Is Beer Gluten Free?

Traditional beers contain barley (barley malt) and wheat. These two grains contain the type of gluten that is problematic for those with Celiac Disease. If you follow a gluten free diet, PLEASE do not drink wheat and barley based beers.

When we say malt, most people are referring to malted barley. Please know that any grain can undergo the malting process. For example, malted sorghum is perfectly safe on a gluten free diet. Read my blog post to learn more about malt and the malting process.

Is Corona Beer Gluten Free?

This internet rumor seems to circulate no matter how many times we try to whack that mole. PLEASE, if you have Celiac Disease, DO NOT drink Corona beer. Even if you think you “feel ok,” it still can cause damage to your intestinal tract.

Brands of Gluten Free Beer

Fortunately, many brewers in the United States have made gluten free brewing their mission. The list below shows breweries that only use gluten free grains for their beers and in their facilities. Some brewpubs also offer a 100% gluten free food menu!

In addition, a few Canadian and European based beers are available for distribution in the United States, such as Green’s beers in a can. You can find Green’s and other gluten free beers at many Michigan restaurants.

West Coast

• Bierly Brewing (McMinniville, OR)
• Evasion Brewing (McMinnville, OR)
• Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR)
• Ghostfish Brewing (Seattle, WA)
• Divine Science Brewing (CA)
• Eckert Malting & Brewing (Chico, CA)
• Otherwise Brewing (San Fran, CA)

South / Southwest (Any suggestions?)

• Stoic Brews (NW Arkansas)

Midwest

• Alt Brew – (Madison, WI)
• New Grist – Lakefront Brewing (Milwaukee, WI)
• Holidaily Brewing Co.  (Golden, CO)
• NEFF Brewing (Tulsa OK)

East Coast

• Red Leaf Brewing (Jeffersonville, VT)
• Lucky Pigeon Brewing (Biddeford, ME)
• Orange Bike Brewing (Portland, ME)
• Necromantic Brew Co. (Farmingdale, NY)
• Departed Soles (Jersey City, NJ)
  • They make traditional and Gluten free beers.

Is Gluten Reduced Beer Safe for People with Celiac Disease?

No, gluten reduced beer is NOT safe for those with Celiac Disease. Some brewers claim that the “brewers clarex” they use breaks down the gluten proteins in their beer. Sadly, this is not accurate. You can read more about this topic in my blog post about Gluten Reduced Beer.

Examples of Gluten Reduced Beer

• Stella Daura Damm
• Omission Balanced Brewing
• Stone Delicious IPA

Is Hard Cider Gluten Free?

Most hard ciders contain no gluten ingredients, and are made from pure fermented apple cider and yeast. Michigan is home to many hard cider businesses, which you can find on the MIchigan Cider Association website. Some cideries *may* mix beer in with their hard cider, although that is uncommon. Just make sure to double check.

Read this article from The Wine Enthusiast to learn How Hard Cider is Made.

Is Mike’s Hard Apple a Gluten Free Alcohol?

NO. Mike’s Hard Apple contains barley malt, and is not gluten free. Please do not drink Mike’s Hard Apple or Lemonade if you have Celiac Disease.

Are Hard Seltzers Gluten Free?

MOST of the time, hard seltzers are a gluten free alcohol. Most hard seltzers are made with fermented sugar and yeast. SOME may include malt, so make sure to double check the label.

Technically under the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB), hard seltzers are classified as a beer. However, most hard seltzers contain no malt. Read this blog post from The Wine Enthusiast to learn how Hard Seltzers are Made.

Popular gluten free hard seltzers include White Claw, Truly Hard, High Noon and more.

Are Hard Liquors Gluten Free?

Yes, most hard liquors / distilled spirits are a gluten free alcohol. Even if a hard liquor is made with a gluten containing grain, the distillation process separates the heavier gluten grains from the alcohol vapor.

To learn more about how how fermentation (which is how beer is made) is different from distillation, read this informative blog post from the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Examples of Distilled Spirits/ Hard Liquor

Because gluten grains don’t transfer in the distillation process, gluten free alcohols such as rum, tequila, cognac, gin, bourbon and vodka contain no gluten. For example, this means that people with Celiac Disease do not need to be restricted to only vodka made from potatoes.

If you have concerns about gluten free hard alcohols, please read this blog post about Gluten Content of Distilled Alcohols from Gluten Free Watchdog. She includes a link to a PDF that shows all of her testing date. All gluten free alcohols tested under 20 ppm.

