Which IPA beers are gluten free? A comprehensive guide to finding safe options

November 12, 2025 •

5 min read

An estimated one in 100 people worldwide is affected by celiac disease, making the quest for truly safe, gluten-free beverages a necessity. For IPA lovers, finding out which IPA beers are gluten free requires careful label reading and a clear understanding of brewing processes, distinguishing certified gluten-free from potentially unsafe gluten-reduced beers.

Quick Summary

This article explains the difference between true gluten-free and gluten-reduced IPAs, listing several dedicated gluten-free breweries and brands. It covers the grains used, compares the two beer types, and offers essential tips for safely enjoying a flavorful India Pale Ale while managing gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Key Points

Differentiate 'Gluten-Free' and 'Gluten-Reduced': True gluten-free IPAs use naturally gluten-free grains, while gluten-reduced ones use an enzyme to process barley, leaving residual gluten fragments.
Celiac Disease Requires Caution: Individuals with celiac disease or severe sensitivities should only consume products from dedicated gluten-free breweries to avoid unsafe residual gluten fragments in gluten-reduced beers.
Seek Dedicated Breweries for Safety: Look for brands from dedicated gluten-free facilities like Ghostfish Brewing, Holidaily Brewing, and Ground Breaker to eliminate cross-contamination risk.
Expect Different Grains and Flavor Profiles: True gluten-free IPAs are brewed with grains like millet, sorghum, and buckwheat, which result in a distinct, yet flavorful, profile compared to conventional IPAs.
Confirm at Bars and Restaurants: Always ask staff if a beer is genuinely gluten-free and inquire about dedicated tap lines to prevent cross-contamination, as some breweries produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free beers.
Check Product Packaging for Ingredients: Read the ingredient list and certifications carefully; some gluten-reduced beers may still list barley as an ingredient despite enzyme treatment.

Understanding Gluten-Free Brewing

Historically, beer was off-limits for individuals with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities because the brewing process relies on grains containing gluten, primarily malted barley and wheat. However, increased awareness and innovation within the craft brewing industry have opened up new possibilities. The key is understanding that not all beers labeled with a gluten disclaimer are created equal; there is a critical distinction between genuinely gluten-free and merely gluten-reduced beers.

The Critical Difference: True Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced

True Gluten-Free IPAs are brewed from scratch using only naturally gluten-free grains, such as millet, sorghum, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa. To be labeled 'gluten-free' in the U.S. and E.U., the final product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Breweries that produce true gluten-free beers, especially those in dedicated facilities, offer the safest option by eliminating the risk of cross-contamination from the start.

Gluten-Reduced IPAs, in contrast, begin with conventional, gluten-containing ingredients like barley but have a special enzyme added during fermentation. This enzyme, often Brewers Clarex®, breaks down the gluten proteins to below the 20 ppm threshold. While this process works for many people with mild sensitivities, it is not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. The gluten proteins are fragmented, not completely removed, and testing methods may not reliably detect these smaller pieces, which can still trigger an immune response. These products must typically be labeled 'crafted to remove gluten' or 'gluten-reduced' to indicate their origin.

Dedicated Gluten-Free IPA Breweries

For those seeking absolute safety, dedicated gluten-free breweries that never use gluten-containing ingredients are the best choice. These facilities offer a diverse range of IPA styles that deliver on flavor without the risk of contamination.

Ghostfish Brewing Company (Seattle, WA): This 100% gluten-free facility produces several popular IPAs, including the citrus-forward Grapefruit IPA and the more assertive Kick Step IPA.
Holidaily Brewing Co. (Golden, CO): As a dedicated gluten-free brewery, Holidaily offers a variety of beers, with IPAs like their renowned Fat Randy's IPA and the hazy Big Henry Hazy IPA.
Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR): Another fully dedicated gluten-free brewery, Ground Breaker crafts several IPAs, including the distinctive IPA No. 5, which features roasted chestnuts.
Glutenberg (Montreal, Quebec): A pioneering force in the gluten-free market, Glutenberg is a dedicated brewery with a popular IPA brewed with a blend of millet, buckwheat, corn, and black rice.
Aurochs Brewing Company (Emsworth, PA): This dedicated gluten-free brewery offers multiple IPA options, such as their citrus-forward Session IPA and a Hazy IPA.
Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee, WI): Known for their New Grist series, they offer a gluten-free New Grist IPA that delivers classic IPA flavors without gluten.

Notable Gluten-Reduced Options (Caution Advised)

For those without celiac disease who can tolerate gluten-reduced products, a wider selection becomes available. However, due to the enzyme process, these beers are not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

Stone Delicious IPA: This well-known IPA is brewed with barley and treated with an enzyme, resulting in a gluten-reduced product below 20 ppm. It is noted for its high-quality flavor.
Omission IPA: Another widely available brand, Omission uses the enzyme process to remove gluten to low levels. They offer a range of styles, including an IPA.

Comparison of Gluten-Free and Gluten-Reduced IPAs


Feature	True Gluten-Free IPA	Gluten-Reduced IPA
Ingredients	Naturally gluten-free grains (millet, sorghum, rice)	Traditional barley, wheat, rye
Brewing Process	Uses only naturally GF grains from start to finish	Uses an enzyme (e.g., Brewers Clarex) to break down gluten peptides
Celiac Safety	Safe, especially from dedicated facilities.	Not Safe; residual fragments can trigger an immune response.
Flavor Profile	Has evolved significantly; can feature unique flavor notes from alternative grains.	Often tastes more like conventional, barley-based beer.
Labeling	Clearly marked 'Gluten-Free' (<20 ppm).	Marked 'Crafted to remove gluten' or 'Gluten-Reduced'.

