Gluten free beer

Gluten Free Beer

Gluten can be found in many common grains including Barley and Wheat. Even in small quantities it can be very poisonous to those who suffer from celiac disease, also spelled 'coeliacs' disease. Almost all beer contains levels of gluten that cannot be tolerated by the coeliac, but a very few specialist breweries do cater for coeliacs or those who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis.

The international resource for gluten free beer is Glutenfreebeerfestival.com and this site reviews all "gluten free" beers, and arranges festivals where coeliacs may drink beer like anyone else.

Along with the review of all available beers there are links to websites from where the brews may be ordered. However, glutenfreebeerfestival itself is a neutral and independent resource that does not have connections with any particular brewery.

In many ways beer seems to be the hardest gluten free product to "get right". However, gluten free beer is now available and there is now a range of ales, beers, and lagers to choose from. Glutenfreebeerfestival.com has divided the field into two camps: "low gluten" and "no gluten" - with no gluten brews using absolutely zero ingredients containing gluten, and low gluten varieties based on barley malt having a very low amount of gluten present.

Around the world standards of "gluten free" vary. For example, while in the United Kingdom a beer with less than 20 parts per million gluten (20ppm) is "gluten free", in Australia it is not possible to describe any product as such if any gluten can be detected at all. Similarly, some "gluten free" breads can contain low levels of gluten in one country, in another they would contravene labelling or food standards legislation.

However, while large scale commercial beers are out of the question for coeliacs (regardless of the sometimes misleading advice on their websites), it is likely that most coeliacs will be able to drink beer at under 20ppm (in moderation) without causing themselves any harm. It is important, however, for consumers of all "low gluten" foods and beverages to tell their consultant, and to ensure that even if the obvious symptoms are absent, there are no other negative effects continuing that they are unaware of.

Notwithstanding this advice, the recent development of gluten free ales, lagers, and beers has been a very positive move forward to liberating those who suffer a variety of related conditions from possible social isolation.

gluten free beer

See also

• Celiac disease, also spelled Coeliac disease
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

External Links

• Glutenfreebeerfestival.com