Is Wine Gluten Free?

Wine, made from grapes, is gluten free. So enjoy your Moscato, Cabernet, Merlot or many other varieties of wine. Some people are concerned that wine barrels may contain wheat paste, which could render the wine to be no longer gluten free. However, Gluten Free Watchdog intentionally tested wines stored in this manner, and the wines still tested under 20 ppm.

The Most Important Reminder when Drinking Gluten Free Alcohol

Whichever gluten free alcohol you choose to enjoy, please do so responsibly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states “Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 42 minutes. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.”

My followers are more than just a number to me. I want to make sure you, your friends, and your family make it home safely. Mothers Against Drunk Driving shares tips on how to spot and prevent drunk driving.

The post Is Alcohol Gluten Free? appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Alcona Brew Haus located?

Situated along US-23, between Alpena and Tawas, Alcona Brew Haus calls Harrisville, MI home. Located a mile and a half from the Harrisville Harbor, this restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Lake Huron.

What Gluten Free Food Options does Alcona Brew Haus Offer?

They offer a large selection of gluten free options. Options include pizza, burgers & fries, and even macaroni and cheese. In fact, the majority of the menu can be made gluten free. The menu even includes three gluten free desserts. Only things that can’t accommodate GF are our pretzel, crispy chicken sandwich, veggie burger and large pizzas. All other menu items are or can be safely GF.

Does Alcona Brew Haus Offer Gluten Free Buns?

No they do not, but it’s intentional. By not using buns for gluten free burgers, it’s one more safeguard to making sure your burger is gluten free. It can be served on sandwich bread or pita bread.

What Steps Do They Take to Safely Prepare Gluten Free Meals?

Alcona Brew Haus takes all the precaution you would at home, and then some. They maintain a separate gluten free prep space, including separate toaster, pots and pans, and special color coded utensils. Instead of a dedicated fryer, the restaurant maintains a dedicated gluten free broaster oven.

Are Staffed Trained About Preventing Cross Contact?

Absolutely. This restaurant is owned a mom whose kids have food allergies. All staff are ServSafe trained. Staff change gloves, and aprons if the guest has Celiac Disease.

Does Alcona Brew Haus Accommodate Additional Dietary Restrictions?

YES!  Our kitchen uses no Peanuts, Tree nuts, Shellfish, or Sesame. We also accommodate dairy, egg, and soy dietary restrictions, upon request. Our goal is to make anyone, with any dietary restriction, feel welcome at our restaurant. We even use nitrile gloves in the kitchen, instead of latex, because we know latex allergies are a real concern. We also accommodate fish allergies.

What Led Alcona Brew Haus to Offer Such a Large Gluten Free Menu?

As a food Allergy mom myself, I know how difficult it can be to go out to eat.  The eye rolls, the “I don’t know” answers, and the “it should be fine” answers, etc.  It was my passion to open a place where everyone can safely eat and feel welcome.  I opened Alcona Brew Haus for them, and have no interest in a “regular restaurant.” 

Does Alcona Haus Offer Gluten Free Beer?

Yes! In fact, they offer 3 different gluten free beers. In addition they also serve wine, mead, and hard cider. Plus they offer Tito’s Vodka for making gluten free cocktails. *Note- Brewery Nyx is no longer in business. Hopefully Alcona can find another gluten free beer to have in stock.

What About Nearby Lodging & Attractions in Harrisville, MI?

Alcona Brew Haus offers overnight RV reservation through the Harvest Hosts website. (Must be a yearly member to participate.) Sandy shares that there are many Bed & Breakfasts, Air BnB’s, and resorts in the area. In addition, Harrisville State Park maintains a very nice campground.

As mentioned previously, Harrisville is located on US-23, which starts in Standish and ends at Mackinac City. You’ll find many lighthouses and other attractions along the way. The Discover US 23 website shares Outdoor Adventures, Cultural Stops, and Places to Eat, Shop & Sleep.

Alcona Brew Haus Location, Hours and Contact Information

676 N US 23

Harrisville MI 48740

(989) 724-6338

Hours: Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday 12-8 pm / Friday – Saturday 12-9pm

Closed on Monday

Ample On-Site Parking

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Alcona Brew Haus is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

** The owner of Alcona Brew Haus graciously comped our meals. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The main doors at Alcona Brew Haus look like a beer stein!