Considerations Beyond the Label

Navigating the world of gluten-free beer requires diligence. Even if a brewery produces both gluten-free and traditional beers, the risk of cross-contamination exists unless brewing equipment is meticulously sanitized. It's always best to check if a brewery has dedicated gluten-free practices or a certified gluten-free facility. The flavor profile of gluten-free beers has improved dramatically over the years, moving beyond early options that were criticized for being thin or less complex. Today's craft brewers are mastering the use of alternative grains and innovative techniques to create flavorful, complex IPAs that rival their traditional counterparts. For the safest option, and to ensure no cross-contamination, prioritizing beers from a dedicated gluten-free facility is the most prudent choice for those with celiac disease. For further reading on dietary safety, the Celiac Disease Foundation is an excellent resource on the gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Finding safe and satisfying IPA options on a gluten-free diet is more achievable than ever thanks to dedicated breweries and advancing technology. By understanding the critical distinction between genuinely gluten-free IPAs made with alternative grains and gluten-reduced versions using enzymes, consumers can make informed choices. For celiac sufferers, prioritizing brands from dedicated gluten-free breweries like Ghostfish, Holidaily, and Ground Breaker is the best path to enjoying a hoppy, delicious IPA without compromising health.

Our Top Picks for Gluten-Free IPAs

Glutenberg IPA: A critically acclaimed IPA from a dedicated gluten-free brewery in Canada, known for its balanced, full flavor.
Ghostfish Brewing Grapefruit IPA: A bright and citrus-forward IPA from a 100% gluten-free facility in Seattle.
Holidaily Brewing Fat Randy's IPA: A robust IPA from a Colorado-based dedicated gluten-free brewery.
Ground Breaker Brewing Route 20 IPA: An IPA from a Portland brewery specializing exclusively in gluten-free beers.
Aurochs Brewing Session IPA: A crisp, light-bodied session IPA from a dedicated gluten-free brewery in Pennsylvania.

Note: Always check the most current product information and packaging, as brewery recipes and practices can change.

Where to Find Gluten-Free IPAs

Many specialty beer stores and online retailers like Half Time Beverage carry a selection of gluten-free IPAs. Craft beer bars are increasingly stocking these options as well, though it is crucial to confirm the brewery and brewing process with staff to ensure safety, particularly regarding tap lines.

A Final Word of Advice

The world of gluten-free brewing is constantly innovating. New brands and techniques are emerging regularly, offering an ever-growing variety of flavors and styles. By staying informed and choosing wisely, IPA fans on a gluten-free diet can continue to enjoy the bold, hoppy experience they love.

For those with severe sensitivities, the safest choice will always be a certified gluten-free IPA brewed in a dedicated gluten-free facility. For others, exploring the evolving market of gluten-reduced beers can also yield delicious results, but it is important to proceed with caution and consult with a healthcare provider if there are any doubts.

Key Takeaways

Always read the label carefully: Distinguish between 'Gluten-Free' and 'Gluten-Reduced' beers, as the latter may not be safe for celiacs.
Prioritize dedicated breweries: For complete safety, choose IPAs from breweries that operate in 100% gluten-free facilities, like Ghostfish or Holidaily.
Understand the brewing process: True gluten-free beers use alternative grains (millet, sorghum), while gluten-reduced versions use an enzyme to break down gluten in barley.
Gluten-reduced is not celiac-safe: Scientific evidence and expert medical consensus advise that gluten-reduced beers are not a safe option for those with celiac disease due to residual gluten fragments.
Flavor is improving: Modern brewing techniques with alternative grains create complex, flavorful IPAs that rival traditional barley-based beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you have celiac disease, you should not trust beers labeled 'crafted to remove gluten' or 'gluten-reduced'. These beers are made with gluten-containing grains and use an enzyme to break down gluten proteins, but residual fragments can still cause an immune reaction in celiac patients.

Yes, true gluten-free IPAs will likely have a different flavor profile because they are made with alternative grains like millet, sorghum, and buckwheat instead of barley. Modern techniques have significantly improved the flavor, though it may not be identical to a traditional barley IPA.

Cross-contamination is a significant risk, especially for products from breweries that also handle gluten-containing grains. For this reason, those with celiac disease should seek out beers from breweries that operate in 100% dedicated gluten-free facilities.

No, many breweries offer a range of gluten-free styles beyond IPAs, including pale ales, blonde ales, stouts, and lagers. The availability of different styles is expanding as demand for gluten-free beer grows.

Common gluten-free grains and pseudocereals used in brewing include sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, corn, and quinoa. Different combinations of these grains can create unique flavor profiles.

In some regions, like the E.U., a gluten-reduced beer treated with an enzyme to fall below 20 ppm can be labeled 'gluten-free' but must also declare 'contains barley' as an allergen. This is meant to distinguish it from true gluten-free beers made without barley, but this distinction is not universally adopted or considered safe for celiacs.

Certified gluten-free IPAs can be found in specialty beer stores, health food markets, and online retailers that specialize in craft beverages. Look for breweries like Ghostfish, Holidaily, and Ground Breaker that specialize in or dedicate their facilities to gluten-free brewing.