Gluten Free Beer: 10 Best Gluten Free Beer List of 2025

Finding a great-tasting beer can be challenging on a gluten-free diet, but more breweries than ever are stepping up with delicious options. Traditional beers use barley or wheat (gluten), which is off-limits for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, demand is booming: roughly 1% of Americans have celiac disease and an additional ~6% have non-celiac gluten intolerance (about 18 million people). Brewers are responding by crafting beers from gluten-free grains. These gluten-free beers use ingredients like sorghum, rice, buckwheat or millet instead of barley. In this guide we highlight the 10 best gluten free beers of 2025 – including lagers, ales and IPAs – so everyone can raise a glass of beer and gluten-free enjoyment.

Alt: Bottles of gluten-free beer on ice. Gluten-free beer has exploded in popularity. Today’s gluten free brews can deliver all the hop bitterness, malty depth and crisp finish of regular beer, without gluten. For example, many celiacs now rely on dedicated gluten-free breweries to supply beer-free-of-gluten. These beers go beyond “gluten removed” by never using wheat, rye or barley at all – instead they’re brewed with grains like millet, rice, sorghum, and corn. (By law in the U.S., any product labeled “gluten-free” must contain under 20 parts per million of gluten.) Throughout this article we’ll use expert sources to explain what makes a beer truly gluten-free, and then dive into our Top 10 Gluten Free Beers that combine great taste with celiac-safe ingredients.

Beer, Gluten and What It Means to be “Gluten-Free”

Most people know gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye. In beer, gluten comes mainly from the malted barley used in brewing. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ingesting even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms. In fact, the FDA estimates ~3 million Americans (about 1% of the population) have celiac disease, and beyond that, Beyond Celiac estimates roughly 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten intolerance. This sizable market has led brewers to innovate.

Gluten-free beers are brewed without those gluten grains. Instead of barley malt, most gluten-free beers are made from alternative grains – for example, sorghum, millet, rice or buckwheat. These ingredients do not contain the offending gluten proteins (hordein in barley, gliadin in wheat) so the finished beer is safe. Many top gluten-free breweries now use GFCO-certified grains and even operate dedicated gluten-free facilities. The result can be an IPA or lager that tastes similar to a standard beer, but with 0 ppm gluten from start to finish. As one analysis notes, “Gluten-free beer is brewed using other grains… These naturally gluten-free grains make gluten-free beer naturally gluten-free.”.

Gluten free beer

It’s important to differentiate gluten-free beer from gluten-removed beer. Gluten-removed (or “gluten-reduced”) beers start with barley like a normal beer, but then add an enzyme (often “Clarex”) to break down gluten proteins. After brewing, tests can show <20 ppm gluten in these beers. However, experts caution that trace fragments may remain. A Celiac Disease Foundation review of a 2017 study found some celiac patients still reacted to gluten-removed beers (but none reacted to truly gluten-free beers). In practical terms, a beer labeled “gluten-free” is brewed from gluten-free ingredients, whereas “gluten-removed” beers may still contain trace gluten fragments. As one GF blogger points out, “I don’t mess around with ‘gluten-removed’ beers… All the beers below are fully gluten-free.”.

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By law in the U.S., any food or drink labeled gluten-free must meet FDA rules (<20 ppm gluten). Many of the top gluten-free beers go even further: they test for <10 ppm and carry third-party gluten-free certification (e.g. GFCO). When shopping, look for beers explicitly marked “gluten free” or “GF-certified”. In contrast, beers simply claiming ”crafted to remove gluten” or ”gluten-reduced” should be treated with caution.

Top 10 Best Gluten-Free Beers (2025)

Below are ten standout gluten-free beers. We include dedicated breweries and award-winners that use only gluten-free grains. Each entry lists the style, origin, key flavors, and why it made our list.

