How is Gluten Free Beer Prepared? : 2010-12-13
What is Gluten Free Beer?
In today’s diets, gluten is found in many common ingredients that most people already consume. Most commonly associated with barley and wheat, gluten is found in beer and other alcoholic beverages as well as anything made from wheat. 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.
Gluten Free or Low Gluten?
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. Most drinks lack the bulk of other foods that have gluten and therefor, even those with mild allergies to gluten may experience serious discomfort to even the smallest amount of gluten. The smallest trace amounts of gluten can cause serious, life threatening reactions to those with Celiac disease, however. If you are unsure of what causes your gluten reaction, it is safest to stick with beers that are clearly labeled gluten free.
What are the Main Ingredients in Gluten Beer
Most beers are made from barley and wheat, so it is natural to wonder how gluten free beer can taste as good as regular beer. Rice, buckwheat, and sorghum are the main ingredients in gluten free beer. One of these ingredients, buckwheat, is completely safe, as it is a member of the rhubarb family and completely unrelated 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.
Gluten Free Beer – Where to Find It?
Bars and restaurants typically do not have gluten free beer readily available. Finding a restaurant that carries gluten free beer prior to planning a night out is a good idea if you are gluten intolerant. 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. For home consumption, there are many websites online which offer a wide variety of low gluten and gluten free beer choices in case your local spirits store does not provide what you need.