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I recently wrote an article for individuals with high cholesterol, so I felt it was only fair to show consideration for those with gluten intolerances. So, if you love beer but need to avoid gluten, it’s easy to think you’ll need to avoid the brew, too. However, you’re wrong! We live in a golden age of gluten-free brewing, and I’m here to tell you the best gluten-free beers on the market today!
What Makes a Beer Gluten-Free?
Gluten-free beer is not just about removing gluten from the brewing process. Brewers need to ensure that anyone with gluten sensitivities, including those with Celiac disease, can enjoy a cold one without worrying. But what exactly makes a beer gluten-free, and how is it different from regular brews?
Understanding Gluten-Free vs Gluten-Removed
To kick things off, I need to clear up a common misconception: there’s a big difference between gluten-free and gluten-removed beers.
- Gluten-free beers are brewed with grains that naturally don’t contain gluten, such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, or corn. From the very start of the brewing process, no gluten ever touches these beers, making them the safest option for individuals with severe gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
- Gluten-removed beers, on the other hand, are made using traditional gluten-containing grains like barley or wheat. During the brewing process, enzymes are added to break down the gluten proteins. While these beers may test below the legal limit of 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, some individuals with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may still react to them. In short, while gluten-removed beers can be tempting, they aren’t entirely risk-free for everyone.
Certified Gluten-Free Beer
If you’re navigating a gluten-free diet, especially for medical reasons, you’ll want to look for beers that are certified gluten-free. This certification means that the beer has been rigorously tested and approved by a regulatory body, ensuring that it meets safety standards. In the U.S. and the U.K., the legal standard is that the beer must contain fewer than 20 ppm of gluten to be labelled gluten-free.
For those with Celiac disease, certified gluten-free beers offer peace of mind. Unlike gluten-removed varieties, these beers eliminate the risk of cross-contamination or incomplete gluten removal, making them a far safer choice.
Top 10 Gluten-Free Beers of 2024
Now that we’ve broken down what makes a beer gluten-free, let’s get into the good stuff – the actual beers! The market is packed with excellent gluten-free options, whether you prefer a lager, an IPA, or something in between. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 10 gluten-free beers of 2024, covering a range of styles to satisfy any palate. These beers are all certified gluten-free or crafted in dedicated gluten-free breweries.
Glutenberg American Pale Ale
This Canadian-made pale ale has won numerous awards, and for good reason. Brewed with millet, buckwheat, and quinoa, Glutenberg American Pale Ale delivers a bold, hoppy flavour balanced with a slight citrus kick of orange and grapefruit. It’s perfect for pale ale lovers looking for a reliable gluten-free option.
- ABV: 5.5%
- Tasting Notes: Citrus, pine, and grapefruit
Holidaily Brewing Co. Favorite Blonde
Holidaily is one of the standout breweries in the gluten-free space. It is 100% gluten-free, and their Favorite Blonde is a crowd-pleaser. This golden, refreshing beer is named after the founder’s nickname from her Grandpa. It offers a mellow malt sweetness with a clean finish.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Tasting Notes: Light malt, honey, and citrus
Ghostfish Brewing Grapefruit IPA
Based in Seattle, Ghostfish Brewing operates in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and their Grapefruit IPA is one of their most popular brews. Stated to be a ‘citrus bomb’, this IPA gives hop lovers a refreshing yet intense experience.
- ABV: 5.5%
- Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, tropical fruit, and floral hops
Ground Breaker Dark Ale
Ground Breaker’s Dark Ale hits the spot for those craving something rich and complex. Brewed with roasted chestnuts and lentils, this ale offers a deep, roasted flavour profile that’s perfect for fans of stouts or porters. It’s brewed in a 100% gluten-free facility in Oregon, so it’s safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
- ABV: 4.7%
- Tasting Notes: Roasted coffee, chocolate, and caramel
Glutenberg Blonde Ale
Another gem from Glutenberg, the Blonde is a light, easy-drinking beer with a slightly fruity character and crisp finish. This Blonde is an excellent intro to gluten-free beers for anyone looking to transition without losing out on quality.
- ABV: 4.5%
- Tasting Notes: Light malt, floral hops, and apple
New Planet Blonde Ale
Made from sorghum and corn, New Planet Blonde Ale is a straightforward, refreshing beer for those who like their brew, which is simple but tasty. It offers bright notes of honey and a subtle floral aroma with a crisp, clean finish.