1. Ghostfish Brewing Company – Grapefruit IPA (6.0% ABV, Seattle, USA). Ghostfish is a Seattle-based brewery entirely dedicated to gluten-free brewing. Their Grapefruit IPA is a fan favorite. Brewed with real grapefruit peel and Mosaic and Centennial hops, it’s a citrus-forward IPA bursting with grapefruit and tropical fruit notes. The ABV is moderate (6.0%) and bitterness is high (around 60+ IBU), making it a bold but refreshing brew. Tasting notes include bright grapefruit aroma, melon and pine-y hops, and a crisp, dry finish. Why we like it: Ghostfish beers are all produced in a 100% gluten-free facility using sorghum and millet. This IPA won a gold medal at GABF 2021, proving you can have award-winning hops even on a gluten-free beer list.
   1. Tasting Notes: Intense grapefruit on the nose, juicy mango/pineapple flavors, firm bitter finish.
   1. Gluten-Free Process: Brewed from sorghum, millet and rice (no barley) in a dedicated GF facility.
   1. Availability: Canned year-round. Sold widely in the Pacific NW and online.
2. Ground Breaker Brewing – Dark Ale (6.2% ABV, Portland, USA). Ground Breaker (Portland, OR) is another dedicated GF brewery. Their Dark Ale (sometimes called a Porter) is a top pick. It’s brewed with roasted sorghum and buckwheat, giving it a deep brown color and malt-forward body. Expect notes of coffee, dark chocolate and caramel (from the sorghum malt), balanced by earthy hops. The result is a rich, sturdy ale that still finishes clean. Ground Breaker’s beers are GFCO-certified (under 10 ppm), making them celiac-safe.
   1. Tasting Notes: Aromas of mocha and baker’s chocolate, smooth roasted malt flavors, medium-dry finish. Perfect for dark beer lovers missing stouts.
   1. Gluten-Free Grains: Uses a blend of gluten-free malted sorghum and buckwheat (no barley/wheat).
   1. Awards: Multiple GABF Gluten-Free medals (including Gold 2018).
   1. Availability: On tap in Oregon; also bottled/canned and sold online and in specialty shops.
3. Glutenberg – White Ale (5.0% ABV, Montreal, Canada). Glutenberg is Canada’s largest dedicated GF brewery. They make several styles; a standout is the White Ale (wheat-style ale) and their Red Ale. The White Ale is brewed from millet, buckwheat, lentils and corn – it delivers a cloudy pale-gold beer with spicy citrus character. Expect hints of orange peel, coriander, and a light wheat-like sweetness (despite no wheat). It’s crisp and easy-drinking, very much like a traditional Belgian witbier or pale ale.
   1. Tasting Notes: Soft lemon and orange peel on the nose, mild malt sweetness, slightly sour/banana esters from the yeast.
   1. Gluten-Free Process: All-Canada GF ingredients; runs a fully dedicated GF brewery. Certified gluten-free and safe for celiacs.
   1. Global Reach: Widely distributed (Whole Foods, Amazon, etc.). Many fans rate Glutenberg as “the best gluten free beer” for its quality and taste.
4. Holidaily Brewing Co – Buckwheat Belgian Ale “BuckWit” (5.5% ABV, Golden, USA). Holidaily is a veteran GF brewer in Colorado. Its BuckWit (a Belgian witbier-style ale) is brewed with buckwheat, millet, oats and flaxseed. Spiced with coriander and citrus peel, BuckWit pours hazy and golden. The flavor profile is mildly fruity and spicy – think lemon, clove, pepper – with a soft malt backbone. It finishes very dry and crisp. This ale won a bronze at GABF 2021 for best GF beer.
   1. Tasting Notes: Light haze, zesty orange and spice (coriander), fluffy white head.
   1. Gluten-Free Grains: Buckwheat and millet replace wheat; gluten-free oats for body.
   1. Accessibility: After winning awards, Holidaily expanded distribution (e.g. Safeway in NW US).
   1. Why It’s Top 10: Combines classic Belgian wit flavor with GF ingredients – a refreshing change from hop-heavy ales.
5. Lakefront Brewery – New Grist Pilsner (5.0% ABV, Milwaukee, USA). New Grist is historically significant: it was the first gluten-free beer approved by the FDA. Made by Lakefront Brewery (Wisconsin), this pale lager is brewed with sorghum, rice and millet. New Grist pours clear and golden, much like a familiar pilsner. It has a light body and a clean, crisp flavor. You’ll notice a bready malt note (from sorghum) with a touch of sweetness, and a hint of noble hops on the finish.
   1. Tasting Notes: Light straw color, gentle corn or grain aroma, subtle malt sweetness, very dry finish. Often enjoyed as a refreshing gluten-free alternative to lager beer.
   1. Groundbreaking: Officially the first US gluten-free beer (approved in 1996).
   1. Gluten-Free Grains: Uses sorghum, malted millet and rice instead of barley.
   1. Popularity: Consistently ranks as one of the most accessible GF beers in stores; great for pairing with pizza or BBQ (cheers).
