Gluten free beer has surged in popularity as more beer lovers seek celiac-safe alternatives. Once a niche category, gluten free beers now offer a wide range of styles and flavors, from pale ales and lagers to stouts and IPAs. Today nearly 1 in 4 global beer consumers are opting for gluten free alternatives. In this article, we dive deep into gluten free beer: what it is, how it’s made, and which brews top the 2025 charts.

We’ll answer common questions like “is beer gluten free,” “is Corona gluten free,” and even “is ginger beer gluten free,” as well as guide you to the best gluten free beer brands and gluten-free non-alcoholic beers. We’ll also show you how to find gluten free beer near you and encourage you to share your favorite GF brews in the comments!

Gluten-free beers are brewed using grains like sorghum, millet, rice, or buckwheat instead of barley or wheat. These alternative grains contain no gluten protein, making the beer safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Major breweries and craft brewers alike have jumped on this trend: the global gluten-free beer market was about $7.59 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $8.57B by 2025, with a 13% annual growth rate through 2033. Demand is driven by health-conscious drinkers – an estimated 25% of beer fans now try gluten free options. In short, gluten free beer isn’t just a fad; it’s a flavorful, growing category here to stay.

Figure: Glass of gluten-free craft beer poured at a brewery.

What Is Gluten in Beer?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives bread and beer their structure. Standard beer is brewed from barley malt or wheat, which means regular beer contains gluten. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, even tiny amounts (above 20 parts per million) can trigger symptoms. In 2014 the FDA set a rule: any food or drink labeled “gluten-free” must have less than 20 ppm of gluten and cannot include wheat, rye, or barley ingredients.

This means that authentic gluten-free beers must be made from naturally gluten-free grains. Some brands like Omission or Estrella Daura use enzymes to remove gluten from barley, but those cannot be officially labeled “gluten-free” under FDA rules. Only beers brewed from gluten-free ingredients (or sometimes gluten-removed barley below 20 ppm) meet the standard. In practice, most folks stick to beers brewed with no gluten grains at all to be safe.

Gluten-Free Beer Ingredients and Brewing

Gluten-free beers use a variety of alternative grains that provide flavor and body. Common gluten-free ingredients include sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, corn, and quinoa. For example, sorghum and millet have a similar starch profile to barley and can ferment nicely. Brewers may add hops, fruit or spices for complexity. According to industry sources, “gluten-free beers [are] crafted using grains like sorghum, millet, rice, and buckwheat”. Many gluten-free breweries pride themselves on using 100% naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Ground Breaker Brewing in Portland, for instance, emphasizes: “We craft naturally gluten-free ingredients into award-winning gluten-free beers”. Likewise, Glutenberg (Quebec) claims to use “100% gluten free ingredients, ensuring that no beer ever exceeds 0.0 ppm” of gluten.

Brewing gluten-free beer requires a dedicated process to avoid contamination. Many GF brewers operate in certified gluten-free facilities, banning any gluten grain inside. Ground Breaker’s taproom notes proudly: “Every beer that we make is naturally gluten-free, made in our brewery where no gluten containing items are allowed through the door.”. Ghostfish Brewing (Seattle) similarly uses only non-gluten ingredients and carefully brewed techniques to create “boundary pushing craft beers” that expand expectations of GF beer. Gluten-free brewing allows styles from pale ales to stouts – for example Glutenberg makes IPA, stout, and American pale ales all without gluten.

Key Points:

• Gluten is in barley, wheat and rye. Regular beer is not gluten-free.
• Gluten-free beer swaps barley for grains like sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, quinoa, corn.
• Must contain <20 ppm gluten to label “gluten-free”. Pure GF beers use no barley/wheat.
• Breweries often test each batch and use dedicated GF facilities to avoid contamination.

Top 10 Best Gluten Free Beers (2025 List)

Below are ten highly regarded gluten free beers or breweries, spanning craft and mainstream. These picks have won awards or rave reviews and are known for great taste. (Availability varies by region.) Each uses gluten-free grains and meets the FDA’s <20 ppm standard. We list them with notes on style and flavor.