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What is Malt?

In the United States, we think of malt is strictly being made from barley. However, technically any grain that undergoes a malting process can be called “malt.”

From Wikipedia – “Malt is a germinated cereal grain that has been dried in a process known as “malting”. The grain is made to germinate by soaking in water and is then halted from germinating further by drying with hot air.”

Any Gluten Free Grain Can Be Malted

While wheat, barley and rye are most used in the process, other grains can be used to make malt. For example, Bard’s Beer malts sorghum for their gluten free lager. Teff and buckwheat can be malted for beer as well. Grouse Malt House even malts corn. Once I saw a malted buckwheat in a gluten free cereal.

Please understand that gluten free grains, which undergo malting, are gluten free. Products made with gluten free malted grains are therefore safe to consume on a gluten free diet.

Is Malt Gluten Free?

The answer to this depends on where you live. In the United States, the word “malt” on a food label means it contains barley. Regardless of gluten parts per million, the FDA states nothing made with barley or barley malt can be declared gluten free. End of story. The same applies for Canada, as Shelley Case mentions in her article “What is Malt?”

However, in the UK, the rules are different. Consider Coeliac UK’s post on “What is Barley Malt Extract?” They state that barley malt extract can be eaten in small amounts. However, the amount of barley malt extract is not declared on packaging, simply its presence. Therefore, people in the UK are advised only to eat those foods labeled gluten free.

Barley Malt Testing with ELISA

However, how does one test for gluten products containing barley malt? The Gluten Free Dietitian explains the issue in her article about barley malt extract. She states “It is very tricky to test for barley contamination in food.” Why? Barley malt extract undergoes hydrolysis. She further explains it in this article about Sandwich ELISA testing and Hydrolyzed Gluten.

What is hydrolysis? In an Explanation of Hydrolysis by The Balance, “hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down the bonds of a particular substance.” However, current methods testing complete gluten peptides, not fragments. This is why NIMA cannot detect gluten.

FDA, Barley Malt, and Gluten Free Labeling

In August of 2020, the FDA made a ruling on fermented and hydrolyzed foods. This ruling declared that foods with a gluten free label MUST show ingredients are gluten free PRIOR to hydrolysis or fermentation.

This rule covers fermented foods such as beer, and hydrolyzed foods such as barley malt. In plain English, this means beers creatd with gluten grains CANNOT be labeled gluten free. (Look at you, Omission.)  The ruling discusses compliance for distilled vinegars.

What about soy sauce? Soy sauce, a sauce made from fermented soy and wheat, cannot be labeled gluten free unless the ingredients test under 20 ppm, prior to fermentation.

On the Q&A for Gluten Free Food Labeling, it states “Also, if the soy sauce is made using a gluten-containing grain that is processed to remove gluten resulting in the presence of less than 20 ppm gluten prior to the fermentation process, then it can bear a “gluten-free” claim.”

In the Federal Register, where the FDA responds to comments left by concerned individuals, please know they still state “we are clarifying that the final rule does not require testing of ingredients.”

However, they ” estimate that most manufacturers (75 percent) already have a gluten control SOP that includes testing.” The register also proposes methods to manufacturers for accurate testing. Manufacturers must comply with these guidelines by August 13, 2021.

For more on this topic, please see Gluten Free Watchdog’s series of posts on the FDA’s Final Rule. 

A Better Test for Detecting Gluten in Malted Barley?

A few years ago, researchers started developing tests that may better detect gluten in malt. Analyst Michelle Colgrave wrote a paper, highlighting the research she did using “liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry.” This type of test measures things on a molecular level, and can recognize gluten fragments. Read more about it in this Forbes article.

What Contains Barley Malt?

One finds barley malt in many expected places, such as malt powder in Whoppers candy and the powder to make ice cream malted shakes. However, one also finds barley malt in Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Beer, some Lindt chocolates, and more.

If you must eat a gluten free diet, it is important to read all ingredient labels. Years ago a product made in the UK, but sold in the US, was incorrectly certified gluten free by an organization. This is why it’s always important to read ingredient labels. Especially of products made in a foreign country.

Bottom Line

If you live in the United States, any product that simply states malt, malt vinegar, or malt extract, is derived from barley. Therefore, is it not safe for consumption for those who are on a gluten free diet. However, beers and other foods made with malted gluten free grains, such as malted sorghum or malted teff, are safe for consumption.

