If you’ve recently gone gluten-free, grabbing a pint at the pub might feel trickier than it used to be.
Labels like “gluten-free” and “gluten-removed” can seem confusing - especially when you’re just trying to enjoy a beer without worry.
Let’s simplify this and help you understand exactly what’s in your glass.
What Does “Gluten-Free” Actually Mean?
In the UK, any beer labelled “gluten-free” must legally contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten (20 milligrams of gluten per kg). That’s an incredibly small amount and considered safe for people with coeliac disease. Coeliac UK - the UK’s leading charity on gluten-related conditions - explains that this limit ensures safety for the vast majority of those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease.
Labelling laws differ between countries so it’s important to check. The EU follows the same labelling as the UK, but the USA is different and products will often say “crafted to remove gluten” or “gluten reduced”.
Two Ways to Brew Gluten-Free Beer
There are two main ways brewers make gluten-free beer:
1. Naturally Gluten-Free Beers
These beers are brewed from grains that have never had gluten - like sorghum, rice, quinoa, millet, or buckwheat. Because these grains are naturally gluten-free, there’s no gluten present from start to finish. These types of beers are often described as Non Gluten Containing Ingredients, or NGCI.
Naturally gluten-free beers might taste slightly different from regular beer. They often have unique flavours and textures - lighter, crisper, or occasionally a bit more tart. Thankfully, with breweries experimenting and refining their recipes, there’s now a range of delicious gluten-free beers to explore.
If you’re unsure where to start, the Gluten Free Pints app is a fantastic way to discover, rate, and find locations serving gluten-free beers near you.
2. Gluten-Removed Beers
These beers start life with regular barley or wheat, then undergo processing to break down and remove gluten proteins, typically through an enzyme treatment during fermentation. Brewers Clarex®, a common enzyme, effectively reduces gluten content below the 20 ppm threshold.
The advantage here is flavour - beers brewed this way tend to taste more like traditional beers because they use classic beer ingredients. Brands like Peroni Gluten-Free or BrewDog Vagabond Pale Ale have become popular for delivering that familiar beer experience without the gluten content.
You can find a large catalogue of gluten-free beers on our Gluten Free Pints app.
Why Does the Label Still Say “Contains Gluten/Barley”?
A beer can legally be gluten-free but still have a label stating “contains gluten/barley”. This isn’t contradictory; it’s about transparency. UK allergen laws require brewers to list any gluten-containing grain used, even if the gluten is subsequently removed to safe levels.
So, when a beer is brewed from barley and then the “gluten-removed” to make it gluten-free, the brewer is legally obliged to indicate that barley was used – typically by a statement such as “Contains barley” or by listing barley in the ingredients. If there’s no allergen warning, you’re likely drinking a naturally gluten-free (NGCI) beer.
How Safe Are Gluten-Removed Beers?
According to Coeliac UK, gluten-free labelled beers - including gluten-removed beers - are safe for most people with coeliac disease. These beers undergo rigorous testing, ensuring gluten levels stay safely below the 20 ppm threshold. The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) also supports these testing methods.
However, everyone’s sensitivity can differ. A small number of individuals might react even to gluten-removed beers. If you’re trying them for the first time, monitor how you feel after drinking. If you have any concerns, consider opting for naturally gluten-free beers instead.
As one expert puts it: “Trust your gut, and avoid anything that doesn’t agree with you. But if you tolerate gluten-reduced beers, rest assured that they are likely as safe as naturally gluten-free beers.”
Again, apps like Gluten Free Pints can be your best friend here, allowing you to track reviews and experiences from fellow gluten-free drinkers and search for NGCI beers.
Navigating Your Choices Easily
The Gluten Free Pints app isn’t just about discovering beers - it helps build your confidence. By seeing ratings and reading community reviews, you’ll quickly figure out what’s delicious and safe, whether it’s a naturally gluten-free or gluten-removed. Plus, finding local pubs or shops that stock your favourites becomes a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up great beer - it just means being informed. Now that you understand the differences between gluten-free and gluten-removed beers, you’re equipped to make the best choices for your health and enjoyment.
Give the app a try, and let us know what you think!