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Introduction to Gluten-Free Beer
While cider has traditionally been the safe-haven beverage for celiac and gluten-sensitive drinkers, craft breweries have recently picked up on the need for quality gluten-free beer. The demand was always there, as there are large segments of the population that either can’t or don’t want to consume gluten-containing malts like barley or wheat that are key ingredients for standard brews. Gluten-free beers are brewed with alternatives like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat that are safe to drink.
The best part about this development is the variety of gluten-free options these breweries are putting out there. Instead of just having a boring pale ale or lager, you’ll now be able to find chocolatey stouts or delicious hazy IPAs to satisfy your craving for flavor. There’s even the broader category of gluten-reduced beers to explore.
Here’s a run-down along with a list of the 10 best gluten-free beers worth sipping.
RELATED ARTICLE:
List of Wheat Free Beers: Brews for Wheat Intolerance
What Is Gluten-Free Beer?
Gluten-Free vs Gluten-Removed: What’s the Difference?
- Gluten-Free: Brewed with non-gluten ingredients like sorghum, millet, rice, corn, and more obscure grains that can be fermented.
- Gluten-Removed: These beers are made with barley or wheat and then treated with enzymes to reduce gluten. It’s important to note that these are not safe for celiacs.
Is Gluten-Free Beer Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
Gluten-free beer is safe for drinkers with celiac disease as long as it’s brewed entirely with gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet, or rice. “Entirely” is the operative word, and it’s the difference between a safe drinking experience and an unsafe one.
These beers never contain gluten, so there’s a reliability there, while gluten-reduced beers have barley or wheat treated with enzymes to break down gluten below 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten content in beer.
These can still pose a risk for those with celiac disease, making certified gluten-free beers the best option. The FDA certifies gluten-free products as containing less than 20 ppm of gluten, and it is one of the most reliable labels to go by. Third-party certifications like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) seal actually ensure stricter standards.
The 9 Best Gluten-Free Beers
Best Gluten-Free IPAs
- Green’s India Pale Ale (5%) – This is your classic india pale ale, with nice pine and grapefruit flavors to balance out the earthy bitterness from the alternative grains they use. This one pours a lovely red hue and looks just as appetizing as an IPA with gluten.
- Ghostfish It Came from The Haze IPA (6%) – One of the few Hazy IPAs that won’t contain gluten, Ghostfish’s most popular offering brings massive juice flavors that will make you forget you ever needed barley in your beer. Expect the pillowy mouthfeel and sticky pineapple aromas.
Best Gluten-Free Lagers
- Lakefront New Grist Pilsner (5% ABV) – Milwaukee’s top brewery was also one of the pioneers of gluten-free beer. And its New Grist Pilsner (named for the grist made up of gluten-free malt) does as good a job as any GF beer at emulating a classic German Pilsner. It’s crispy and drinkable but big on flavor.
- Redbridge Lager (5%) – This Anheuser-Busch product is made with sorghum, which is a gluten-free grain that gives a lovely toasted flavor to balance out the mild hoppiness.
Best Gluten-Free Light Beers
- Omission Ultimate Light Golden Ale (4.2% ABV) – For an easy-drinking experience, this quaffable golden ale provides a crisp finish and nice citrus bite. This one will be easy to drink a few of.
- Ground Breaker 99 Light (3.5% ABV) – The classic American light lager is not available without having to worry about gluten. With flaked quinoa added to the standard GF malt bill, you’ll notice an added malt complexity to this crusher.
Best Gluten-Free Dark Beers & Ales
- NEFF Brewing’s Astronaut Cookies Oatmeal Stout (5% ABV) – It’s hard to believe a beer that tastes this decadent is gluten-free. Expect chocolate-forward flavors and a soft creaminess to the mouthfeel that’ll be perfect as a dessert.
- Evasion Brewing’s Tantamount Stout (6%) – Dark and full-bodied, this stout’s massive dark chocolate and coffee flavors make it a favorite.
Best Gluten-Free Variety Pack
- Glutenberg Discovery Pack – Canada’s (aptly named) gluten-free craft brewing giant sends plenty of beer to the United States, and opting for their variety pack is the best way to try their standard IPA or Pale Ale alongside seasonal picks.
Best Gluten-Removed Beer
- Stone Delicious IPA (7.8% ABV) – The quintessential San Diego brewery has perfected the West Coast IPA, and their gluten-reduced option is no different. With El Dorado and Lemondrop hops, there’s a balanced bitterness and lovely grapefruit aroma that’s unmistakably Stone.
Where to Buy Gluten-Free Beer
Shops, Breweries & Delivery Services
While you may have plenty of gluten-free beer options out there, finding them can involve a bit more effort than your standard six-pack.
- Major retailers: Whole Foods, Total Wine, BevMo, Binny’s, and Trader Joe’s are all national or regional retailers that tend to carry health-conscious products, including certified gluten-free beer.
- Breweries: If a brewery offers a gluten-free option, your best bet for finding it is almost always at the source. A taproom will almost always have its full lineup on draft or at a to-go kiosk, so much like specialty beers like barrel-aged stouts or one-off IPAs, you can usually rely on buying directly from the brewery.
- Online delivery options: Apps like Drizly, Beer Drop, and (in some states) a brewery’s direct website are all good options for buying online. This can also be more convenient because you’ll know what’s available without needing to leave your home.
Tips for Choosing a GF Beer You’ll Actually Like
Flavor First, Gluten-Free Second
- Know your preferred styles (IPA, lager, saison, stout) and seek out gluten-free versions that are available in your market. Go on brewery websites or social media pages to do research before heading to a taproom. Not every craft brewery makes gluten-free beer, so save yourself the headache!
- Try sampler packs like Glutenberg Discovery Pack or flights at your local brewery.
- Look for beers brewed gluten-free, not just gluten-removed. But if you’re not a celiac, you’ll have more options.
- Avoid overly sweet or overly dry options (unless that’s your thing).
- Read reviews on websites like BeerAdvocate or Untappd. There are even forums specific to gluten-free beer.
FAQs About Gluten-Free Beer
Can people with celiac disease drink gluten-removed beer?
It’s risky for celiacs to try gluten-reduced or removed beers because there is always a chance the barley or wheat enzymes will be above 20 ppm. It’s always advisable to seek out FDA-certified beers and products with the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) seal.
Does gluten-free beer taste different?
The answer isn’t straightforward, but most drinkers will notice a difference due to the flavors and aromas of gluten-free grains like buckwheat, millet, or sorghum. It’s also common to notice a thinner mouthfeel.
Are there carbs in gluten-free beer?
Gluten-free beers still contain carbohydrates, but it’s common for there to be fewer per serving than traditional beers.
What grains are used in gluten-free brewing?
The most common gluten-free alternatives are sorghum, rice, millet, and buckwheat. Brewers are finding new uses for grains like quinoa, as well!
Conclusion: Raise a Gluten-Free Glass
For drinkers dealing with celiac disease, beer options have never been this good. Hundreds of superb craft brands are either certified gluten-free, or even more have reduced gluten to the point where it’s safe for celiacs to drink. Even better, the variety of styles and flavors makes this category one of craft beer’s most exciting. We’ve listed a few notable GF beers, but we always want to hear about up-and-coming gluten-free brands to try. So drop some recommendations in the comments section.