Originally Published December 2019

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I love Aldi. They sell many gluten free, money saving, products. However, I remembered a notice on the Gluten Free Watchdog Facebook page about a bratwurst they sell. They label these sausages as “gluten free.” However, they also list “beer” as an ingredient.

Now, in the United States, the FDA denies a gluten free label to anything that contains malt as an ingredient. Unless made from 100% gluten free grains, most beers in the world do not meet that criteria. However, this product falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA, not the FDA. Why? Because it contains meat. Therefore, I contacted Tricia Thompson a.k.a Gluten Free Watchdog on what to do.

She directed me to this article on her website, that outlines the steps on reporting a misbranded gluten free product to the USDA.

At the time I spotted this, our country found itself in the midst of a government shutdown. Therefore, many USDA employees lacked a job, or the income which which to perform it. I called the phone number she listed, but an automated reply stated the service was not available. Therefore, I turned to the power of the internet, and contacted the various parties involved with my facial misbranding concerns.

How to Report a Concern to Aldi, Online

I used Aldi’s online contact form to report my facial misbranding concern, first. If at all possible, I attempt to connect with the immediate business. I have done so in the past with success. Often, it accomplishes things quickly. I used their online comment system, filling out my complete concerns, and uploading the pictures I took. It took me less than 10 minutes to do. They impressed me by calling my back the same day! They listened to my concerns, gave me a claim number, and told me the supplier would get in touch with my. (To date, they have not.)

Reporting Facial Misbranding, Online, to the USDA

I used the online USDA reporting system Gluten Free Watchdog told me about. Like the Aldi system, I found it easy AND QUICK to use. It only took my information, and did not allow me to upload pictures. Surprisingly, the USDA promptly emailed me and asked me for more information. They requested a list of information, and I took time to address each one. Below is the bulk of the email I sent them, about the facial misbranding of the Aldi sausages.

“My concern about the misbranding / mislabeling is that while this item is marked “gluten free” by Aldi, it contains beer. While I know that the FDA definition of “gluten free” is not necessarily also delegated by the USDA, it is my understanding that the USDA feels that meat and poultry producers should follow this law. Per FDA regulations, nothing can be declared gluten free if malt is an ingredient, even if that product tests to under 20 ppm. Being that Aldi prices are relatively cheap, I am highly doubting that these Aldi Beer Bratwurst are made with beer that originated from non-gluten grains. Also, these sausages are imported from Germany, and did not originate in the United States. This gets trickier, because Europe’s definition of “gluten free beer” is different than the US. The US does not allow “gluten removed” beers to be labeled as gluten free, where as Europe does. Also, Germany is now making beer with an altered form of barley called “Kebari” that I don’t think is approved for US consumption. It may be possible that the beer in these brats is made with that.

No Establishment Number?

The USDA asked for the establishment number (inspection number) for the sausages. However, Aldi imports these sausages from Germany. They are not inspected in the United States. Foreign products sometimes utilize a different numbering system. After a minute or two of online research, I discovered that the “EV-717” Vet. Control No traced back to a plant in Germany. This number specifically relates to the plant where HoWe’s sausages were produced.

Interaction with HoWe’s

While neither Aldi nor the USDA directed me to do so, I contacted HoWe. Their website states all their products are gluten and lactose free. Therefore, I emailed them inquiring “What is the grain source of that beer? Is the beer made with only gluten free grains, or does it contain malted barley?” Their first reply simply stated that the ingredients and product test to under 20 ppm of gluten. I replied to their email, asking them to answer my original question. They replied, “We can confirm, that the beer does not contain malted barley.” But what will the USDA say?

Response back from USDA –

Two weeks after submitting my facial misbranding the concern, I received the following response from the USDA

“Dear Margaret,

Thank you very much for the additional information, and for your patience. Upon investigation, we determined that the product is not expected to contain a level of gluten that would pose a risk to public health. However, the company will be required to remove the “gluten free” claim from the label. Please find attached a formal letter regarding the outcome of your case.” (emphasis mine)

It takes a village, friends. The government is understaffed, underfunded, and some manufacturers are uneducated. The USDA & FDA don’t need us to be their enemies. They need us to be their eyes and ears. We need to continuously encourage them to do the right thing. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, right?

If you need to report a packaged food item, that contains gluten AS AN INGREDIENT (not a may contain statement), use this link to contact the FDA. Gluten Free Watchdog also shares what to do whenspot a labeled gluten free food that contains gluten.

