Gluten Free Beer: 10 Best Gluten-Free Beers to Try in 2025

Gluten free beer has become hugely popular as more people avoid gluten for health reasons. Roughly 1% of Americans have celiac disease (and up to 6% more are gluten-sensitive). To meet this need, craft breweries and even big brands now offer dedicated gluten-free brews.

Unlike traditional beers that are brewed using barley or wheat (which contain proteins that cause gluten), gluten-free beers are brewed using alternative grains. They can also be enzyme treated to remove gluten. The global gluten-free beer market was worth approximately USD 0.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to experience rapid growth (more than 11% CAGR) due to the tremendous growth in consumer demand.

In general, any beer made from non-gluten ingredients or labeled gluten-free (<20 ppm gluten) is safe for those avoiding gluten. In this guide we’ll explain gluten free beer, how it’s brewed, and share the top 10 best gluten-free beers to try plus answer FAQs like “Is beer gluten free?”, “Is Corona gluten-free?”, and “Is ginger beer gluten-free?”.

What Is Gluten Free Beer?

Gluten free beer is simply beer that is brewed without grains that contain gluten. Instead of barley or wheat, alternative grains are used by brewers (sorghum, millet, buckwheat, rice, corn, quinoa, etc.) that do not contain gluten protein. These ingredients are not allergenic (do not cause celiac or gluten intolerance). Most dedicated GF breweries use a completely separate GF facility in order to avoid contamination. By contrast, gluten-reduced beers are made from barley, but their enzymes such as Brewer’s Clarex break up gluten – these beers are often called “gluten removed” and they are not necessarily safe for celiac sufferers.

Key points about gluten free beer:

• Gluten-Free Ingredients: Typical GF beers use grains such as sorghum, millet, rice, corn, and buckwheat. These grains naturally lack the hordein/gliadin proteins found in barley/wheat.
• No Celiac Trigger: The proteins in barley/wheat (gluten) cause problems for sensitive individuals. GF beers avoid these proteins entirely.
• Gluten vs. Gluten-Removed: Some beers use barley then remove gluten with enzymes. However, U.S. law requires beers labeled “gluten-free” to have <20 ppm gluten, so “gluten-removed” beers are often labeled “crafted to remove gluten” instead. Many experts recommend sticking to 100% GF-brewed beers if you have celiac.

In short, true gluten free beers are brewed from GF grains and have no barley/wheat in the mash. They meet the FDA standard of <20 ppm gluten and are certified by organizations like GFCO in many cases.

How Gluten Free Beer Is Brewed

Brewing gluten-free beer follows similar steps to regular beer, but with special ingredients or processes:

• Gluten-Free Grains: Brewers replace barley/malt with gluten-free grains. Common choices are sorghum, millet, corn, buckwheat, brown rice, and quinoa. For example, Ghostfish Brewing (Seattle) uses sorghum, buckwheat and millet in their GF ales. Glutenberg (Canada) brews with millet, buckwheat and corn. Using these GF grains ensures no gluten ever enters the beer.
• Enzyme Treatment: Another method is adding enzymes (like Clarex) to beer made from traditional grains. This breaks gluten into tiny pieces, often below 20 ppm. Some large “gluten-free” labeled beers (e.g. Omission, Daura) use this approach. However, these are technically gluten-reduced, and may still cause issues for the most sensitive.
• Certification & Testing: Many GF breweries get certified by GFCO or carry a gluten-free label to guarantee safety. They test batches for gluten (under 20 ppm) and strictly prevent cross-contact. For instance, Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR) is GFCO-certified and brews only from GF ingredients.

In practice, there is a mixture of various forms of fermentation in some breweries. For example, Athletic Brewing Co. (USA) produce non-alcoholic beers that are labelled gluten free by beginning with GF grains. Others like IMPOSSIBREW (UK) use some kind of enzyme treatment to certify their NA lagers below 10ppm. In any case, modern GF brewing technology allows these beers to emulate traditional beers (pilsner, stout, IPA, etc.) without being unsafe for gluten-free diets.

