheat-free?

Yes, all gluten-free beer is also wheat-free. These beers are made with alternative grains like sorghum or millet, which contain no wheat. However, gluten-reduced beers, which are treated with enzymes, may still be brewed with barley, which is important for those with a barley sensitivity.

What is the difference between gluten-free and gluten-reduced beer?

Gluten-free beer is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. Gluten-reduced beer begins with gluten-containing grains (like barley) but is treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten to safe levels.

What grains are used to make naturally wheat-free beer?

Brewers use sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, and quinoa to make naturally wheat-free and gluten-free beers.

Are ciders a safe alternative to beer if I can't have wheat?

Yes, most hard ciders are a safe alternative. They are made from fermented fruit, typically apples, and do not contain grain. Always check labels for additives that might contain gluten.

Do wheat-free beers taste the same as regular beer?

No, their flavor can vary, depending on the grains used. Sorghum can add fruity notes, while millet can provide a more neutral base. This variety offers new tastes to explore.

What are some good brands of dedicated gluten-free beer?

Some brands that operate in dedicated facilities include Ghostfish Brewing Company, Holidaily Brewing Co., Ground Breaker Brewing, and Aurochs Brewing Company.