1. Ghostfish Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA) – Pale Ales and IPAs

Ghostfish Brewing is a pioneer of craft gluten-free beer. Their flagship ales (like Shrouded Summit Pale Ale and Meteor Shower IPA) use sorghum, rice, and millet, combined with Northwest hops. Ghostfish’s motto: “we love to craft gluten free beers that pay tribute to classic styles”. They hand-select “naturally gluten free grains, yeast strains, and Pacific Northwest hops” to create complex, hop-forward beers. In blind tastings, Ghostfish beers often impress even barley-beer drinkers. Look for Ghostfish at specialty stores or taprooms. (Their website even has a “Beer Finder” tool to locate stockists by ZIP code.)

• Style: Craft Pale Ale, IPA, Stout (mostly ales)
• Grains: Sorghum, millet, rice (100% gluten-free ingredients)
• Awards/Notes: Award-winning GF brewer. Delicious flavors; often described as “true beer taste” despite no barley.

2. Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR) – Craft Lager & Ale

Ground Breaker Brewing was the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in the U.S. (2011). They brew 100% GF beers (ales, lagers, sours) in a certified gluten-free facility. Their signature Czechia Later Pale Lager is modeled after classic European lagers, brewed with millet and buckwheat. Another favorite is Rolling Thunder Porter. Ground Breaker’s philosophy: “use only premium ingredients which are naturally gluten-free”. Their beers have even won medals at the Great American Beer Festival. If you like clean, balanced lagers and robust ales, Ground Breaker is a must-try.

• Style: German-style Lager, Ale, Porter, Sour
• Grains: Millet, buckwheat, sorghum, etc.
• Facility: Certified GF; no gluten items allowed on premises
• Awards/Notes: Multiple GABF medals; known for smooth lagers and flavorful ales.

3. Glutenberg Brewing (Québec, Canada) – Blond Ale & IPA

Glutenberg (a craft brewery in Montreal) targets gluten-free beers for all. Their flagship Blonde Ale and American Pale Ale use a blend of millet, buckwheat, corn, and black rice. According to Glutenberg’s founders: “Our ambition was to brew the best gluten-free beers. In our enthusiasm, we created some of the world’s best tasting beers, period.”. They took home gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2012 World Beer Cup. The Glutenberg IPA, for instance, is zesty and citrusy with a solid 6% ABV, yet made entirely from GF grains. Importantly, Glutenberg ensures “no beer ever exceeds 0.0 PPM” gluten. Their wide range (including Stout, Red Ale, Wheat Ale) shows you can get a truly craft experience in GF form.

• Style: Blond Ale, Pale Ale, IPA, Stout, Wheat – full lineup of styles.
• Grains: Millet, buckwheat, corn, black rice, oats.
• Awards/Notes: Won multiple World Beer Cup awards; known for true beer flavor without gluten.

4. Holidaily Brewing (Golden, CO) – Kolsch and Buckwheat Belgian Blonde

Holidaily is a Colorado brewery focused on wellness and community. All their beers are 100% gluten-free and vegetarian. Their flagship Favorite Blonde is a golden ale styled like a Kolsch, and Buckwit Belgian is a Belgian-style wit made with buckwheat. On their site they proudly state “100% Gluten-Free. 100% Great Beer.”. Holidaily’s mission: to give people a “good, gluten-free beer drinking experience”. Beer drinkers praise these as light, refreshing, and “tastes like beer – because it IS beer” (their slogan). If you enjoy easy-drinking brews with a clean finish, Holidaily’s beers deliver.

• Style: Blonde Ale (Kolsch style), Belgian Wit, IPA, Stout.
• Grains: Millet, sorghum, buckwheat, gluten-free oats.
• Notes: Colorado’s first dedicated GF brewery; strong local following.

Figure: Pouring a craft gluten-free beer from the tap.