Why Choose Gluten-Free Beer?

• Celiac & Sensitivity: For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, drinking normal beer can trigger serious symptoms. Gluten-free beer lets them enjoy beer flavors without the gluten. (About 1 in 133 Americans has celiac.)
• Expanding Variety: The GF beer scene is booming. Craft brewers now offer dozens of GF styles ales, lagers, pilsners, IPAs, stouts and more. Some GF beers win awards! Ghostfish and Holidaily (both US GF brewers) have taken medals at the Great American Beer Festival, showing GF beer can be just as tasty.
• Health/Gluten-Free Trend: Even non-celiac drinkers try GF beer as part of a “free-from” health trend. The market sees rising health-conscious consumers seeking alternative beers. (That said, GF beers aren’t inherently low-calorie, so check labels if dieting.)
• No Sacrifice in Quality: Many top GF beers are brewed in dedicated facilities to ensure full flavor. Reviews often note GF beers can rival any craft beer for taste and complexity. For example, Celiac and the Beast blog praises Ghostfish as “some of the best gluten-free beers, period”.

In short, gluten-free beers serve those who can’t drink regular beer while offering all beer fans some exciting new options. With so many breweries joining the GF trend, drinkers have never had more choice.

Top 10 Gluten-Free Beers

Here are 10 top-rated gluten-free beers and breweries to try. These favorites are brewed specifically without gluten, and many have won awards or high praise. (Availability varies by region see “Where to Find Gluten-Free Beer” below.) Each entry lists the beer style(s) and any notable awards or ingredients.

1. Ghostfish Brewing Co. (Seattle, WA): Award-winning GF brewery. Ghostfish brews all-grain beers from gluten-free grains (sorghum, millet, buckwheat) in a dedicated facility. Fans love their IPAs, pale ales and stouts. Their Watchstander Stout won gold at the 2021 Great American Beer Fest. Other popular beers include the Meteor Shower Blonde Ale and Shrouded Summit Belgian White.
2. Glutenberg (Quebec, Canada): Large Canadian GF brewer with wide distribution. Glutenberg offers a variety of styles (Blonde Ale, White Ale, IPA, Red Ale, Stout and even a Fruiting sour) all brewed from millet, buckwheat and corn. These are all 100% gluten-free by design (no gluten grains used) and undergo testing to ensure celiac safety. Their beers are exported across North America and beyond.
3. Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR): One of the oldest US GF brewery (founded 2013). Ground Breaker make everything in-site in a GF only brewery, and is GFCO certified. The brewery is renowned for inventive beers such as the Olallie Blackberry Rosehip Ale and Dark Ale. (The Ground Breaker Dark Ale has been a winner of several awards.) Their brewer’s pub is a hit in Portland and they sell in a number of states.
4. Holidaily Brewing (Colorado): Colorado’s female-owned GF brewery. Holidaily has earned a reputation for quality; their Big Henry IPA won Bronze at the 2021 GABF. All beers are brewed from millet, buckwheat, sorghum and other GF grains. Try the Big Henry IPA or their Blonde Ale Holidaily has won multiple awards, including a Gold at GABF 2019. They distribute in Colorado, Arizona and some neighboring states.
5. Bard’s Tale Beer (Minnesota): Classic sorghum lager. Bard’s (formerly New Planet Brewing) was one of the first American sorghum beers (Bard’s Gold). Made completely from Sorghum, it’s a light and crisp lager. It is sold in a lot of states and is a popular national brand for GF beer. Bard’s Gold: A true GF that also has seasonal ales.
6. Redbridge Lager (USA): Nationwide sorghum beer by Anheuser-Busch. Redbridge was introduced in 2006 as the first national sorghum lager. It’s brewed in a separate facility and developed with the Celiac community, meeting NFCA guidelines. Available coast-to-coast (in beer aisles and even some bars), Redbridge offers a mild, easy-drinking amber lager taste.
7. Buck Wild Brewing (California): 100% GF craft brewery. Buck Wild operates a separate GF brewery (using sorghum, buckwheat, brown rice, etc.) and distributes in California and beyond. Popular beers include their Pale Ale, Kolsch, Amber Ale and West Coast IPA all brewed to be naturally gluten-free. They’ve earned a loyal following for good flavor in each style.
8. Bierly Brewing (Oregon): Dedicated GF brewery in Portland. Bierly’s 100% GF facility produces a range of beers: Amber IPA, Felix Pilsner, Blonde Ale, and Mischievous stout (among others). They test each batch to ensure <20ppm. Bierly’s beers are sold in the Pacific Northwest (and some on the West Coast), offering classic styles with a clean GF grain profile.
9. Green’s Beer (Belgium/UK): Long-running European GF brand. Green’s (in Belgium) has been brewing gluten-free Belgian-style ales for decades. They use grains like sorghum and buckwheat. One favorite is their Pale Dry-Hopped Lager (4.0% ABV), light and hoppy. Note: Green’s also makes some GF-removed beers with barley (they remove gluten), but their dedicated GF beers (like the lager) are fully gluten-free. Available in many countries and often found in specialty beer stores.
10. [Honorable Mention] “Gluten-Removed” Beers: Some well-known beers use enzymes to cut gluten (not from GF grains). For example, Omission Brewing Co. (USA) uses an enzyme to bring gluten below 20 pm. However, these are officially “gluten-removed” beers and may not be safe for all celiacs. They are included here for completeness, but purists should focus on the above GF-brewed beers.

