Gluten Allergies? – Here’s Just What You Need To Know About Gluten Free Beer

September 14th, 2010 by author

Define Gluten Free Beer?
In today’s diets, gluten is found in many common ingredients that most people already consume. Anything made from wheat contains gluten, as well as many foods commonly associated with wheat and barley, including alcoholic beverages and beer. Until the invention of gluten free beer, it was extremely difficult for someone with celiac disease or gluten allergies to enjoy a beer with family or friends. Nearly all other types of beer contain some level of gluten, so finding a safe beer for someone with gluten associated health issues can be challenging at best.

Gluten Free or Low Gluten?
Before choosing a beer based on the level of gluten it contains it is best to speak with your doctor to find out exactly why gluten bothers your stomach. Some beers do have lower levels of gluten in them than others that may be possible to drink in small quantities for people with a mild allergy to gluten. Even those with mild allergies to gluten may find that gluten of any kind in their drink causes serious discomfort as drinks lack the bulk of other foods that have gluten. The smallest trace amounts of gluten can cause serious, life threatening reactions to those with Celiac disease, however. If you are unsure of what causes your gluten reaction, it is safest to stick with beers that are clearly labeled gluten free.

How is Gluten Beer Made?
It is typical to wonder how gluten free beer can taste as good as regular beer as most beers are made from wheat and barley. Rice, buckwheat, and sorghum are the main ingredients in gluten free beer. One of these ingredients, buckwheat, is completely safe, as it is a member of the rhubarb family and completely unrelated to wheat. With these ingredients you might be surprised to find that the taste of these beers is excellent, despite the fact these are not traditional forms of making beer. You will find that doing a little research will greatly reduce the amount of trial and error you will undertake to find the perfect beer and reading the many online reviews of the various types of gluten free beers can help you get started.

Gluten Free Beer – Where to Find It?
Gluten free beer may not be readily available at all restaurants and bars. When planning a night out it is a good idea to call ahead and find an establishment that carries gluten free beer. If your favorite bar does not offer gluten free options, request them to do so as many managers are more than happy to accommodate their customer’s requests. You will find a wide variety of gluten free beer and low gluten beer choices online, for home consumption, in case your local liquor store does not carry what you need.