5. Green’s Gluten Free Beers (Lochristi, Belgium) – Dubbel & Tripel Ales

Green’s (not to be confused with Green Flash) is one of the oldest gluten-free breweries. Since 2004 they have been brewing high-quality Belgian beers with gluten-free ingredients. Their range includes a Dry-Hopped Lager, Amber Ale, IPA, Dubbel Ale, and Tripel Ale. According to Green’s, their beers are brewed “with a full body, crisp taste, and a refreshing flavor, losing none of the taste but all of the allergens”.

They use barley malt that’s been processed to remove gluten and add enzymes, resulting in <20 ppm final gluten. Brewers site “Green’s gluten-free beers are made from gluten-free ingredients and DO NOT contain any…Gluten” (they also omit other allergens). Many craft beer fans find Green’s Dubbel and Tripel surprisingly authentic. If you’re in Europe, look for Green’s brand – it’s often the go-to choice for GF Belgian ales.

• Style: Belgian Dubbel, Tripel, IPA, Amber, Dry-Hopped Lager.
• Notes: Uses traditional Belgian recipes with GF processing. Full-flavored, malt-forward beers.

6. Redbridge (Anheuser-Busch) – Sorghum Lager

Redbridge was one of the first widely-available gluten-free beers in the U.S. Brewed by AB InBev, it’s a simple crisp lager made with sorghum instead of barley. (Sorghum is an ancient grain and the basis of most mainstream GF lagers.) The Paleo Spirit reviewer said: “Redbridge is a readily available brand of gluten free beer that’s made with sorghum and sold by Anheuser-Busch”. It’s light-bodied, slightly sweet, and often compared to wheat beer in flavor. If you want a gluten-free version of a classic American lager taste (and it’s easy to find in supermarkets), Redbridge fits the bill. It’s not complex, but it’s dependable and widely distributed.

• Style: American-style Lager (12 oz bottle).
• Grains: Sorghum (100% GF grain).
• Notes: Commonly found in grocery stores; good introductory GF beer. Serves as a gluten-free alternative to Budweiser.

7. New Planet Beer Company (Colorado, USA) – Pale Ale & IPA

New Planet (now part of Wolfpack Holdings) is a Colorado brewery offering a full lineup of certified gluten-free beers. Their core beers include New Planet Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, Raspberry Ale, and Brown Ale, all made with sorghum, rice, corn, and buckwheat. As Colorado Brewery List notes: “Our guaranteed gluten-free beers are crafted by brewers who bring great quality and flavor found only in small batches”.

In other words, they emphasize taste first. For example, their Raspberry Ale is fruity and tangy, leveraging actual raspberries in a GF base. Their beers are widely distributed across the U.S. in 6-packs. If you see New Planet on shelves or tap lists, you can be assured it meets GF standards and tastes like a real beer.

• Style: American Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, Brown Ale, Raspberry Ale, etc.
• Notes: Colorado-based, family-owned. Donates to environmental causes. The ales are flavorful and well-rounded.

8. Brunehaut Brewery (Belgium) – Organic Gluten-Free Ales

Brunehaut is a B Corp brewery in Belgium known for organic, gluten-free beers. They state: “We produce the best organic and gluten-free craft beers, without compromise”. Brunehaut’s gluten-free lineup includes Blonde Organic, Triple Organic, Ambrée Organic, and White Organic. Their beers use barley that has been processed to remove gluten.

Impressively, Brunehaut says their gluten-free beers are recognized as the world’s best. In blind taste tests, many people can’t tell the difference between Brunehaut Blonde and a regular beer. For true Belgian flavor, try Brunehaut Triple (a strong golden ale) – it has rich malt and spice. These are good exports, so check specialty shops or online retailers for Brunehaut to experience European GF craftsmanship.

• Style: Belgian Blonde, Triple, Amber, White (witbier).
• Ingredients: Organic grains (GF-processed) and hops.
• Awards/Notes: Belgium’s first B Corp brewery; gluten-free beers have won international taste awards.

