The beer industry trends are constantly changing with consumer and industry demands.
The beer market reached USD 691.63 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 872.67 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.76% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
Gluten-free beers cater to a growing demand from individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, who seek alternatives to traditional barley-based brews.
The market for gluten-free beers has expanded significantly, reflecting a rising awareness of dietary restrictions and a desire for inclusive beverage options.
This blog will explore the gluten-free beer list of the top 10 drinks in 2024.
What is Gluten-Free Beer?
Gluten-free beer is a beverage crafted for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, avoiding traditional barley ingredients containing gluten. Breweries utilize alternatives like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat to create gluten-free options.
Here’s the brewing process for crafting gluten-free alternatives:
- Milling: Grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat are milled to extract fermentable sugars.
- Mashing: Grains are mixed with hot water, breaking starches into sugars.
- Lautering: Separation of liquid wort from solid grain residues.
- Boiling: Wort is boiled with hops, imparting flavor and bitterness.
- Cooling: Rapid cooling of boiled wort to a temperature suitable for fermentation.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol.
- Maturation: Beer undergoes a maturation process, enhancing flavors.
- Filtration: Removal of sediment and clarification.
- Carbonation: Addition of carbonation for desired fizziness.
- Packaging: Finally, beer is packaged for distribution and consumption.
Crafting gluten-free beer involves substituting traditional barley with grains like sorghum, rice, millet, and buckwheat.
Sorghum provides a neutral base, rice contributes a light body, millet adds a mild sweetness, and buckwheat imparts a nutty flavor.
Gluten-free yeast is essential for fermentation. Enzymes are often employed to break down starches into fermentable sugars.
Growing Popularity of Gluten-Free Beer
The gluten-free beer market is forecast to have a value of roughly 18.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2025. The market’s growth momentum will progress at a CAGR of 13.86% during the forecast period.
Growing awareness of the health benefits of gluten-free food products is notably driving the gluten-free beer market.
Asia-Pacific market is undergoing radical changes, from specialty niche products to mainstream products.
A changing consumption pattern, increasing cases of celiac diseases, and the popularity of gluten-free beer by food manufacturers with the label ‘free from’ have encouraged consumers to adopt a healthy dietary preference.
Criteria for Selection
When making a gluten-free beer list, your selection will vary according to the taste requirements, brewing equipment, availability, reviews, and sometimes even awards. Make sure the gluten-free beer you choose is suitable for wine pairing.
- Taste: Evaluated based on flavor complexity, balance, and overall enjoyment to ensure a satisfying experience for individuals seeking gluten-free alternatives without compromising taste.
- Brewing techniques: Examined the use of diverse grains, fermentation processes, and the incorporation of innovative brewing methods to create unique and high-quality gluten-free brews.
- Availability: Considered the accessibility of the beer in the market, both regionally and online, to ensure widespread availability for consumers with gluten sensitivities.
- Reviews and ratings: Analyzed customer reviews and ratings to gauge public opinion on gluten-free beers and natural wines, providing insights into consumer satisfaction and preferences.
- Awards and recognition: Took into account any awards or industry recognition received by the gluten-free beers, highlighting exceptional quality and distinction in the market.
Top 10 Gluten-Free Beers to Try in 2024
So, what beers are gluten-free? Many full-flavored gluten-free beer brands are available for diet or health concerns. Now, let’s explore what beers are gluten-free.
1. Buck Wild Pale Ale
One of the best gluten-free beers, Buck Wild Pale Ale is a 100% gluten-free craft beer. Brewed with buckwheat and millet in the Bay Area, Buck Wild has a rich, distinct flavor and subtle hop bitterness.
Buck Wild Pale Ale has a crystal clear light golden color and an excellent head that bubbles away moderately. Its rich, distinct flavor is derived from the perfect balance of complex toasted malts and subtle hop bitterness.
Brewed using sorghum, rice, and buckwheat, this ale avoids barley yet delivers a rich, nutty character.
With rave reviews applauding its distinct flavor and smooth finish, Buck Wild Pale Ale has earned accolades, marking it as a top choice for those seeking a gluten-free beer that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
2. Glutenberg Blonde Ale
Glutenberg Blonde Ale offers a delectable experience for discerning palates. Mild aromas and flavors invoke notes of grain, corn, apple fruit, herbal hop, and a touch of sweetness.
Meticulously crafted with millet and buckwheat, this ale achieves a harmonious balance of flavors, featuring a light body and crisp taste that rivals traditional counterparts.
The brewing process prioritizes quality, showcasing innovation in gluten-free beer production. Glutenberg Blonde Ale’s popularity extends beyond its exceptional taste; it has become a symbol of inclusivity in the craft beer market.
It is widely available and caters to a diverse audience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a gluten-free beer.
3. Redbridge Gluten-Free Lager
Redbridge has gained popularity for its broad availability, ensuring accessibility for gluten-sensitive consumers. It is made without wheat or barley and has a 4.8% ABV. It’s also slightly sweet and has a healthy carbonation level. It goes down pretty smoothly.
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch, it achieves a satisfying balance by utilizing sorghum, imparting a distinctive character. It undergoes a careful brewing process, resulting in a clean, crisp taste with a subtle sweetness.
With a golden hue and a refreshing profile, it captures the essence of a classic lager while making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for gluten-conscious brewing.
4. BuckWit Belgian by Holidaily Brewing Co.
BuckWit Belgian, a creation of Holidaily Brewing Co., redefines beer without gluten with its distinctive character. Crafted without wheat or gluten-containing grains, this Belgian-style brew employs millet and buckwheat to achieve a nuanced flavor profile.
