7 Gluten Free Beers to Indulge in This Football Season

Bud. Weis. Er.

Who remembers the awesome Budweiser Frogs commercial? It first debuted during Super Bowl XXIX in 1995 and has been listed as one of the greatest Superbowl commercials of all time. If you can’t remember the commercial let me refresh your memory.

A classic, isn’t it? For some, Superbowl Commercials are the highlight of football season. Others enjoy getting together with friends and watching their favorite team.  As a Wisconsinite it’s pretty much a given that I’m a huge Packers fan. My Sundays are planned around the game and any potential “Packer Parties” I might attend.  These parties typically involve adult beverages, including beer. Now I’m the first to admit that, when it comes to beer, I don’t have the fanciest taste buds. I don’t go out often but when I do it’s usually a Budweiser or a Spotted Cow for me. Like I said, nothing too exciting.

However, for the 5%-10% of Americans who suffer from some form of gluten sensitivity, finding the perfect game time beverage can be a challenge. Thankfully, gluten-free beers are becoming more popular and better tasting.

Wait…There’s Gluten in Beer?

Yes, there is. So if you’ve been religiously avoiding foods with gluten but are hitting the bars hard on the weekends and can’t figure out why you still don’t feel good…check your drink! Gluten proteins are found in barley, wheat, rye and spelt; all common ingredients in beer. According to celiac.com, as it relates to beer, hordein, gliadin and secalin are gluten proteins which can cause problems in people who are sensitive to gluten.

7 Gluten Free Beers to Try

After much research (and perhaps some taste testing) here they are…7 gluten free beers for you to try this football season. Go Pack Go!

1.  Woodchuck Hard Cider. Woodchuck is made from apples instead of grains and comes in a variety of gluten free options. You can choose from Amber, Granny Smith, 802 Dark & Dry, Crisp, Raspberry and Pear.
2. Shakparo Ale. This beer is brewed from sorghum and millet. It has a light fruit profile and is great with light dishes like sandwiches, salads, chicken, fish and spicy foods.
3. Mbege Ale. This beer is brewed with real bananas giving it a light hint of banana flavor and aroma. This beer is also brewed with sorghum and millet making it a great tasting gluten-free option! 
4. Bard’s. Bard’s sits near the top of many “best of gluten free beer” lists. It’s brewed with 100% sorghum and was one of the first gluten-free beers sold in the U.S. 
5. Green’s. Green’s Belgian Ales are made from gluten-free ingredients including millet, sorghum and rice. They have many options including the Enterprise Dry-Hopped Lager, Discovery Amber Ale, Endeavour Dubbel Ale and Quest Tripel Ale. 
6. Redbridge Beer. This Anheuser-Busch product is made without wheat and barley and is a rich, full-bodied lager. It is brewed with sorghum and has a balanced, moderately hopped taste. 
7. New Grist. This is a gluten free beer that is brewed from sorghum, rice, hops, water and yeast. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor and offers a light, fruity aroma. 

So there you have it…7 gluten-free beers for you to try! Did I miss any of your favorites?