9. Athletic Brewing Co. (Connecticut, USA) – Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale

Athletic Brewing Co. pioneered the gluten-free non-alcoholic beer trend. While their beers contain no gluten grains (they use barley-derived ingredients that are enzymatically removed, though their labeling focuses on the NA angle), they are popular among GF drinkers. Their flagship NA Upside Dawn is a crisp Pale Ale with notes of citrus and floral hops. They have won multiple awards, and the above guide notes: “Athletic Brewing Co.: Gluten-free grains – Earthy, floral, award-winning”. Athletic’s 0.5% ABV brews (like Run Wild IPA or Cerveza Atletica) are brewed with gluten-free oats and rye, and rigorously tested. If you want a great-tasting beer without both gluten and alcohol, Athletic is a top-rated choice.

• Style: Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale, IPA, stout, lager.
• Gluten-Free Method: Uses 100% gluten-free grains (like oats, rye) and special yeasts to ferment to NA levels.
• Notes: Award-winning NA beers that are low-calorie and celiac-friendly.

10. Big Drop Brewing Co. (England) – Gluten-Free Craft Ales (NA)

Big Drop is a UK-based brewer specializing in alcohol-free, gluten-free craft beer. Like Athletic, they brew flavorful beers without both gluten and alcohol. Their lineup includes Hazy AF (New England IPA), Pale Ale, and Stout, all made with gluten-free grains such as sorghum and buckwheat. According to one guide, Big Drop beers are “gluten-free craft beers” and even vegan-friendly. Reviews praise Big Drop for bold flavor despite being 0.5% ABV. For example, Hazy AF is bursting with tropical fruit notes thanks to heavy dry-hopping. If you live in Europe or find Big Drop online, it’s one of the best-tasting GF beers on the market.

• Style: NA IPA, Pale Ale, Stout.
• Grains: Millet, sorghum, buckwheat, etc.
• Notes: UK’s first 100% NA craft brewery; gluten-free and vegan.

Each of the above beers comes from breweries explicitly marketing to gluten-free diets. They all meet strict GF standards and have earned strong reviews from the celiac community. You may find most of these in health-food stores, specialty liquor shops, or via online retailers.

Gluten Free Non-Alcoholic Beers

If you want to skip alcohol entirely, there are also gluten-free NA beer options. Many NA brewers focus on GF grains. For example, Athletic Brewing Co. (USA) produces award-winning NA ales brewed with gluten-free grains. Big Drop Brewing Co. (UK) and IMPOSSIBREW® (Germany) are known for malt-rich NA beers made from GF ingredients. Nirvana Brewery (Belgium) and O’Donnells (Ireland) also make certified gluten-free, alcohol-free beers. These NA GF beers allow you to enjoy a beer taste without any alcohol or gluten. Check labels: these products often say “gluten-free” and “alcohol-free” and test below 20 ppm.

• Examples: Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn (NA Pale Ale), Big Drop’s Hazy AF, IMPOSSIBREW Lager.
• Key Point: NA GF beers use grains like rice, buckwheat, sorghum or enzyme treatment, and undergo strict testing.

Enjoying gluten-free beer doesn’t mean missing out. Many GF NA beers closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts in flavor and aroma.

Finding Gluten Free Beer Near You

Many of the beers listed above are available at craft beer shops, co-ops, or online. To find gluten-free beer near you, try specialty health stores or local liquor shops with a good beer selection. Some breweries have tools on their websites – for example, Ghostfish Brewing’s site has a “Find Beer Near You” locator, so you can enter your zip code and see stockists.

You can also Google “gluten free beer near me” to discover local bars, breweries, or grocery stores that carry GF options. In the US and EU, mainstream retailers increasingly carry at least one gluten-free beer (like Redbridge or Glutenberg). And don’t forget small local breweries; there’s a growing trend of craft brewers releasing occasional gluten-free batches.

If in doubt, look for the “gluten-free” label on packaging. In the US, anything marked gluten-free must meet FDA rules (<20 ppm gluten). In Europe, look for certified logos (e.g. Crossed Grain symbol) or wording “GLUTEN-FREE” on the bottle.