The meticulous brewing process ensures a blend of citrusy and spicy notes reminiscent of traditional Belgian ales. Holidaily Brewing Co.’s commitment to quality and innovation shines through in the BuckWit Belgian, offering a refreshing and authentic beer-drinking experience for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. ALT Brew Copperhead Copper Ale
ALT Brew Copperhead Copper Ale is a gluten-free delight crafted by ALT Brew. This ale, brewed without traditional grains containing gluten, boasts a rich copper hue and a distinctive flavor profile.
Expect a well-balanced taste with notes of caramel and toffee, creating a smooth and satisfying experience. The aroma is inviting, featuring hints of malt sweetness.
Pairing well with grilled meats or hearty stews, Copperhead Copper Ale complements a range of flavors. Its versatility extends to wine pairings, mixing well with red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a gluten-free alternative that enhances the craft beer experience with depth and character.
6. Roasted Coffee Ale by Burning Brothers
Burning Brothers’ Roasted Coffee Ale is a gluten-free beer, blending the richness of ale with the boldness of roasted coffee. This unique brew presents a deep, dark color and an aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans.
The flavor profile has a malty sweetness and coffee bitterness, offering a satisfying taste experience. The aroma is a delightful combination of caramelized malt and aromatic coffee notes.
Perfect for brunch or dessert, this ale pairs exceptionally well with chocolate-based desserts, enhancing the overall experience. While not a traditional wine pairing, its coffee character aligns with the deep, bold notes in certain red wines like Zinfandel or Port, making it a versatile and flavorful gluten-free option.
7. Aurochs Session IPA by Aurochs Brewing
Aurochs Session IPA by Aurochs Brewing is a gluten-free beer brewed without gluten-containing grains. It presents a golden hue and a crisp, light body. The flavor profile blends citrus and tropical fruit notes, creating a refreshing taste that belies its lower alcohol content.
The inviting aroma features bright hops and a hint of floral undertones. Aurochs Session IPA complements various dishes, particularly those with bold flavors like spicy cuisine or grilled seafood.
While not conventionally paired with wine, its vibrant characteristics align with a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
8. Blanche (White) by Glutenberg Craft Brewery
Blanche (White) by Glutenberg Craft Brewery is a gluten-free Belgian-style white ale with a hazy, pale appearance and a flavor profile characterized by subtle spiciness from the Belgian yeast, complemented by citrus and coriander notes.
The refreshing taste, featuring a wheat malt and spices blend, delivers a satisfying and authentic Belgian ale experience. The aroma is a delightful combination of fruity esters and the aromatic presence of coriander.
Pairing well with light salads, seafood, or goat cheese, this gluten-free Blanche offers a versatile and enjoyable option. While unconventional, it can also pair with a crisp, acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
9. New Grist Pilsner Style Beer by Lakefront Brewery
New Grist Pilsner Style Beer by Lakefront Brewery offers a refreshing take on the classic Pilsner style. Brewed without gluten-containing grains, it presents a pale, golden hue and a crisp, clean taste.
The flavor profile is characterized by a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, delivering a classic Pilsner experience. The taste is refreshing, with a light body and a subtle, grainy sweetness.
The aroma features a mild hop presence and a hint of malt. Ideal for pairing with light dishes such as salads, grilled chicken, or seafood, this gluten-free Pilsner also complements the crispness of a Pinot Grigio or a light lager.
10. Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale by Ghostfish Brewing
Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale by Ghostfish Brewing is hazy and straw-colored. Its flavor profile features a blend of Belgian yeast spiciness, coriander, and orange peel, creating a refreshing and authentic experience.
The taste is a delightful interplay of citrus notes, coriander spiciness, and a wheat malt backbone, providing a nuanced and satisfying palate. The aroma captivates with fruity esters and a hint of herbal spice.
This gluten-free Belgian White Ale offers a unique option with lighter fare like salads, seafood, or goat cheese. While unconventional, its bright and citrusy characteristics align with a crisp, light white wine.
Gluten-Free Beers to Drink (FAQs)
How can you tell if a beer is gluten-free?
Look for a nutritional label to identify a naturally gluten-free beer. Examine ingredients, ensuring the absence of barley, wheat, rye, or oats. Look for certifications like GFCO.
What is gluten-reduced beer?
Gluten-reduced beer is brewed traditionally with gluten-containing grains, but an enzyme is added during fermentation to break down gluten molecules. It may not be safe for individuals with celiac disease.
Is ginger beer gluten-free?
Yes, ginger beer made is gluten-free. You must check labels, as some commercial ginger beers may contain additives or malt extracts, potentially introducing gluten. Verify the ingredients or choose brands labeled gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
Is root beer gluten-free?
Yes, traditional root beer is typically gluten-free. It is made from roots, spices, and herbs. However, always check labels for additives or flavorings that might introduce gluten.
Is Corona Beer gluten-free?
Corona Beer is not gluten-free, as it is made from barley malt. People with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should check product labels for accurate information regarding gluten content in specific beer brands.
Conclusion
Gluten-free beers offer a range of flavorful options for beer enthusiasts with dietary restrictions. The growth is fueled by demand and the creation of novel products.
As the demand for gluten-free options rises, these beers cater to dietary needs and health-conscious consumers, proving that gluten-free brewing can be artful and enjoyable.
Our list of the 10 best gluten-free beers provides insight into these high-quality beers, delivering a satisfying experience for beer consumers.