6. Estrella Damm Daura Lager (5.4% ABV, Spain). A top imported entry, Daura (by Spanish brewer Damm) uses a cutting-edge filtration process to remove gluten from a barley-based lager. It’s technically “gluten-removed,” but Daura is famous for keeping gluten under 3 ppm (well below legal GF limits). Daura is often called “the world’s best gluten-free beer” due to its quality. Flavor-wise, Daura tastes like a classic European pale lager: light malt sweetness, mild corn/grain notes, and a gently bitter finish. Many GF drinkers praise its smooth, true-to-style profile.
   1. Tasting Notes: Crisp and clean with subtle hops, faint grainy sweetness and a dry, refreshing finish. Pours a clear pale gold.
   1. Gluten Process: Brewed with barley malt but treated with enzymes to ensure <3 ppm gluten.
   1. Worldwide Awards: Daura has won global awards for gluten-free excellence (European Beer Star medal, etc.).
   1. Why We Chose It: Rare case where a major brewer (Damm) invested in research for a celiac-safe beer. It’s widely sold in North America and Europe, offering mainstream lager taste with GF assurance.
7. ALT Brew – Rustic Badger Belgian-Style Ale (5.5% ABV, Wisconsin, USA). ALT Brew (one of the U.S.’s first GF breweries) offers the Rustic Badger – a Belgian-inspired pale ale. This beer is brewed with millet, buckwheat, hemp seed and lentils. The result is a lightly fruity, slightly spicy ale reminiscent of a Belgian saison or witbier. You’ll find notes of peppery coriander, dry hops and a biscuity malt base. It’s quirky and complex, earning it a spot on many “best GF beer” lists.
   1. Tasting Notes: Slight orange peel and pepper spice on the nose, with earthy hops. Medium body, dry, with a lingering herbal finish.
   1. Gluten-Free Grains: Millet and buckwheat deliver a toasty, malty backbone (no wheat or barley).
   1. Celiac Safe: ALT Brew’s facility is 100% gluten-free. Their beers are GFCO-certified and well-regarded by the celiac community.
   1. Food Pairing: Works well with Belgian-style foods (mussels, cheeses) or any meal needing a zesty ale.
8. New Planet – Blonde Ale (4.8% ABV, Colorado, USA). New Planet Beer Company (Denver) has been brewing GF beer since the 2000s. Their Blonde Ale is an approachable, easy-drinking ale. Made from a base of millet, corn and gluten-free oats, it pours a clear golden color. Expect soft malt sweetness with a mild hop character. The aroma is light wheat-ale-like (yes, without wheat!). This beer is light (4.8%) and very drinkable. It’s a solid choice for first-time GF beer drinkers or those who prefer low-key lagers.
   1. Tasting Notes: Clean and smooth; flavors of corn bread and light honey, very low bitterness. Think “blonde lager meets GF cereal.”
   1. Gluten-Free Ingredients: Formulated with malted millet, oats and corn. No gluten sources at all.
   1. Noteworthy: New Planet also makes Pale Ale and Raspberry Ale; all are gluten-free by design.
   1. Availability: New Planet beers are canned and fairly easy to find in many states and online retailers.
9. Bard’s Tale Beer – Gold Lager (5.0% ABV, New Mexico, USA). Bard’s Tale (Albuquerque) brews a malted sorghum lager called Gold. It’s one of the longest-standing GF beers in the U.S., created by a brewer with celiac disease. Gold Lager is light and refreshing, with a clean straw color. Flavor is similar to a classic American light lager: mild toast and bread, subtle corn sweetness, and a neutral hop finish. It’s remarkably close to the “normal beer” experience.
   1. Tasting Notes: Soft grain aroma, toasted malt and slight honey notes, very low bitterness. Fizzy with a crisp end.
   1. Gluten-Free Base: 100% malted sorghum (no barley or wheat) gives it its golden color and clean profile.
   1. Perfect For: Anyone missing domestic macro lagers. Bard’s Gold is a great “everyday” GF beer.
   1. Availability: Sold in the Southwest US and online. Bard’s was even acquired by larger brewers to expand distribution.
10. Left Hand Brewing – Milk Stout Nitro (6.0% ABV, Colorado, USA). We include Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro even though it’s a gluten-removed beer, because it’s very popular. Left Hand (Colorado) starts with barley and adds the Clarex enzyme to reduce gluten. In independent tests it reads under 10 ppm (often labeled <20 ppm). This stout pours nearly black with a thick tan head. Aromas of roasted coffee and cocoa abound. Flavors are rich – expect chocolate, espresso, and a smooth lactose sweetness (due to added milk sugar) – all wrapped in a creamy nitro body.
11. Tasting Notes: Roasted malt, coffee, milk chocolate and a creamy vanilla finish. Very smooth and decadent.
12. Gluten Notice: Not brewed from GF grains; uses traditional barley malts. Celiac caution: Some people with celiac still react to it. Use only if you tolerate “gluten-removed” beers.
13. Why It’s Here: Left Hand Nitro is widely available (even in regular beer aisles) and offers an indulgent stout experience for those seeking GF beer options.
14. Fun Fact: Left Hand was the first U.S. craft brewer to produce a gluten-removed beer, and it’s won numerous taste awards.

