If you love the smooth, crisp taste of lagers like Sam Adams but need to avoid gluten, you’re in luck. This list covers some of the best gluten-free lagers and lager-style beers that deliver similar satisfying flavors without the gluten. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or just want to try something new, these options provide a great balance of taste and safety.
1. Redbridge Lager by Anheuser-Busch
Redbridge is one of the most widely available gluten-free lagers in the United States. Brewed with sorghum instead of barley, it offers a light, mildly sweet flavor with a clean finish. Its approachable taste makes it a popular choice for those seeking a gluten-free beer that mimics classic lager characteristics without the gluten content.
2. Green’s Gluten Free Lager
Green’s is a Belgian brewery known for producing 100% gluten-free beers, and their Gluten Free Lager is no exception. Brewed with millet, buckwheat, and rice, this lager boasts a crisp, refreshing profile with subtle malt sweetness and a slightly fruity aroma. It’s an excellent pick for fans of traditional lagers who want a more complex gluten-free alternative.
3. Omission Lager
Omission crafts beers using traditional barley malt, then removes gluten through a proprietary filtering process, resulting in gluten-reduced beers certified below 20 ppm. Their lager has a balanced malt backbone and a light hop bitterness, closely resembling mainstream lagers like Sam Adams Boston Lager. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for familiar flavors with gluten removed.
4. New Planet Lager
New Planet Brewing Company specializes in gluten-free beers brewed from sorghum and other gluten-free grains. Their New Planet Lager offers a clean, crisp taste with subtle grain notes and a smooth finish. It’s a solid gluten-free alternative that’s widely praised for its easy drinkability and balanced flavor.
5. Bard’s Tale Beer
Bard’s Tale is brewed from 100% malted sorghum and is certified gluten-free. Their lager-style beer has a mild sweetness with a light body and a touch of citrusy hops. This beer is a good entry point for those transitioning from traditional lagers to gluten-free options without sacrificing taste.
6. Glutenberg Blonde Ale
Though technically an ale, Glutenberg Blonde Ale offers a light, refreshing profile with a lager-like crispness. Made from millet, corn, and buckwheat, it’s a 100% gluten-free beer that features a slightly fruity aroma and a clean finish. It’s often recommended for lager lovers who want a gluten-free beer with a bit more complexity.
7. Two Brothers Prairie Path
Two Brothers Brewing offers Prairie Path, a gluten-removed lager that starts with barley malt but undergoes enzymatic treatment to reduce gluten levels below 20 ppm. It has a smooth malt character with a slightly sweet finish, reminiscent of classic American lagers. This option appeals to those who prefer traditional brewing ingredients but require gluten-reduced options.
8. Estrella Damm Daura
Estrella Damm Daura is a Spanish lager that undergoes a unique enzymatic process to remove gluten while preserving flavor. It’s known for its crisp, dry finish and subtle malt sweetness, closely matching the profile of traditional European lagers. This beer is widely praised for balancing authentic lager taste with gluten safety.
9. Gluten Free Beers by Brunehaut
Brunehaut, a Belgian brewery, produces several gluten-free beers including their Blonde Lager, brewed with barley but gluten removed enzymatically. Their beers are known for maintaining the rich malt complexity typical of Belgian styles while meeting gluten-free standards. The Blonde Lager offers a smooth, slightly fruity flavor with a refreshing finish.
10. Holidaily Brewing Company – Hoparazzi IPA (Gluten Reduced)
While primarily an IPA, Holidaily’s Hoparazzi is a gluten-reduced beer that offers a malt backbone and crispness reminiscent of lighter lagers. Their process lowers gluten to safe levels, making it accessible for many gluten-sensitive drinkers. It’s a great choice for those who want a hoppier twist but still appreciate the lager-like clarity and refreshing qualities.
How to Choose
When selecting a lager-style beer with gluten-free options, consider whether you need a fully gluten-free beer or if a gluten-reduced beer (below 20 ppm gluten) is suitable for your dietary requirements. Fully gluten-free beers are brewed from non-gluten grains like sorghum, millet, or rice, while gluten-reduced beers start with barley or wheat but use enzymes to break down gluten proteins. Flavor profile is another key factor: some gluten-free lagers lean toward light and mild, while others maintain malt complexity similar to traditional lagers. Availability and price may also influence your choice, as some brands are easier to find or more affordable. Finally, check certifications from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) to ensure the product meets strict gluten-free standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam Adams gluten-free?
Sam Adams Boston Lager and most of their core beers are brewed with barley and are not gluten-free. However, they have released some gluten-reduced options like Sam Adams Utopias, but these are not widely available and still contain gluten above strict gluten-free limits.
What does gluten-reduced mean?
Gluten-reduced beers are brewed with gluten-containing grains but use enzymes or filtration to lower gluten levels below 20 parts per million (ppm), the FDA threshold for gluten-free labeling. However, they may not be safe for everyone with celiac disease.
Are gluten-free lagers made with barley?
True gluten-free lagers are made without barley or wheat, using alternative grains like sorghum, millet, rice, or buckwheat. Gluten-reduced lagers may start with barley but treat the gluten to reduce it.
Can people with celiac safely drink gluten-reduced beers?
Some celiacs may tolerate gluten-reduced beers, but many do not due to trace gluten presence. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional before trying gluten-reduced beers.
Do gluten-free lagers taste different from traditional lagers?
Gluten-free lagers often have a slightly different flavor profile because they use alternative grains, which can impart different sweetness or grain notes. However, many brands strive to replicate the crispness and balance of traditional lagers closely.
Where can I buy gluten-free lagers?
Gluten-free lagers are increasingly available at major liquor stores, specialty beverage shops, and some supermarkets. Online retailers also carry a wide selection, especially for harder-to-find brands.
Final Thoughts
Finding a lager like Sam Adams that fits a gluten-free lifestyle is easier than ever with many breweries innovating to meet dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Whether you opt for a fully gluten-free beer brewed from alternative grains or a gluten-reduced option, there are lagers that deliver satisfying crispness and malt balance. Always check labels and certifications to ensure safety, and explore different brands to find the taste that suits you best. Enjoying a refreshing lager no longer means compromising on your gluten-free diet.
Related
- Common Causes of Dryer Noise Every Beginner Should Know
- Dryer Grinding Noise: 10 Fixes to Stop the Rattle Fast
- Why Does My Dryer Sound Like It’s Grinding? 10 Common Causes