Gluten reduced beer refers to a type of beer that has had its gluten content reduced to a level where it is safe for someone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to consume. The process of making gluten reduced beer typically involves adding an enzyme to the brew that breaks down gluten proteins into smaller pieces, which are not large enough to be detected in laboratory tests.
In the brewing process, gluten containing grains like barley and wheat are used, but an enzyme called Clarex is added to the mix. Clarex works by breaking down the gluten protein into small molecules that are too small to be detected. This reduction in gluten content is done to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, as even small amounts of gluten can cause a reaction in individuals with gluten sensitivity.
Because gluten reduced beers are made with gluten containing ingredients, they are not legally labeled as "gluten-free" according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Instead, they are labeled as "gluten-reduced", with an expectation that they will contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Despite the reduced gluten content, there is still a possibility that trace amounts of gluten could still be present in gluten reduced beers due to the brewing process. For this reason, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance may still experience a reaction to gluten reduced beers, although the likelihood of a significant response is greatly reduced compared to traditional gluten containing beers.
The market for gluten reduced beer has been growing in recent years, as more consumers become aware of the availability of gluten-free options. While there are many dedicated gluten-free brewing companies in the United States and elsewhere, the market is still relatively limited, and access to gluten free beers may vary depending on geographic region or specific stores.
In summary, gluten reduced beer is a type of beer that has had its gluten content reduced to levels where it is generally considered safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to consume. While the process involves adding an enzyme to the brew, there is still a possibility of cross-contamination and trace amounts of gluten remaining in the beer. Those with a high sensitivity to gluten should be cautious when choosing gluten reduced beer over traditional gluten containing beers.
Gluten free beer on the other hand, is made entirely from gluten-free ingredients. The process of making gluten free beer has been simplified, as there are now gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet, buckwheat, and rice available. Gluten free beers are typically brewed on dedicated gluten-free equipment and are labeled as such. While there is a growing demand for gluten free beers, access to these options may still be limited in some areas.
You may be asking yourself, "What about organic beer?" organic beer is a type of beer that is made with organic ingredients, usually including hops, malted grains, yeast, and water.
Organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution, conserve soil and water resources, reduce energy usage, and improve animal welfare.
Organic beer is made using organic ingredients that meet specific certification standards, which can vary based on the country of origin.
So, why are there only small organic craft beer businesses operating within the United States?
The craft beer industry in the United States is largely made up of small and independent businesses. Many of these businesses find it challenging to compete against larger, well-funded corporate entities.
While the market for organic beer is relatively small, it has seen consistent growth in recent years, driven by the increasing consumer interest in organic and sustainable products.
Those looking to find organic beer should look for certifications from organizations such as Organic Land Trust, Organic Farming Research Foundation, or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Organic beer is generally made with organic ingredients, which can include hops, malted grains, yeast, and water. As with gluten-free beer, the process of making organic beer is designed to reduce pollution, conserve soil and water resources, reduce energy usage, and improve animal welfare.
So why are there only small organic craft beer businesses operating within the United States?
The craft beer industry in the United States is largely made up of small and independent businesses. Many of these businesses find it challenging to compete against larger, well-funded corporate entities.
While the market for organic beer is relatively small, it has seen consistent growth in recent years, driven by the increasing consumer interest in organic and sustainable products.
Those looking to find organic beer should look for certifications from organizations such as Organic Land Trust, Organic Farming Research Foundation, or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