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The Celiac Disease Stages of Grief

After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, there is definitely a period of grief we go through. It’s a huge adjustment to change our diet. Some people in denial refuse to ever change their diet. And we all know that eating out gets more challenging.

However, we also need to embrace, as Shirley Braden puts it, the new health they can have. Or as Curtis Zimmerman puts it, the unexpected lessons that our Celiac Disease diagnosis can teach us. And while it may not be fair, others are watching how we handle our diagnosis. Are we constantly stuck in a stage of depression? Or are we willing to accept where we are the thrive despite our autoimmune disease?

I had a stage of my life where I didn’t always follow the diet. I lacked support. I share about that time in my life in this blog post. It wrote it after I realized I forgot how hard those first few years were, and how it reminded me that compassion goes further in creating community than condemnation.

The Downide of Social Media Community

Many of us used to go to Celiac Disease support group meetings. That’s where we’d talk about our frustrations. In community. Face to face with actual people with whom we would interact.

Now we belong to online Facebook groups, where we have distance through a computer screen. Where we attack others for eating foods that have high-fructose corn syrup or slam them for eating foods with genetically modified organisms.

Somehow that lack of face-to-face interaction has made us forget we’re talking to ACTUAL PEOPLE. Making untrue or hurtful statements are so much easier through a keyboard. Worse, online communities can force us out because they don’t want to hear an alternate side. Because there’s no relationship built, no depth of trust. It’s sad.

Who’s Our Real Enemy?

There’s a quote I love from Donald Miller. It’s a theological quote, but I find the last sentence appropriate in this situation. “This battle we are in is a battle against the principalities of darkness, not against people who are different from us. In war you shoot the enemy, not the hostage. (Pg 191, Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller)”

Sometimes I wonder if the Celiac Disease community has become its own worst enemy. Some days, we’ve become this angry mob, ready to attack. Eager to publicly highlight those with whom we have disagreements. We fight over beer and cereal and make snarky remarks on Twitter. For God’s sake people, we’re better than that.

Instead, of fighting each other, we should be focusing our bigger issues. Generating attention on better education of doctors and patients. Making sure companies follow FDA rules to keep our food safe. Bringing to light the issues of food insecurity and the lack of gluten free options. There’s so much more we can do together, than divided.

Shaming Others Doesn’t Lead To Real Change

Some times I’ll hear my husband typing frantically on the computer. When I ask who he’s writing to, he responds, “Someone is wrong, on the internet.”

What should our Celiac attitude be towards untruth?  I know that there are those out there that share posts that have misinformation. What should be our reaction? I feel our first response should be to educate, not humiliate.

Attacking and mocking and arguing will not get us to our goal. After all, it may be someday that we are the one in the wrong. We may be the one that needs to listen to a gentle word to redirect our path.

Are Diagnosis Rates Impacted By Our Poor Attitude?

One more thing about having a negative attitude towards Celiac Disease. Have you ever considered it could be hurting diagnosis rates?

If we complain all the time about how hard life is or how bad something tastes, might that impact how others approach getting help? If all we share are the bad things, why would anyone want to live that kind of life?

I’ve heard people state their family members who refused to get tested because they refuse to give up certain foods.

We should be showing others how life can be so much BETTER. Not by highlighting how crappy it can be. I love this article from Amy Burkhart R.D. about the Ten Positive Aspects of a Celiac Disease Diagnosis.

Maybe We All Need a Pep Talk

Celiac Disease can be frustrating. However, let’s try to use that frustration to bring about real change. Not just for us, but for everyone. Think of those who are undiagnosed that need us to stand up for better testing. For more funding for research. For the simple rights to be treated with dignity in public. Did you know Celiac Disease is afforded legal protection under the ADA?

Living with Celiac Disease can be hard. Dining out can be frustrating. Finding safe food can be frustrating. Mistreatment from others can be frustrating.

So let’s try to find the silver linings in our diagnosis. Whether it’s been companies we’ve come to love, or people we wouldn’t have met otherwise, let’s try to show the world living with Celiac Disease isn’t the end of life. It’s just the beginnning.

How has your attitude towards your Celiac Disease diagnosis changed over the years? How has it changed who you are as a person? (I love Casey the College Celiac’s article on how it’s helped make her a better person.) Please feel free to share your thoughts below. 

