Our Best Gluten Free Beer
Enjoy the best brews on a gluten free diet. Whatever your reasons for searching out a gluten free product it can often feel like an elusive quest. Although most breweries are now passionately brewing more and more gluten free brews it can still be hard to know where to find them and which still taste great with or without gluten. So, we have complied a list of some of the best gluten free beer all available to buy now on Beer Merchants.
What is gluten?
Gluten is made up of two proteins gliadin and glutenin, that come together to form a network which can support gas bubbles – think of doughy bread. It is found in cereals like wheat, barley & rye, all synonymous with creating delicious beer but as the popularity of gluten free products grow, brewers are working out how to make some of the best beer without the traditional grains.
How is gluten free beer made?
Brewers can either create a beer with alternative grains which are free from gluten, like rice, corn or sorghum or they can remove the gluten using naturally occurring enzymes after fermentation which will break down the gluten protein strands. The latter option means the beer is technically not gluten free but contains less than 20 part per million or less, which is a safe level for all people with a gluten intolerance. Some brewers also incorporate gluten-free adjuncts like tapioca or chestnuts to add complexity to the flavour. If you do suffer with a gluten intolerance or coeliacs disease you should read all beer labels carefully to ensure you pick the right product for your needs.
Gluten Free Beer (Reduced)
Brewed with gluten containing cereals like wheat or barley.
Enzymes used to breakdown the gluten proteins.
Tests show less than 20ppm gluten.
Not safe for those with Coeliacs Disease.
Gluten Free Beer/NGCI
Brewed with Non-Gluten Containing Ingredients like sorghum, rice or buckwheat.
All additional ingredients are gluten free.
Tests MUST show less than 20ppm gluten.
Safe for those with Coeliacs Disease.
The selection of grains during the brewing process can introduce a diverse range of flavours, giving rise to one-of-a-kind brews. Take sorghum, a frequently chosen grain for gluten-free beer, for example, it can impart a delightful sweet and fruity essence that sets it apart from the traditional beer profile. Conversely, buckwheat may introduce earthy undertones to the brew. Each grain possesses its own distinct character, and skilled brewers have the opportunity to accentuate or harmonize these flavours, resulting in the creation of truly exceptional craft beers.
Why are so many people cutting out gluten?
The surge in gluten intolerance cases remains a topic of research and debate. We don’t know for sure why gluten intolerance is on the rise, but one contributing factor could be the increased consumption of processed foods. Additionally, the traditional methods of grain preparation, such as soaking, fermenting, and sprouting, which help reduce lectin content and digestive issues, have been largely abandoned in favour of faster production methods. There are also new varieties of wheat and farmers tend to choose higher gluten varieties, as gluten acts as a natural insecticide.
It was reported last year that more than 10% of UK consumers now follow a gluten free diet according to Coeliac UK. We highly recommend going for a beer brewed with a different grain if you do suffer from Coeliacs disease.
So what beer is gluten free?
It can be hard to know what beer is gluten free but there’s no reason to avoid the best brews when we stock some of the best gluten free beer brands. At Beer Merchants we are proud to represent some of the best breweries from around the world and we will continue to add to our gluten free range as those breweries create more gluten free products.
So lets take a look at some of our best gluten free buys:
First up is Magic Rock’s Fantasma, a super juicy, dank IPA with a sweet smooth body. We love Fantasma because it doesn’t compromise on flavour, packed full of Citra T90 in both the whirlpool and in dry-hopping, it is resinous and tropical. It was also Magic Rock’s first beer created with Brewers Clarex enzyme allowing them to speed up the brewing process, reduce waste and beer loss, and improve consistency. At 6.5%, vegan and of course, gluten free this is a perfect beer for someone who wants a beer that packs a punch. Also check out Saucery from Magic Rock, another great gluten free beer!
Next up it has to be Mongozo Buckwheat White Beer brewed with buckwheat, malt, rice, hops, orange peel and herbs. It is fresh and fruity with coriander notes. Brewed by Huyghe, famous for their Delirium range you know it's going to have their exceptional quality. This beer has won multiple gold awards and deservedly so. You can also grab a delicious Pilsner from Mongozo.
From Pohjala we have a gluten free hazy pale ale Helge, brewed with juicy tropical new world hops. Sweet citrus fruits and deliciously overripe pineapple roll over the tongue before being joined by fresh coconut and a pleasantly sweet and creamy oat mouthfeel, matched with a delicate tingly carbonation. Peach and bright stone fruits join in and a juicy, refreshing, passionfruit-like hop character lingers on the tongue. Worth waiting a day or two for a delivery of this one.
Lumina is a session IPA from UK favourites Siren Craft Brew is a great example of a gluten free beer. Hoppy aromas of mango and pineapple guide you a taste explosion. Full of tropical fruit notes and balanced bitterness on the finish. This beer is sessionable and feels pillowy in the mouth perfect for a few with pals.
Something a little different now from Garage Beer Co. P9, named after one of their bars at Poblenou Beach, is a 4.0% refreshing summer sour. A gluten free sour packed with raspberry and passionfruit making for a tart lip-smacking taste. This is a really great alternative gluten free beer for someone looking for something other than a pale ale.
Back to the UK for the final two products, starting with Hoop from Newcastle brewery Full Circle. Hoop is a gluten free American pale ale with Cascade and Chinook hops. The Cascade hops bring a bright and zesty citrus kick, while the Chinook hops add a pleasant resinous pine note. These flavours are beautifully balanced by a subtle malt backbone that gives Hoop a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.
And finally, we have Manchester’s Cloudwater gluten free offering, So Cal. A modern west coast pale with wheat, barley and oats to give you a full creamy mouthfeel. Using Citra and Mosaic hops to create a bright pale of the highest standard with notes of pine and zesty citrus fruits. Cloudwater’s Helles is also gluten free and is a great UK version of a Bavarian lager.
If you are looking to try a few different gluten free brands why not grab one of our gluten free mixed case which includes 10 beers and a free glass.
This box is perfect for anyone starting to try a new diet especially great if you are trialling cutting out gluten or if you have an upcoming celebration and want to make sure you have something in the fridge for everyone. The perfect box to ensure everyone feels included. No need to spend an hour trawling through every Top 10 Gluten Free beers list, we know the products included in this box will be of the highest quality so you can fill your fridge and work on your gluten free pasta recipes instead. Enjoy the freedom of choice with our best gluten-free beer selection!
We are always searching out the best breweries and trying to improve our gluten free beer listings so be sure to check back in the future for more.