Gluten-free products have been made popular in recent years to accommodate people with celiac disease, wheat allergies and gluten intolerances. People diagnosed with any of these illnesses must avoid a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Many people are also going gluten-free as part of a diet made popular by celebrities who tout its benefits for weight loss, detox and mental clarity.
Nowadays you can buy a gluten-free option for almost anything from bagels and toaster pastries to frozen pizzas and microwaveable meals. Beer is no exception to this influx of gluten-free products. Many breweries have taken on the challenge of creating good-tasting gluten-free beer brewed without wheat or barley.
Years ago you had to find a specialty store to purchase a gluten-free alcoholic beverage, but now supermarkets, restaurants and convenience stores generally carry at least one option.
Let’s explore some of the options:
- RedBridge
Made by Anheuser-Busch (the makers of Budweiser) this sorghum lager delivers a nice hoppy flavor. Much as Budweiser and Coors are a safe bet for gluten-consuming folks, RedBridge is a great option for those on a GF diet.
- New Grist
Made by Lakefront Breweries, this sorghum and rice beer was the first to be certified gluten-free by the U.S. government. This pilsner-style craft beer is light and smooth. New Grist also offers a ginger-flavored variety.
- Bard’s Tale
Made with 100% malted sorghum, this beer offers a light, crisp finish. Created by two people with celiac disease, this stand-alone beer is the only item manufactured by the company.
- Omission
Omission focuses on brewing beers with standard ingredients like malted barley. They then use a special process to remove the gluten. This gives their products an authentic beer taste. Omission has won medals for its products over the past few years at the Great International Beer and Cider Competition. They offer a lager style, pale ale and IPA.
- Angry Orchard Hard Apple Ciders
Although this is not a beer, it is worth mentioning. Hard ciders have similar alcohol contents and since most brands are naturally gluten-free, they are not considered a specialty item and are sometimes more accessible. Hard apple ciders are available from many manufacturers and in a variety of flavors. Angry Orchard has a great selection, including Green Apple, Cinnamon and Hop N’ Mad.
- Glutenberg IPA
For those who take extra precautions in what the consume, Glutenberg is an excellent choice. This beer is manufactured in Montreal in a dedicated, 100 percent gluten-free facility. Brewed with grains such as millet, buckwheat, black rice, quinoa and corn, this beer has a nice floral fruity taste.
For more information about the beers mentioned you can visit their websites:
https://www.redbridgebeer.com/homePage.aspx
https://glutenberg.ca/usa/beers/ipa
Still thirsty for more?! Check out the following websites for their insights on gluten-free beer:
https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/12-gluten-free-beers-really-do-taste-great
https://draftmag.com/best-gluten-free-beers/
No matter your preference, these products are making it possible for those on a gluten-free diet to raise their glasses in a toast along with everybody else. Cheers!