8 Gluten-Free Beers People Who Can't Have Gluten Actually Love
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you can't have gluten but still want to indulge in the occasional beer, there are actually a lot of great gluten-free beer options out there. From dark and heavy IPAs to light and fizzy lagers, you can find just about anything to satisfy your wheat and hops cravings—no need to throw in the towel and settle for cider.
It's important to note that there's actually a big difference between gluten-free beers and gluten-removed beers. Gluten-removed beers are made by fermenting grains that contain gluten, and then removing the gluten after the fact. Unlike truly gluten-free beers, which are made with zero gluten from the start, gluten-removed beers may still contain trace amounts of gluten, which would make them dangerous for anyone with celiac disease.
"There's confusion in the gluten-free community about safe alcohol," Feriha Bilgen, M.P.H. in nutritional sciences and founder of Celiac Simplified, tells SELF. She adds that current testing methods are not accurate enough to determine if/when reducing gluten in beer is 100 percent successful and what trace amounts of the proteins may still remain. In general, if you have celiac disease or any form of gluten intolerance, make sure to talk with your doctor or R.D. about what foods and drinks (including beers) may or may not be safe for you to consume.
For those who can't have any gluten whatsoever, we rounded up some of the best gluten-free beers that are definitely worth trying. Here, gluten-free folks (who also happen to love beer) share which bottles they personally swear by. Their picks are easy to find and so delicious that even their friends who can have gluten love them too. Here's everything you need to know.
GlutenbergGlutenberg Blonde
Of all the beers that were recommended, the options at Glutenberg, a completely gluten-free brewery in Canada, consistently popped up the most. Stephanie and Mary Thompson, the mother-daughter duo behind A Couple of Celiacs on Instagram, prefer the Blonde brew over all others. They explain that it's very different from other gluten-free beers, because it's made from a mix of millet and corn, while others are commonly made with buckwheat, sorghum, rice, or oats. "As the name says, it's golden blonde in color and tastes amazing," they explain. When you crack open one of these, you can expect a refreshing citrus aroma and very little bitterness—perfect for easy drinking.
Find out where you can buy it here.
Lakefront BreweryNew Grist Pilsner
If you're not a fan of sweet beers, this pilsner from New Grist (another completely gluten-free brewery) is worth checking out. Made from a blend of sorghum and rice, Bilgen says it's not overly sweet, but it has a bit of sourness that she loves. It's light and refreshing and almost tastes like cider, the Thompsons say.
Find out where to buy it here.
Redbridge BeerRedbridge Lager
Made only with sorghum, all of the beers from Redbridge are entirely gluten-free. And they're really easy to find at supermarkets nationwide. "It's smooth in texture, has a slightly fruity aroma, but isn't overpoweringly sweet like hard ciders," says Bilgen.
Find out where to buy it here.
GlutenbergGlutenberg American Pale Ale
This APA from Glutenberg tastes like the real deal, according to Rafia Kanji, a gluten-free health and nutrition coach in Toronto. "I was a beer lover before my diagnosis and I no longer feel like I'm missing out on the beer scene," she explains. It's full of citrusy notes, and a bit hoppy and bitter, but not as much as an IPA. Give it a try if you're looking for something strong, but not too strong.
Find out where to buy it here.
Estrella GaliciaEstrella Galicia
This beer, which comes from an entirely gluten-free brewery in Barcelona, is a favorite of Alex Houghton, who frequently documents his adventures in gluten-free beer drinking at The Gluten-Free Geezer) on Instagram. It's malty and a bit bitter, so it's perfect if you prefer the flavors of a darker, heavier, IPA-style brew. Unlike other gluten-free beers, it's made with wheat, but an enzyme is used during production that completely eliminates any gluten.
Find out where to buy it here.
Whistler BeerWhistler Forager
This brew is made from a blend of gluten-free sorghum and rice, so it's safe for anyone with celiac disease. The Thompsons like it because of how dark and malty it is—consider it the Guinness of the gluten-free world.
Find out where to buy it here.
GlutenbergGlutenberg Indian Pale Ale
"This citrusy beer is a fan favorite for summer BBQs," says Walker. Kanji points out that it's really hoppy, like the most bitter IPA you can imagine, but it's perfect for anyone who's looking for just that.
Find out where to buy it here.
Ghostfish BrewingGhostfish Brewing IPA
This beer from the completely gluten-free Ghostfish Brewing is perfect for summer, says Allison Agulnick, the person behind Gluten-Free Girl Boss on Instagram. "It's a light beer in nature as it is an IPA and it carries notes of sweet grapefruit," she explains. "It's the best beer for sitting outside at a BBQ."
Find out where to buy it here.
Related:
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
