Just because you’re gluten-free doesn’t mean you should be able to enjoy beer the same way most people do without sacrificing taste, flavour and any of the good stuff you love. Picking the best gluten-free beers to try can be a challenge, so we’ve done it for you in this guide.
Read on to find out these top picks for the best gluten-free beers for you to try.
What is a Gluten Free Beer?
A gluten-free beer is brewed without any ingredients containing gluten, a protein in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, which can cause health problems for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Instead of traditional grains, gluten-free beers typically use alternative grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or corn to replace gluten-containing grains. They come in various styles, including lagers, ales, and stouts, and have a variety of flavours.
It’s important to note that even though gluten-free beers don’t contain gluten, they might still have traces of gluten due to the brewing process. As a result, people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should choose “certified gluten-free” beers that have been tested and verified to have less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Without further adieu, let’s break down the best gluten-free beers for you to try;
1. Tennent’s Gluten-Free
Tennent’s, you may have heard of them, is a Scottish brewing company that offers a gluten-free beer called ‘Tennent’s gluten free’. The beer is made with alternative grains such as sorghum, millet, and rice, which do not contain gluten.
Tennent’s Gluten Free has a crisp and refreshing taste, with a slightly sweet flavour and a mild hop aroma. It has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 5%, similar to the ABV of many other beers, meaning you can enjoy the authentic Tennent’s taste with all the same effects.
Overall, Tennent’s gluten-free is a fantastic alternative to traditional beer, especially if you want to replicate the famous Tennent’s taste. The beer is rich in flavour and best enjoyed during a hot summer’s day; what’s not to love?
ABV: 5%
2. Skinny Brands Premium Lager
Skinny brands lager is a low-calorie beer option rapidly growing in popularity within the UK. This beer only has 89 calories per 330ml bottle, which is significantly lower than most beers.
Not to mention the beer is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and low-carb, making it a great choice for those continuously about their diet.
The beer has a clean and crisp taste comparable to traditional lagers, and it has a light golden colour and a frothy head that dissipates quickly. The flavour is subtle, with a slight sweetness and mild bitterness that is well-balanced. The beer is, of course, carbonated too, which gives it a pleasant fizzy finish.
Skinny brands lager is made with a combination of hops, malted barley, water, and a natural sweetener, stevia. This beer gives off a sweetness without adding additional sugar or calories. The malted barley gives the beer a slightly grainy finish that is typical of most lagers.
Overall, Skinny Brands lager is a superb choice for those who still want to enjoy the luxury of having a cold beer without having to worry about putting on too many calories, and the gluten-free qualities make it an excellent choice for anyone.
ABV: 4%
3. Greene King IPA Gluten-Free
Greene King IPA Gluten Free is a well-liked UK beer produced without any gluten-containing ingredients. This golden, crisp, and revitalising beer has a gentle hop aroma with a light, citrusy flavour. Its medium bitterness is evenly balanced, making it a perfect beer for any occasion.
To make their gluten-free IPA, Greene King replaces traditional barley with a blend of malted millet and buckwheat. They also utilise a unique enzyme that breaks down any remaining gluten proteins during the brewing process, ensuring that the final product has less than ten parts per million of gluten.
Overall, Greene King IPA is a refreshing and easy-to-drink beer without gluten-containing ingredients. This beer is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a gluten-free option that does not sacrifice taste or quality.
ABV: 3.6%
In Summary
Gluten-free beers make the world a better place for everyone, allowing those who aren’t able to have traditional beers to have an alternative option and still enjoy a nice cold lager.
As technology advances, we are finding more and more gluten-free beer options. Hopefully, this short guide has given you a quick insight into some of the best options there is to choose from.
What gluten-free beer will you be opting for?