Conclusion

Gluten free beer is no longer a bland afterthought – it’s a booming segment filled with tasty choices for every palate. From crisp sorghum lagers like Redbridge to hoppy gluten-free IPAs like Ghostfish and Glutenberg, the options are endless. Many of the brews above have won awards and prove that gluten-free beers can truly satisfy. Even if you’re not gluten-sensitive, trying a gluten-free beer can be a fun way to explore new flavors.

If you have celiac disease or just want a light, easy-drinking brew, the best gluten free beers listed here are a great place to start. Remember, ingredients and brewing methods vary, so if you have concerns, check that the beer is certified or tested gluten-free.

We hope this guide helps you discover your next favorite beer. Enjoy responsibly, and don’t forget to share this post with friends who love beer but need gluten-free options. Leave a comment below with your experiences! Cheers to gluten-free craft beer greatness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is beer gluten free?
A: Regular beer is usually not gluten free, because it’s made from barley or wheat, which contain gluten. Only beers brewed from gluten-free grains (like sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat, corn, etc.) or beers that have been specially processed and tested (below 20 ppm gluten) can be labeled gluten-free. Always check the label: if it says “gluten-free,” it meets FDA standards (in the U.S.) and is made with no gluten ingredients.

Q: What beers are gluten free?
A: Beers made with gluten-free grains are gluten free. Examples include sorghum beers (like Redbridge by Anheuser-Busch), rice/millet beers (like Ghostfish IPAs), and others (New Planet, Glutenberg, etc.). Many craft breweries exclusively make gluten-free beer (Ghostfish, Ground Breaker, Glutenberg, etc.). See our list above for top gluten-free brands. Beers made from barley/wheat but treated with enzymes (e.g. Omission, Daura Damm) are considered gluten-removed and may not qualify under regulations as truly gluten-free.

Q: Is Corona beer gluten free?
A: Corona Extra is brewed with barley malt, so it is technically not labeled gluten-free. However, test results have shown that Corona Extra consistently has undetectable levels of gluten (below 10 ppm). In fact, independent tests and a Swedish study found no measurable gluten in Corona Extra. Nonetheless, since barley is an ingredient, Corona carries traces of gluten proteins. People with severe celiac disease usually avoid it. If you are highly sensitive, it’s safer to choose a certified gluten-free beer instead.

Q: Is ginger beer gluten free?
A: Yes – true ginger beer is naturally gluten-free. Real ginger beer is simply fermented ginger, sugar, water and yeast, with no barley or wheat. Celiac experts note that “most all true ginger beer is naturally gluten-free”. However, some commercial “ginger beers” or malt ginger ales might contain barley malt, so always check the label. Pure ginger ale and ginger beer made with non-gluten ingredients (ginger root, sugar, spices) are safe for gluten-free diets.

Q: Is root beer gluten free?
A: Yes, almost all common root beers are gluten free. Root beer is a soft drink made with sarsaparilla or sassafras, cane sugar, and spices. Celiac.com confirms that major brands like A&W, Barq’s, Mug, and IBC root beers are considered naturally gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. (They typically contain no wheat ingredients.) In general, unless the label lists wheat/gluten-containing ingredients, a root beer (or any soft drink) is likely gluten-free. So feel free to enjoy root beer and cream soda on your gluten-free diet.

Q: Are there gluten-free non-alcoholic beers?
A: Absolutely. Several breweries specialize in gluten-free, alcohol-free beers. Examples include Athletic Brewing Co. (USA) and Big Drop Brewing Co. (UK) which brew NA beers with gluten-free grains. These beers taste like craft beers but have 0.5% ABV and <10 ppm gluten. Other brands like IMPOSSIBREW (Germany) and Nirvana Brewery (Belgium) also offer certified gluten-free NA ales. Look for labels that say “gluten-free” and “non-alcoholic.” These beers are brewed with ingredients like sorghum, millet, or buckwheat, or treated with enzymes, to ensure they are safe for gluten-free diets. Enjoy them just like any beer – cold and with food.

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