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.
