Which Alcohol-Free Beers Are Actually Gluten-Free?
For those following a gluten-free diet but still wanting to enjoy a refreshing beer, finding options that are both alcohol-free and gluten-free can be a challenge. Fortunately, as the demand for gluten-free products continues to rise, an increasing number of breweries are now offering alcohol-free beers that are suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
UK Gluten-Free Labelling Requirements
In the UK, for a food product to be labelled as "gluten-free", it must contain no more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This legal requirement is in line with the international Codex Alimentarius standard. Foods that meet this criteria can include naturally gluten-free products like soups, sausages, and crisps, as well as specialist substitute products such as breads, flour, and crackers that may contain gluten-free wheat starch.
The term "very low gluten" can be used for specialist substitute products like bread and flour that contain Codex wheat starch with a gluten level between 21-100 ppm. However, there are currently no foods labelled as "very low gluten" in the UK market.Manufacturers are required to emphasise any gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, or khorasan wheat, in the ingredients list of pre-packed foods. Some manufacturers voluntarily choose to include precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) statements like "may contain traces of gluten" to indicate potential cross-contamination risks, although this is not mandated by law.
Why Most Alcohol-Free Beers Contain Gluten
Most alcohol-free beers are not gluten-free because they are typically made using the same ingredients as regular beer, including gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, or rye. The brewing process for alcohol-free beer starts out the same as regular beer, but some of them, the alcohol is removed at the end through methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. While the alcohol is removed, the gluten proteins from the grains still remain in the final product, making these beers unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, plus, there will likely be flavour issues whenever removal of alcohol comes into play as a lot of the delicious aromas and flavour notes also get removed.
To create a truly gluten-free alcohol-free beer, some brewers use alternative gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, or gluten-free oats from the very beginning of the brewing process and ensure there is no cross-contamination from gluten-containing ingredients, but there is a reason why beer is made with barley and wheat, as they are uniquely flavoured malts that is responsible for that signature 'beer' taste.
Best Overall: IMPOSSIBREW Lager (GF)
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is a noteworthy gluten-free alcohol-free beer that stands out from others in the market. Although it contains wheat and barley, the brewers use a special enzyme that breaks down the gluten proteins to less than 10 parts per million (ppm), well below the legal limit of 20 ppm for gluten-free labelling. This innovative process allows IMPOSSIBREW® to create a beer that is third-party lab certified as gluten-free while still using traditional beer ingredients. The result is a crisp and refreshing lager with a clean, lingering citrus finish that appeals to both gluten-free and non-gluten-free beer drinkers alike. By pushing the boundaries of brewing technology, IMPOSSIBREW® demonstrates that it is possible to create a delicious, high-quality gluten-free beer without compromising on taste or ingredients.
It stands out as the best overall option for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption for several reasons. Firstly, their proprietary Social Blend™ contains nootropic herbs like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1, which help promote relaxation and satisfaction without the need for alcohol. This unique blend sets IMPOSSIBREW apart from other alcohol-free beers. Additionally, IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager is incredibly low in calories, with just 17 calories per 100ml, making it one of the lowest calorie alcohol-free beers available. It also contains less than 0.7g of sugar per 100ml and is 100% vegan.
The lager has been awarded "UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Lager" by the World Beer Awards, confirming its superior taste and quality. Despite containing 0.5% ABV, IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager actually has less alcohol than a ripe banana (0.5% ABV), burger roll (1.2% ABV), or orange juice (up to 1% ABV), making it a great choice for those looking to minimize their alcohol intake.
Any questions we haven't answered?
Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Unique Selling Point
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™.
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
The Social Blend™ by IMPOSSIBREW® is designed to provide a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the negative effects of alcohol. It achieves this through a combination of nootropic herbs and active plant-based ingredients that work synergistically to promote relaxation and stress relief.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Got more questions?
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.