Debunking Myths About Gluten-Free Beer

At Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we’ve noticed that more of our customers are interested in purchasing gluten-free beers. Unfortunately, there’s some misinformation circulating about these tasty brews. While there are many reasons for choosing gluten-free beers, individuals with celiac disease or other severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution. If you are purchasing gluten-free beer for your next gathering of family and friends, it’s best to be sure of your information. The knowledgeable team at Joe Canal’s can help you debunk the myths surrounding gluten-free beer.

What Is Gluten-Free Beer?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and is a common ingredient used throughout our food system. As an element in baking and other preparations, gluten helps food hold its shape. This is why it is included in many processed foods, such as crackers, chips, cookies, pretzels, and other beer-friendly snacks.

Another grain, triticale, which is a cross of rye and wheat, also contains gluten. Traditional beer recipes usually include barley or wheat, water, hops, and yeast. Rye is used in red-style ales. This is why most beer does contain gluten.

It seems obvious that gluten-free beers are brews that do not contain gluten. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. There are two ways that brewers create gluten-free beers. They either use grains that don’t contain gluten or remove the gluten during the brewing process. This is what leads to some of the confusion surrounding these craft beers.

Customers who want to eliminate gluten from their daily diets are best served by first understanding how these beers are created. The truth about gluten-free beer can help gluten-sensitive beer drinkers make good choices for their health.

What are the Myths About Gluten-Free Beer?

There are three main myths circulating about gluten-free beer:

People with gluten sensitivities shouldn’t drink beer.

This myth stems from a lack of understanding about the process of making gluten-free beer. Beers that are exclusively made from specific grains don’t contain gluten.

These grains include:

• Rice
• Oats
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Maize
• Sorghum
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Teff
• Corn

All beers contain gluten.

Again, this myth reflects a misunderstanding of the brewing process. Beers created from non-gluten-containing grains are gluten-free. However, those with especially gluten-sensitive illnesses or physical reactions must read the ingredient list carefully.

For example, if barley malt is included in the beer, there may be gluten. But if the malt used is from rice or other gluten-free grain, it will not contribute any gluten to the beer.

It’s not possible to remove gluten from traditional beer recipes.

There is a process for removing gluten from wheat, barley, and rye-based beers. Some brewers make beer with these traditional recipes and add an enzyme that breaks down the gluten. There may be small amounts of gluten remaining after this process, but the amounts are too small for current scientific measurement.

For most people, these very small amounts of remaining gluten aren’t a problem. But those with celiac disease or others who experience autoimmune responses to gluten should exercise caution when sampling gluten-removed beers.

Additional Gluten-Free Options

Those who prefer gluten-free foods and beverages can take advantage of gluten-free grains and the gluten-removing brewing process to purchase and enjoy gluten-free beer. And other drink choices are safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Joe Canal's offers a fine selection of wines, spirits, hard ciders, and popular canned cocktails that are free of gluten.

If you’re preparing to entertain gluten-sensitive friends and family, please remember to pick up some gluten-free snacks. Joe Canal’s can help with our selection of specialty meats and cheeses.

Beer and Other Beverages Available in Lawrenceville

We pride ourselves on offering the very best beer and other beverages at the lowest prices at Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, NJ. Our large selection includes gluten-free beer, locally produced craft brews, and wines from around the world. Our staff can help you plan your next get-together, or choose a fabulous accompaniment for a special meal. We also ship products to customers in Florida and Washington, D.C. Take advantage of the knowledge and information available at Joe Canal’s. Contact us today.