- ABV: 5.0%
- Tasting Notes: Sweet malt, apple, and light corn
Aurochs Brewing Company Blonde Ale
Brewed in Pittsburgh, PA, Aurochs is another dedicated gluten-free brewery making waves in the beer world. Their Blonde Ale is light, crisp, and perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, easy-drinking beer. With subtle notes of fruit and a clean finish, it’s an excellent choice for gluten-free drinkers who want something approachable yet flavourful.
- ABV: 4.59%
- Tasting Notes: Light malt, apple, and citrus
Holidaily Brewing Co. Big Henry Hazy IPA
Another entry from Holidaily, the Big Henry Hazy IPA offers a tropical, juicy flavour with a smooth, hazy texture. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the punchy fruitiness of hazy IPAs without worrying about gluten. It’s rich in flavour yet super approachable.
- ABV: 6.3%
- Tasting Notes: Mango, pineapple, and citrus
Ghostfish Brewing Vanishing Point Pale Ale
This West Coast-style pale ale from Ghostfish delivers all the hoppy goodness you’d expect without the gluten. With a solid malt spine and a burst of citrusy hops, Vanishing Point is a beer that showcases the innovation happening in the gluten-free brewing world.
- ABV: 5.3%
- Tasting Notes: Citrus, pine, and mild caramel malt
Green’s Tripel Blonde Ale
For fans of Belgian-style beers, Green’s Tripel Blonde Ale offers that classic tripel complexity in a gluten-free package. With fruity esters and a touch of spice, this strong ale is ideal for those who appreciate craft beers with a bit of heft and nuance.
- ABV: 8.5%
- Tasting Notes: Banana, clove, and sweet malt
Gluten-free brewing has come a long way, and thanks to dedicated craft breweries like Ghostfish, Holidaily, and Ground Breaker, there’s no shortage of bold, creative, and downright delicious gluten-free beers to enjoy.
Summary
Gluten-free beer is brewed with grains that don’t contain gluten, such as millet or sorghum, making it safe for those with Celiac disease. In contrast, gluten-removed beers use traditional grains like barley, with enzymes added to reduce gluten, but they can still cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Certified gluten-free beers undergo strict testing, ensuring they meet safety standards. Today’s gluten-free beers rival regular varieties in taste, with breweries like Glutenberg, Ghostfish, and Holidaily producing standout options. From pale ales to stouts, the market offers diverse, flavourful choices, catering to various preferences while remaining gluten-safe.
FAQs
Are gluten-free beers safe for people with Celiac disease?
Yes, certified gluten-free beers are safe for people with Celiac disease. These beers are brewed from grains that naturally do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, millet, buckwheat, and rice. However, gluten-removed beers (sometimes called “gluten-reduced”) are not recommended for those with Celiac disease, as they are made with gluten-containing grains like barley, and even though the gluten is broken down, trace amounts may still be present.
How do gluten-removed beers compare to gluten-free beers?
Gluten-removed beers are made from traditional grains like barley or wheat, but enzymes are added during the brewing process to break down the gluten. While these beers may test below the legal gluten threshold (usually 20 parts per million), they are not completely gluten-free. This makes them unsafe for people with Celiac disease, though they may be fine for those with mild gluten sensitivity.
In contrast, gluten-free beers are brewed from non-gluten grains right from the start, so there is no gluten present at any stage. For people with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, certified gluten-free beers are the safer option.
Is Stella Artois gluten-free beer?
No, Stella Artois is not considered a gluten-free beer. While it is brewed from barley, which contains gluten, they do offer a gluten-free version called Stella Artois Gluten-Free in certain markets. This version is made using the same ingredients as the regular Stella Artois, but the gluten is removed through a special process. However, it’s important to note that gluten-removed beers are not safe for people with Celiac disease or those with severe gluten sensitivities, as trace amounts of gluten may remain.
Is Peroni gluten-free?
Yes, a gluten-free version of Peroni called Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten-Free exists. This beer is brewed to have the same crisp and refreshing taste as the original Peroni, but it’s made using a process that removes gluten. Like with Stella Artois’ gluten-free option, those with Celiac disease or strong gluten sensitivities should proceed cautiously, as gluten-removed beers may still contain small traces of gluten.
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