Which Popular Beer is Gluten Free? A Guide to Safe Sips and Nutrition Diet Choices

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, navigating the world of beverages can be tricky. This comprehensive guide helps answer the critical question: Which popular beer is gluten free?

Quick Summary

The market offers genuinely gluten-free beers and gluten-reduced options, which are not the same. Individuals must differentiate based on brewing methods and certification. Understanding these distinctions is key to making safe choices for a gluten-free diet, with brands like Redbridge and Glutenberg offering reliable options.

Key Points

• Differentiate Gluten-Free and Gluten-Reduced: Understand that 'gluten-free' means brewed with non-gluten grains, while 'gluten-reduced' means gluten was removed post-brewing and may still contain unsafe fragments for celiacs.

• Redbridge is a Popular Gluten-Free Option: Redbridge Lager from Anheuser-Busch is brewed with sorghum and is a widely available and safe gluten-free beer.

• Corona is NOT Gluten-Free: Despite claims of low gluten content after fermentation, Corona contains barley malt and is not safe for a strict gluten-free diet.

• Beware of Cross-Contamination: For celiac disease, it's crucial to choose beers from dedicated gluten-free facilities or certified products to avoid cross-contamination.

• Read Labels Carefully: Always check the label for certifications or specific ingredients, and be wary of terms like 'crafted to remove gluten' if you have a severe sensitivity.

• Explore Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries: Brands like Holidaily Brewing and Ghostfish Brewing offer a variety of genuinely gluten-free options that don't sacrifice flavor.

Understanding Gluten in Beer and the Brewing Process

Traditional beer is brewed with grains like barley, wheat, and rye, which contain gluten. For those on a gluten-free diet, this means most conventional beers are off-limits. However, brewers now offer alternatives using two main approaches: brewing with naturally gluten-free grains or using an enzyme to process out gluten.

True gluten-free beer is made exclusively with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, or corn. These beers must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to meet FDA standards and can be certified gluten-free. Some breweries focus solely on gluten-free production to prevent cross-contamination.

Gluten-reduced beer uses gluten-containing grains but employs an enzyme during fermentation to break down gluten proteins. Although this can lower gluten levels below 20 ppm, it doesn't remove all gluten fragments. These beers are not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease due to the risk of triggering an immune response. In the U.S., they are often labeled "crafted to remove gluten" rather than "gluten-free".

Popular and Accessible Gluten-Free Beer Brands

Several widely available brands offer genuinely gluten-free beers:

• Redbridge Lager: A sorghum-based beer from Anheuser-Busch, popular and widely available.
• Glutenberg Blonde Ale: A Canadian brand known for its balanced taste, brewed with millet, buckwheat, corn, and quinoa.
• Holidaily Brewing Co.: A dedicated gluten-free brewery offering various styles, including Favorite Blonde Ale and Buckwit Belgian.
• Ghostfish Brewing Company: This dedicated gluten-free brewery uses alternative grains like buckwheat and millet for craft-style beers such as Grapefruit IPA.
• New Grist Pilsner Style Beer: The first U.S. government-approved gluten-free beer, brewed with sorghum, rice, and millet by Lakefront Brewery.

Popular Brands that are NOT Gluten-Free

Many mainstream beers contain gluten due to barley malt. While some offer gluten-reduced options, these are not safe for those with celiac disease. Examples of popular beers that are not truly gluten-free include:

• Corona: Contains barley malt.
• Michelob Ultra: Brewed with barley.
• Bud Light and Miller Lite: Made with gluten-containing grains.
• Omission: Their Ultimate Golden Ale is a gluten-removed beer and not safe for celiacs.

Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced: A Critical Distinction

The brewing method is the key difference between these two beer types, impacting safety for those with gluten sensitivities.

Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced Beer Comparison

Feature	Gluten-Free Beer	Gluten-Reduced Beer
Ingredients	Naturally gluten-free grains.	Traditional gluten-containing grains.
Brewing Method	Uses only gluten-free ingredients in a contamination-free environment.	Uses an enzyme to break down gluten after brewing.
Gluten Content	Contains 0 ppm of gluten.	Contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, potentially unsafe for celiacs.
Certification	Can be certified "gluten-free".	Cannot be certified "gluten-free" in the U.S..
Safety for Celiacs	Safest option when certified.	Not recommended due to potential residual gluten.

Important Considerations for a Gluten-Free Diet

Beyond beer, it's vital to watch for hidden gluten in other foods and prevent cross-contamination. Choose naturally gluten-free whole foods and read labels carefully. Consulting a dietitian can help ensure nutritional needs are met.

Conclusion

For those on a gluten-free diet, numerous safe and flavorful beer options are available. The crucial step is understanding the difference between genuinely gluten-free beer, made with alternative grains, and gluten-reduced beer, which still poses a risk for individuals with celiac disease. Opt for certified gluten-free brands like Redbridge Lager or explore dedicated gluten-free breweries such as Holidaily and Ghostfish. Always prioritize certified products and read labels to avoid gluten exposure.

For further reading on celiac disease and nutrition, please visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Corona beer gluten-free?

No, Corona beer is not gluten-free. It is brewed with barley malt, a gluten-containing grain. While the fermentation process may reduce gluten content, it is not considered safe for a strict gluten-free diet.

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

Gluten-free beer is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like sorghum and millet. Gluten-removed beer starts with gluten-containing grains but uses an enzyme to break down gluten. The latter is not recommended for celiacs as it may contain residual gluten fragments.

Are light beers like Michelob Ultra or Bud Light gluten-free?

No, most light beers like Michelob Ultra and Bud Light are brewed with barley malt and are not gluten-free. You should only consume products specifically labeled as certified gluten-free for a gluten-free diet.

Is Redbridge Lager a genuinely gluten-free beer?

Yes, Redbridge Lager, brewed by Anheuser-Busch, is genuinely gluten-free. It is brewed with sorghum instead of wheat or barley, making it a safe choice.

Can I trust 'crafted to remove gluten' labels?

If you have celiac disease, it is safest to avoid beers with 'crafted to remove gluten' labels. The FDA does not recognize these products as gluten-free for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities due to the potential for residual gluten fragments.

What are some examples of popular craft breweries that make truly gluten-free beer?

Some well-known craft breweries that specialize in truly gluten-free beer include Holidaily Brewing Co., Ghostfish Brewing Company, and Glutenberg. These breweries use gluten-free grains and often have dedicated facilities to prevent cross-contamination.

Why do some beers taste different on a gluten-free diet?

True gluten-free beers are made with alternative grains, which can give them a slightly different flavor profile than traditional barley-based beers. Gluten-reduced beers aim to maintain a more traditional flavor, but their safety is questionable for celiac patients.