FAQs: Gluten Free Beer Questions

Q: Is beer gluten free? No. Most beer contains gluten (made from barley, wheat or rye). Only beers labeled gluten-free or brewed from non-gluten grains are safe for celiacs. If a beer isn’t labeled GF, assume it has gluten.

Q: What beers are gluten free? Only those made from GF grains or certified. The list above are examples. Other brands include Omission (gluten-removed ale, though celiacs may react) and Saucony Creek Lakewood Lager (made with sorghum). In general, look for “100% gluten-free” labels. Dedicated GF breweries (Ghostfish, Holidaily, Ground Breaker, Glutenberg, etc.) all produce safe beers.

Q: Is Corona beer gluten free? No. Corona (and similar mainstream malt beers) is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Light beers like Corona may have slightly lower gluten but are still not gluten-free. Don’t rely on Corona for a GF diet.

Q: Is ginger beer gluten free? Yes – typically. “True” ginger beer is fermented ginger and sugar (no barley or wheat) and is naturally gluten-free. Most commercial ginger beers (especially non-alcoholic mixers) contain no gluten ingredients. Always check the label, but top brands like Bundaberg, Reed’s, or Fentimans are gluten-free.

Q: Is root beer gluten free? Yes. Nearly all root beers (A&W, Barq’s, Mug, Virgil’s, etc.) are made with sugar, water, and flavorings and contain no gluten. For example, A&W Root Beer (and Diet, Cream Soda) is “considered naturally gluten-free”. Unless a flavoring uses barley (rare), root beer is safe for celiacs.

Q: Are non-alcoholic beers gluten free? Some are, some aren’t. Non-alcoholic beer is typically just regular beer with the alcohol removed. If the original was brewed with barley, it will still contain gluten unless specially made. A few brewers do make GF non-alcoholic beers (e.g. Glutenberg’s non-alc blueberry ale). In general, look for both “alcohol free” AND “gluten-free” on the label. Many GF breweries produce alcohol-free versions using the same gluten-free recipes.

Q: What gluten free beer brands are there? Well-known GF beer brands include Ghostfish, Glutenberg, Ground Breaker, Holidaily, New Planet, Bard’s Tale, Lakefront New Grist, Green’s, Omission, Daura (Damm), and others. These brands focus on 100% gluten-free brewing. A quick online search for gluten free beer brands will also show local options. Retailers often carry GF sections or will ship GF beer to your door. For example, ghostfishbrewing.com and glutenberg.ca list where to buy.

Q: Can I search “gluten free beer near me”? Yes – many stores now tag products or have sections for GF items. Try your local grocer or liquor store website, or apps like Ibotta or Instacart. There are also gluten-free apps and maps. Asking your local bar to stock a GF beer tap (many craft bars happily oblige) is another way.

Q: Is Corona gluten free beer? This is a variation of the Corona question. The answer is still no – Corona Extra and Corona Light use barley. The only Corona beer ever labeled gluten-free was Corona Premier for a brief time, but it was still barley-based (gluten-reduced, not GF). So: skip Corona if you need true gluten-free beer.

Conclusion

Gluten-free beer options have never been better. Breweries around the world are crafting quality beers for celiacs and gluten-sensitive drinkers, blending innovation with taste. From hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers and rich stouts, the 10 best gluten free beers above prove you can still enjoy “beer and gluten-free” together. When trying a new GF beer, always check the label or brewery info to ensure it’s 100% gluten-free (not just reduced). Use terms like “gluten free beer”, “gluten free beer brands” or even “gluten free beer near me” in searches to find what’s available locally or online.

We hope this gluten free beer list helps you discover your new favorite brew. Whether you prefer fruity, malty, bitter or smooth, there’s a gluten-free option ready for you. Cheers to enjoying beer without compromise! Please leave a comment below with your favorite gluten-free beer, and share this guide so others can raise a glass to great gluten-free brews.