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Best Gluten-Free Beer Brands: 12 We Actually Drink

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By Check Gluten Team Published Mar 19, 2026 Β· Last reviewed July 2026
Reviewed & Fact-Checked
Updated: July 2026
Standards: Celiac Disease Foundation & FDA 21 CFR 101.91

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Not all gluten-free beer tastes like cardboard water. These 12 brands make legitimately good craft beer β€” tested by celiacs who love beer.

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Not all gluten-free beer tastes like cardboard water. These 12 brands make legitimately good craft beer β€” tested by celiacs who love beer.

Authority: Check Gluten Celiac Protocol & FDA 21 CFR 101.91
Updated 2026 β€’ CheckGluten.com
Best Gluten-Free Beer Brands: 12 We Actually Drink

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GF Beer Has Come a Long Way


Five years ago, gluten-free beer was awful. Today? There are dedicated GF breweries making genuinely excellent craft beer that rivals any wheat-based brew.


But there's a critical distinction: dedicated gluten-free vs. gluten-removed. We'll explain both.


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⚠️ Dedicated GF vs. Gluten-Removed


Dedicated Gluten-Free

Brewed with naturally GF grains (sorghum, millet, rice, buckwheat). Never had gluten in it. This is the only type celiacs should trust.


Gluten-Removed

Brewed with barley (contains gluten), then treated with enzymes to break down gluten proteins. Tests may show <20 ppm, but fragments can still trigger reactions. The Celiac Disease Foundation does NOT recommend these for celiacs.


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πŸ† Best Dedicated Gluten-Free Beers


1. Glutenberg (Our #1 Pick)


Montreal-based, 100% dedicated GF brewery. Every style they make is excellent.


  • β–ΊBlonde β€” light, citrusy, perfect summer beer
  • β–ΊIPA β€” proper hoppy IPA taste, you'd never guess it's GF
  • β–ΊRed Ale β€” malty, smooth, caramel notes
  • β–ΊStout β€” rich, chocolatey, seasonal favorite

  • πŸ›’β†’ Shop Glutenberg on AmazonAmazon β†—


    2. Ground Breaker Brewing


    Portland-based, 100% dedicated GF. They use lentils and chestnuts as base grains β€” totally unique flavors.


  • β–ΊIPA No. 5 β€” a real IPA with actual hop character
  • β–ΊDark Ale β€” roasty, nutty, complex

  • πŸ›’β†’ Shop Ground Breaker BeerAmazon β†—


    3. Ghostfish Brewing


    Seattle's dedicated GF brewery. Multiple award winners at the Great American Beer Festival.


  • β–ΊVanishing Point Pale Ale β€” balanced, drinkable, citrus
  • β–ΊKick Step IPA β€” big hop flavor
  • β–ΊWatchstander Stout β€” coffee and chocolate, rivals any regular stout

  • πŸ›’β†’ Shop Ghostfish BeerAmazon β†—


    4. Holidaily Brewing


    Colorado-based, 100% GF. Founded by a celiac home brewer who couldn't find good GF beer.


  • β–ΊFavorite Blonde β€” the most "normal" GF beer we've tasted
  • β–ΊFat Randy's IPA β€” West Coast style, bitter and crispy

  • πŸ›’β†’ Shop Holidaily BeerAmazon β†—


    5. Go Brewing (Non-Alcoholic GF)


    For those who want GF *and* NA β€” Go Brewing's πŸ›’Freedom AmberAmazon β†— is our top pick.


    πŸ›’β†’ Shop Go Brewing NA BeerAmazon β†—


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    🍺 Best Gluten-Free Hard Ciders (Great Alternative)


    If you want to skip beer entirely, these GF ciders are excellent:


  • β–ΊπŸ›’Angry Orchard Crisp AppleAmazon β†— β€” the most popular NA GF cider
  • β–ΊπŸ›’Ace Pineapple CiderAmazon β†— β€” tropical and refreshing
  • β–ΊπŸ›’Strongbow Hard CiderAmazon β†— β€” European-style, dry finish

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    πŸ›’ Not sure if what you're holding is safe?

    Point your phone at any ingredient label and get a clear safe / caution / unsafe answer in about three seconds β€” including the hidden gluten most labels bury.

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    ⚠️ Beers to AVOID (Gluten-Removed)


    These are marketed as "GF" but are gluten-removed β€” NOT safe for celiacs:


  • β–ΊβŒ Omission Beer β€” brewed with barley, treated with enzymes
  • β–ΊβŒ Stone Delicious IPA β€” gluten-reduced, not GF
  • β–ΊβŒ New Planet Beer β€” some varieties use barley

  • Always check: "Crafted to remove gluten" = NOT gluten-free. Look for "Made with gluten-free ingredients."


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    πŸ” How to Check Any Beer


    Not sure about a beer? Scan the label with Check Gluten β€” our AI reads ingredients and tells you instantly if it's safe.


    β†’ Start Free 14-Day Trial


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    🍻 GF Beer Accessories


  • β–ΊπŸ›’Insulated beer koozies (4-pack)Amazon β†— β€” keeps cans cold
  • β–ΊπŸ›’Beer tasting glasses (set)Amazon β†— β€” proper glassware for craft GF beer
  • β–ΊπŸ›’Beer of the month club (GF)Amazon β†— β€” discover new GF breweries

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    Pair Your GF Beer with GF Food


    Our Cookbook Bundle has a full chapter on GF appetizers and bar food that pair perfectly with these beers. Only $12.


    β†’ Get the Cookbook Bundle


    πŸ” Not sure about a product?

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    Celiac Safety Glossary

    Celiac disease
    Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten β€” a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye β€” triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's villi, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
    Gluten
    Gluten is a family of storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins) found naturally in cereal grains like wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, and farro), barley, and rye, which acts as a binder to give food elasticity and shape.
    Parts Per Million (ppm)
    Parts per million (ppm) is a unit of measurement used to quantify gluten concentration. Labeling laws in the US and Europe permit a maximum threshold of 20 ppm, while Australia requires no detectable gluten (0 ppm).
    Malt (Barley)
    Malt is fermented barley used as a flavoring or sweetener in cereals, chocolates, and beer; it is a major source of hidden gluten that is often overlooked on ingredient lists.
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    About the Author

    SM

    Sarah Mitchell

    Lead Content Writer & Nutritionist, B.S. Nutrition Science

    Sarah was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2018 and writes evidence-based guides combining clinical nutrition knowledge with 6+ years of personal gluten-free living experience. All health content is medically reviewed by our advisory team.

    Meet our full team β†’

    Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Read full disclaimer.

    πŸ“šSources & Citations

    • β€’Celiac Disease Foundation β€” celiac.org β€” Comprehensive research and patient resources on celiac disease
    • β€’Beyond Celiac β€” beyondceliac.org β€” Research-driven celiac disease advocacy and resources
    • β€’GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) β€” gfco.org β€” Certification standards (<10 ppm)
    • β€’FDA Gluten-Free Labeling β€” fda.gov β€” Federal regulations for <20 ppm labeling

    Content reviewed and fact-checked by our clinical & nutrition team. Last updated July 2026.

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