Is Beer Gluten Free? A Complete Guide to Gluten-Free Beers in the UK

Beer has been brewed and enjoyed for thousands of years — but for people who avoid gluten, the question is simple: is beer gluten free? The answer isn’t as straightforward as yes or no. While most traditional beers contain gluten, there are now plenty of options for drinkers looking to enjoy a pint without worry. In this guide, we’ll break down which beers are gluten free, how gluten-free beer is made, and answer the most common questions about brands like Corona, Guinness, and Estrella Damm.

What Beer Is Gluten Free?

Most beers are brewed with barley, wheat, or rye — all of which contain gluten. That means your typical lager, stout, or ale is not gluten free.

But there are two main categories of beers that gluten-avoiding drinkers can enjoy:

1. Naturally gluten-free beers: These are brewed using grains like sorghum, rice, buckwheat, or millet. They contain no gluten from the start.

2. Gluten-reduced beers: These are brewed with barley or wheat but then treated with enzymes to break down gluten proteins. They often test under 20 ppm of gluten, which is the standard for being labelled “gluten free” in the UK. However, some people with coeliac disease may still react.

So, when searching for gluten free beer options, it’s important to know whether you’re choosing naturally gluten-free or gluten-reduced.

What Beers Are Gluten Free in the UK?

The UK market has expanded massively in recent years. Popular gluten-free beers available include:

• Peroni Gluten Free – brewed with the same recipe as Peroni Nastro Azzurro, but treated to remove gluten.

• Estrella Damm Daura – one of the first mainstream gluten-free lagers on the market.

• Green’s – a UK-based brewery specialising in 100% gluten-free beers made with alternative grains.

• Fierce Beer – a Scottish craft brewery producing innovative gluten-free options.

At Beerhunter, you’ll find a wide range in our Gluten-Free Beer Collection, making it easy to try trusted favourites or explore something new.

Is Corona Beer Gluten Free?

One of the most common searches is: is Corona Extra beer gluten free?

The short answer: no. Corona is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Some independent tests have shown low gluten levels, leading to confusion, but it is not considered safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.

So, while Corona may be lighter than many lagers, it cannot be classed as a gluten-free beer.

Is Guinness Gluten Free?

Another big question is: is Guinness beer gluten free?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Guinness is brewed with barley, which contains gluten, making it unsuitable for coeliacs or those avoiding gluten.

Even the alcohol-free version, Guinness 0.0, still contains barley, so it is not gluten free either.

If you’re looking for a stout-style gluten-free alternative, try exploring craft breweries like Green’s IPA or dark ales from gluten-free specialists.

Is Estrella Damm Beer Gluten Free?

The Spanish brewer Estrella Damm produces Estrella Damm Daura, which is one of the most popular gluten-free lagers worldwide.

It’s brewed with barley but treated to remove gluten to below 20 ppm. This means it can be labelled as gluten free in the UK and is considered safe for most people with coeliac disease.

Is Lager Beer Gluten Free?

Generally speaking, lager is not gluten free because it’s brewed with barley malt. However, more breweries are now offering gluten-free lager options.

Great examples include:

• Brightside Brewing Helles Lager – brewed in Manchester, offering a crisp gluten-free lager experience.

• Green’s Dry Hopped Lager – brewed without gluten grains, with added hop character.

You can browse more options in our Gluten-Free Beer Collection.

Is Ginger Beer Gluten Free?

Unlike traditional beer, most ginger beers are naturally gluten free. They’re usually brewed with ginger, sugar, and yeast — no barley or wheat involved. That said, always double-check the label, as recipes can vary and some may include additives or flavourings.

How Is Gluten-Free Beer Made?

Gluten-free beer can be brewed in two main ways:

• With alternative grains: Sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat are used instead of barley or wheat. These beers are naturally gluten free.

• With gluten reduction: Brewers use traditional grains but add an enzyme (like Brewers Clarex) to break down gluten proteins. These beers can be labelled gluten free if they test under 20 ppm.

The method used will affect the flavour, so many drinkers enjoy exploring both styles.

Our Favourite Gluten-Free Beers

There’s never been more choice for gluten-free drinkers. Some of our top picks in the UK include:

• Brightside Brewing Helles Lager – crisp, refreshing, and brewed in Manchester.

• Green’s Dry Hopped Lager – light and hoppy, naturally gluten free.

• Green’s IPA – a bold, hop-forward IPA made without gluten.

• Estrella Damm Daura – a globally recognised gluten-free lager.

• Fierce Beer Cooler Iron Brew – a fun, Scottish twist with Iron Brew inspiration.

• Fierce Gluten-Free IPA – bold, hoppy, and packed with flavour.

Final Thoughts

So, is beer gluten free? Most aren’t — but the good news is that gluten-free beer has come a long way, and there are now plenty of delicious options to enjoy. From crisp lagers to rich ales, gluten-free beer is no longer a compromise.

Whether you’re coeliac, gluten-sensitive, or simply looking to cut back, there’s a gluten-free beer for you. And with Beerhunter’s curated range, it’s easier than ever to find your new favourite.

If you’re looking to enjoy a pint without the gluten, explore our Gluten-Free Beer range featuring the UK’s best brews.