Do Malt Beverages Contain Gluten? The Truth Revealed
Malt beverages typically contain gluten, as they are made from malted grains like barley; however, gluten-free options are available for those with sensitivities.
If you’re gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease, knowing which beverages are safe to drink is crucial. Malt beverages are a common concern due to their barley-based ingredients. This article explores whether malt drinks contain gluten and provides alternatives for those avoiding it.
What Are Malt Beverages?
Malt beverages include beers, malt liquors, and flavored malt drinks. They’re made from malted barley, wheat, or rye – all gluten-containing grains. The malting process involves soaking grains to trigger germination, then drying them to develop sugars that create the characteristic sweet flavor.
Popular Malt Beverage Examples
- Traditional beers (Budweiser, Coors, Heineken)
- Malt liquors (Colt 45, Olde English 800)
- Flavored malt beverages (Smirnoff Ice, Mike’s Hard Lemonade)
Why Most Malt Beverages Contain Gluten
Standard malt beverages are not gluten-free because they’re made from barley, wheat, or rye. The malting process doesn’t remove gluten proteins. Even small amounts can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Gluten Content in Common Malt Products
| Beverage Type | Gluten Status |
|---|---|
| Regular beer | Contains gluten |
| Malt liquor | Contains gluten |
| Flavored malt drinks | Contains gluten |
Gluten-Free Malt Alternatives
Some manufacturers now produce malt beverages using gluten-free grains. These alternatives are safe for those avoiding gluten:
Gluten-Free Grains Used in Brewing
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Corn
- Rice
Companies like Grouse Malt House specialize in gluten-free malts certified below 10ppm gluten. These are used to brew truly gluten-free beers.
How to Identify Gluten-Free Malt Beverages
Always check labels carefully. Look for:
Certification Marks
- Certified Gluten-Free logo
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) seal
Label Wording
Avoid products listing “malt extract” or “barley malt” unless specifically labeled gluten-free. Some states like Oregon allow “gluten-removed” labeling, which may not be safe for all gluten-sensitive individuals.
Gluten-Free Drink Alternatives
If you’re looking for safe alcoholic options beyond malt beverages, consider:
- Wine (naturally gluten-free)
- Hard ciders (made from apples)
- Gluten-free beers (made with alternative grains)
- Distilled spirits (unless containing gluten additives)
For non-alcoholic options, try making your own gluten-free drinks with a quality blender or explore fresh vegetable juices.
Special Considerations for Celiac Disease
Those with celiac disease should be especially cautious. Even “gluten-removed” beers may contain trace amounts that could trigger symptoms. The FDA requires gluten-free labeled products to contain less than 20ppm gluten, but some individuals react to lower levels.
When in doubt, choose beverages made from inherently gluten-free ingredients rather than those processed to remove gluten. Your safest bets are wines, ciders, and spirits made from non-gluten sources.