In addition to these top brands, dozens of craft breweries specialize in GF beer (see Celiac & the Beast’s 2021 list of US GF breweries). When looking for “gluten free beer near me”, check brewery websites or use search terms like gluten free beer near me or gluten-free beer store locator. Many breweries offer store locators on their site.

Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beers

The gluten-free trend extends to non-alcoholic (NA) beers as well. Brewers use the same gluten-free brewing methods (GF grains or enzymes) to create alcohol-free versions. For example, companies like Glutenberg and Partake Brewing in Canada produce gluten-free NA beers by fermenting GF grain wort or treating it. Athletic Brewing Co. (USA) offers Upside Dawn Golden Ale (NA), which is brewed from gluten-free grains and has earthy, floral notes. IMPOSSIBREW’s Enhanced Lager (UK) uses enzyme treatment to reach <10ppm gluten in its NA lager.

Some examples:

• Athletic Brewing Co. – Upside Dawn (USA): A golden NA ale brewed gluten-free. It has won awards as a top NA beer.
• IMPOSSIBREW Enhanced Lager (UK): A crisp non-alcoholic lager treated to be GF (<10 ppm).
• Partake Brewing (Canada): Offers NA pale ale and red ale, all brewed from GF grains.

If you’re avoiding alcohol, these beers let you enjoy gluten-free “beer” without the booze. Check labels for “non-alcoholic” and “gluten-free”.

Where to Find Gluten Free Beer

Availability depends on region, but here are tips to locate GF beers:

• Local Stores and Bars: Many liquor stores and some bars carry GF beer. Whole Foods, Sprouts and similar chains often stock GF brews. For instance, Holidaily’s beers are found at Whole Foods and Sprouts in several states.
• Brewery Store Locators: Most GF breweries list retailers on their websites. Ghostfish has a locator and distributes in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast. Ground Breaker’s beers are sold in OR, WA, CA, MI, UT, CO, MA, ME, VT, RI and even Japan. Use these tools or Google “Ghostfish store locator” etc.
• Online Retailers: Several online shops specialize in GF beer. For example, Marina Market (marinamarket.com) ships nationwide and carries many GF brands like Groundbreaker, Ghostfish and Green’s. Check shipping laws in your state.
• Gluten-Free Beer Near Me: A quick web search with that phrase can reveal local bars and stores. Social media or local gluten-free groups also share tips on where they find GF beer.

