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What is Gluten Free Beer?
In today’s diets, gluten is found in many common ingredients that most people already consume. Anything made from wheat contains gluten, as well as many foods commonly associated with wheat and barley, including alcoholic beverages and beer. For someone with gluten allergies or Celiac disease the simple act of enjoying a beer with friends was an impossibility until the invention of gluten free beer. Nearly all other types of beer contain some level of gluten, so finding a safe beer for someone with gluten associated health issues can be challenging at best.

Gluten Free or Low Gluten?
Before choosing a beer based on the level of gluten it contains it is best to speak with your doctor to find out exactly why gluten bothers your stomach. For people with a mild allergy to gluten, it may be possible to drink small quantities of beer that has a low gluten level without discomfort. Even those with mild allergies to gluten may find that gluten of any kind in their drink causes serious discomfort as drinks lack the bulk of other foods that have gluten. However, people who have Celiac disease could have a serious, or even life threatening, reaction to the smallest trace amounts of gluten. Beers that are clearly labeled gluten free are your best bet if you are unsure of what causes your gluten reaction.

How is Gluten Beer Made?
Most beers are made from barley and wheat, so it is natural to wonder how gluten free beer can taste as good as regular beer. Rice, buckwheat, and sorghum are the main ingredients in gluten free beer. One of these ingredients, buckwheat, is completely safe, as it is a member of the rhubarb family and completely unrelated to wheat. Despite the fact these are not the traditional forms of beer making, you will be surprised to find the taste of beers made from these ingredients is excellent. There are many online reviews of the various types of gluten free beers currently available, and doing a little research can greatly reduce the amount of trial and error you undertake to find the perfect beer.

Where Can I Find Gluten Free Beer?
Bars and restaurants typically do not have gluten free beer readily available. Finding a restaurant that carries gluten free beer prior to planning a night out is a good idea if you are gluten intolerant. If your favorite bar does not offer gluten free options, request them to do so as many managers are more than happy to accommodate their customer’s requests. For home consumption, there are many websites online which offer a wide variety of low gluten and gluten free beer choices in case your local spirits store does not provide what you need.