Gluten Free Beer – What is it and Where do People Get it?

What is Gluten Free Beer?
Gluten is found in many common ingredients of today’s diets. 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.

What is your Gluten Tolerance Level?
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. For people with a mild allergy to gluten, it may be possible to drink small quantities of beer that has a low gluten level without discomfort. 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. Beers that are clearly labeled gluten free are your best bet if you are unsure of what causes your gluten reaction.

How Exactly 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. Gluten free beer is generally made from buckwheat, sorghum or rice. Buckwheat is a completely safe ingredient, as it is a member of the rhubarb family and unrelated in any way to wheat. Despite the fact these are not the traditional forms of beer making, you will be surprised to find the taste of beers made from these ingredients is excellent. There are many online reviews of the various types of gluten free beers currently available, and doing a little research can greatly reduce the amount of trial and error you undertake to find the perfect beer.

Who Sells Gluten Free Beer?
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.