Originally Published August 2017

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Gluten Reduced Beer, Brewer’s Clarex, and Hydrolysis

Brewers create gluten reduced beers with barley, a grain that naturally contains gluten. The creators of Omission (and many other gluten reduced beers on the market) add a chemical that claims to “break down” gluten through hydrolysis. This chemical, Brewer’s Clarex, hydrolyzes gluten proteins to make beers appear less cloudy. But testing its safety is less transparent.

So far, the only testing methods widely available to manufacturers is ELISA testing. For non-hydrolyzed or non-fermented foods, ELISA is good. However, it only detects complete gluten protein chains, not fragments. Therefore, hydrolyzed foods and liquids, which create gluten fragments, can’t be accurately tested with these methods.

For a better scientific explanation about hydrolysis and gluten free testing, please see this post “Sandwich ELISAs and Hydrolyzed Gluten,” written by the Gluten Free Dietitian.

Another good article regarding Brewer’s Clarex – “Is Barley Based Beer Gluten Removed Beer Safe for People with Celiac Disease?”

Gluten Intolerance Group Performs Study on Gluten Reduced Beer

In 2017, the Gluten Intolerance Group conducted a study, in coordination with the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. They sought to understand the conflicting anecdotal reports from those who drink gluten reduced beer.  Some claimed after imbibing, that they had no reactions. Some stated that they did. Therefore, GIG and Univ. of Chicago performed a lab based study.

This study utilized serum from patients diagnosed with Celiac Disease. They tested serum against traditional beer, naturally gluten-free beer and gluten reduced beer. They did this by reducing the beers down, extracting their residual proteins, and then pairing those proteins with patient blood serum. Chemical reagents then showed whether Celiac antibodies bound to those proteins.

Interestingly, their research reflected the comments from those drinking gluten reduced beer. Serum from some patients reacted, some did not. However, based on their research, GIG concluded they will NOT certify these beers as gluten free. Because one cannot predict who will react, and who will not, one must take precautions that will protect everyone.

The FDA Clarifies Concerns About Hydrolysis and Gluten

In 2013, the FDA created a definition of the term “gluten free.” This included statements that foods (and beverages) labeled gluten free must contain under 20 ppm of gluten. Since then, advocates have requested (multiple times) for the FDA to speak further on hydrolysis and fermentation in foods labeled gluten free. Which impacts the gluten reduced beer market.

In August of 2020, the FDA finally spoke. They declared that any hydrolzyed or fermented foods, that desire a gluten free claim, must use ingredients that are gluten free prior to these chemical reactions. Please read Gluten Free Watchdog’s post “FDA Publishes Final on Gluten Free Labeled Fermented or Hydrolyzed Foods.”

The FDA vs the TTB

Technically, most alcohol falls under the jurisdiction of the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, known as the TTB.  In fact “The labeling of all beers made with both malted barley and hops is under the jurisdiction of the TTB. If a beer is made without either malted barley or hops its labeling is under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” (source, Gluten Free Watchdog; Is Barley-Based “Gluten-Removed” Beer Safe for People with CeliacDisease?)

So what does the TTB say on the matter? They state a gluten reduced beer must include this on their label or in advertising: “Product fermented from grains containing gluten and processed to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten.” (See this link, page 10.) Therefore, it’s important to do your research.

Further Thoughts on Gluten Reduced Beer & Testing

All of these regulations depend on the gluten analysis testing we currently have available. Another form of testing, called Mass Spectrometry, looks at gluten differently than ELISA testing does. While this type of testing is in early stages, a Forbes article published in 2017 showed that gluten reduced beers contained well over 20 ppm of gluten.

Unfortunately, the understanding of malt and gluten reduced beers is not universal. In the UK, gluten reduced beers are actually allowed to be labeled gluten free. GF Tracy further explains the UK guidelines in her post about “Can you Detect Gluten in Beer?” Which means we need to be on guard when purchasing beers from outside the United States.

Therefore, I encourage you to only drink beer made from gluten free grains. I’ve compiled a list of them in my updated Gluten Free Beer Review post. In addition, wine, hard cider and mead all contain no gluten, and are acceptable choices. GF Jules provides some excellent suggestions in her post about Gluten Free Alcohol. Please remember to always drink responsibly.

How do you feel about gluten reduced beer? What is your favorite gluten free beer?

The post Gluten Reduced Beer – Bane or Blessing? appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.