Always verify on the bottle label: look for “Certified Gluten-Free” or “<20 ppm gluten”. And double-check any suspect ingredients (e.g. barley malt) if unsure.

FAqs about Gluten Free Beer

• Q: Is beer gluten free?
  A: No, standard beer (budweiser, Heineken, Corona, etc.) is not gluten free. These beers are brewed with barley or wheat, which contain gluten proteins. Anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance should avoid regular beer. Only beers made from gluten-free grains or labeled “gluten-free” (<20 ppm) are safe.
• Q: What beer is gluten free?
  A: Gluten-free beers are made from grains like sorghum, rice, millet or buckwheat. Examples include Redbridge, Bard’s Tale, Glutenberg, New Grist and Schnitzer Brau. Craft breweries such as Ghostfish, Ground Breaker, Holidaily, Glutenberg, and others produce a wide range of GF beer styles. Check labels carefully only beers with GF ingredients or certified gluten-free labeling qualify.
• Q: Is Corona beer gluten free?
  A: No. Corona (including Corona Extra, Light, Premier, etc.) is brewed with malted barley (gluten-containing grain). Studies have confirmed it contains gluten above safe levels for celiacs. Even Corona Light and Premier are not gluten-free. (Corona does make hard seltzers fermented from sugar, which are gluten-free, but the beers themselves are not.)
• Q: Are ginger beers gluten free?
  A: Most true ginger beers (which are fermented or brewed from ginger, water and sugar) are naturally gluten-free. Popular brands like Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer, Reed’s, Barritt’s and Cock’n Bull are made without gluten ingredients. However, watch out for “imposters”: some alcoholic ginger beer products may include barley malt (e.g. certain craft ginger ales) so always read the label.
• Q: Is root beer gluten free?
  A: Generally, yes, root beer is usually gluten-free because it’s a soda (no barley malt). The Good For You Gluten Free guide confirms that most root beers are free of wheat/barley/rye. Major brands (A&W, Barq’s, IBC, Mug, etc.) do not list gluten ingredients, though some recommend ultra-sensitive people check caramel color sources. In summary: root beer is generally considered gluten-free, but verify the label if you’re very sensitive.
• Q: Can I find gluten-free non-alcoholic beer?
  A: Yes! Many of the same GF brewers also offer alcohol-free versions. Examples include Athletic Brewing’s gluten-free Upside Dawn NA ale and GF breweries like Glutenberg and Partake releasing NA GF beers. When shopping, look for “gluten-free” on NA beer labels
• Q: Where can I buy gluten-free beer near me?
  A: Try searching online with your city or ZIP plus “gluten-free beer”. Retailers like Total Wine and some grocery chains list gluten-free beer sections. Also, brewery websites often have a “Find Our Beer” or store locator tool. For example, Ghostfish and Ground Breaker have tools on their sites. You can also order GF beer from online shops (e.g. Marina Market) and have it shipped to your home (note state shipping laws).

For additional info, see FDA guidelines on gluten-free labeling or sites like Celiac.org and Beyond Celiac for gluten-free lifestyle resources.

Conclusion

Gluten-free beer has come a long way: what was once a few poor-tasting sorghum lagers is now a rich and robust category of flavorful craft beers. From Seattle to Colorado (and even Belgium and Canada), breweries are creating passionate GF brews that will satisfy any beer enthusiast. The list above from Ghostfish’s award-winning ales to Redbridge’s sorghum lager is a great place to start your tasting adventure.

Remember to always check labels and, when in doubt, stick to beers made from naturally gluten-free grains. If you have celiac or gluten intolerance, you can still enjoy beer on a GF diet. Share this guide with fellow gluten-free beer fans, leave a comment with your favorite GF brew below, and tag your friends who need a taste of something new. Cheers to enjoying safe, delicious gluten free beer today!

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