Beer was the number one thing I missed after going gluten-free. I was a big beer drinker before my diagnosis, and for the first year, I avoided it completely because I didn’t realize safe, gluten-free beer even existed. That’s exactly why I created this guide to the Best Gluten Free Beer options available in the U.S.
Don’t worry, gluten-free friends—you’re not limited to hard cider. There are plenty of flavorful gluten-free beers made with celiac-safe ingredients, so you can still enjoy a cold beer without risking your health.
Every beer on this list is made to be 100% gluten-free. Be cautious with beers labeled “gluten-removed beer” or “gluten-reduced beer,” since they may still contain traces of gluten and are not considered safe for people with celiac disease. Even if gluten-removed beers test below 20 parts per million, I personally don’t think it’s worth the risk. Avoid Omission beers because they are gluten-reduced!
First I’ll share my Top 3 Gluten-Free Breweries then list the best gluten-free beers!
My Favorite Gluten-Free Beer Brands
3. Ghostfish Brewing Company
If you’re looking for one of the best gluten-free beers in the country, Ghostfish Brewing Company should be at the top of your list. Based in Seattle, Washington, Ghostfish is a 100% dedicated gluten-free brewery, meaning every beer they produce is brewed without wheat, barley, or rye. Instead, they use gluten-free grains like millet, buckwheat, and brown rice to create craft beers that taste just as good as their traditional counterparts.
Ghostfish has earned countless awards and is consistently praised by the gluten-free community for producing high-quality beers with bold flavor. Whether you prefer a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or a rich stout, there’s something for every beer lover. If you ever have the chance to visit their taproom in Seattle, it’s well worth the trip. But if not, keep an eye out for Ghostfish at your local liquor store—they’re one of the easiest dedicated gluten-free breweries to find across the United States and a favorite among people with celiac disease.
2. Departed Soles Brewing Co.
If you’re on the East Coast, Departed Soles Brewing Co. is a must-try for gluten-free beer lovers. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, Departed Soles brews both traditional and 100% gluten-free beers, making it one of the few breweries in the country with a dedicated gluten-free brewing program. Their gluten-free beers are brewed separately using gluten-free ingredients, giving people with celiac disease a safe way to enjoy creative craft beer.
One of their most popular gluten-free offerings is GoodBIPA, a hoppy IPA that proves you don’t need barley to make a flavorful craft beer. Whether you enjoy IPAs, stouts, or seasonal brews, Departed Soles continues to expand its gluten-free lineup. If you’re visiting the New York City area, their taproom is well worth the short trip and is a favorite destination for the gluten-free community.
But please remember that not ALL of their beers are gluten-free so make sure to look for the gluten-free label!
1. Holidaily Brewing Company
Holidaily Brewing Company is another standout when it comes to the best gluten-free beer. Based in Golden, Colorado, Holidaily is a 100% dedicated gluten-free brewery, so every beer is brewed in a facility that’s completely free of wheat, barley, and rye. That means people with celiac disease can enjoy their beer with confidence.
Holidaily has become one of the most recognized names in gluten-free craft beer thanks to its award-winning lineup. Favorites like Favorite Blonde Ale, Fat Randy’s IPA, and Riva Stout offer something for every type of beer drinker. Whether you prefer a light, easy-drinking ale or a bold, hoppy IPA, Holidaily consistently delivers great flavor without gluten. If you ever find yourself in Colorado, their brewery is definitely worth a visit, but their beers are also becoming increasingly available in grocery stores and liquor stores across the United States.
The Best Gluten-Free Beer List
All of these beers are listed with their Untapped scores to help you decide which ones are the best gluten-free beer.
10. Big Henry IPA – Holidaily (3.5)
Holidaily is my favorite gluten-free brewery! Their IPA is a classic choice and one of their top-selling beers. Holidaily is a dedicated gluten-free brewery located in Golden, Colorado. I highly recommend checking them out next time you’re in Denver! It’s only a 20-minute drive and well worth the visit.
9. Watchstander Stout (3.51)
Watchstander Stout has earned a reputation as one of the best gluten-free beers, boasting several accolades, including a Bronze Medal in the Specialty & Historical Beer category at the 2021 Washington Beer Awards, and Gold Medals for Gluten-Free Beer at the 2015 and 2021 Great American Beer Festivals.
This stout, made from dark roasts of malted millet, buckwheat, and brown rice, offers rich flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and toasted marshmallow, enhanced by the addition of certified gluten-free oats for a fluffy mouthfeel. This beer is a must-try for gluten-free enthusiasts who love a dark beer!
8. Buckwit Belgian – Holidaily (3.52)
BuckWit Belgian offers a unique take on the traditional Wit style beer, typically characterized by its white color and the use of wheat. Holidaily Brewery is committed to using only gluten-free ingredients, substituting wheat with buckwheat, giving this beer its distinctive name.
This spring seasonal beer delights the senses with an aroma of orange peel and coriander, a classic Belgian haze appearance, and a light, refreshing flavor profile. It balances coriander and orange peel flavors, offering a medium to heavy body and a smooth, clean finish.
7. Meteor Shower Pale Lager (3.56) – Ghostfish
Meteor Shower Pale Lager, a Silver Medal winner in the Gluten-Free Beer category at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival.
The beer strikes a classic balance with a noble hop spice, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a refreshing, light-bodied option. Tasting notes include hints of green fruit, spice, pepper, light banana and lemon ester, and bread crust.
Crafted with gluten-free ingredients like millet, buckwheat, rice, corn, hops, and yeast, Meteor Shower Pale Lager continues to be a favorite for its approachable and enjoyable flavor profile.
6. None Shall P.A.T.H – Departed Souls (3.59)
Departed Souls brewery, located in New Jersey has become a new standout for gluten-free beers. Unfortunately, they’re not as widely distributed as other gluten-free beers but I believe it soon will be!
Departed Souls is not dedicated gluten-free, however, to guarantee the purity of their products, Departed Soles exclusively uses certified gluten-free ingredients. They collaborate with world-class suppliers who ensure that all grains, yeast, and other components are completely free from gluten contamination, often opting for organic ingredients.
Departed Soles also uses dedicated equipment. Two of their fermenters have never been used for gluten-containing beers, and they have a separate canning line specifically for gluten-free products. This dedication extends to their draft lines, all of which undergo the same rigorous proprietary cleaning process. By maintaining these high standards, Departed Soles protects the health of their consumers and delivers truly gluten-free beers.
“None Shall P.A.T.H” is an exceptional American Pale Ale, recognized with a Silver Medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival. This beer stands out for its citrusy profile, balanced by a malty backbone and mild hop bitterness. Crafted with a unique blend of gluten-free ingredients including millet, oats, quinoa, and Belgian Candi Sugar, it offers a distinct flavor experience. With an alcohol content of 6.3%, this ale is a versatile year-round choice, perfect for those who appreciate a well-rounded, refreshing beer.
5. It Came From the Haze – Ghostfish (3.6)
“It Came From The Haze” is an acclaimed series of rotating Hazy IPAs, celebrated for their unique hop blends. This beer series has garnered significant recognition, including a Gold Medal in the Gluten-Free Beer category at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival and a Bronze Medal for Gluten-Free IPA at the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship.
Each variant in the series features a new blend of hops, creating a distinct flavor profile with every release. The beer is crafted with a base of millet, rice, buckwheat, and certified gluten-free oats, allowing the hop characteristics to stand out. Expect a delightful range of fruit-forward flavors, a well-rounded bitterness, a full body, and a slightly dry finish.
4. Peak Buster Double IPA (3.65) – Ghostfish
Yet another award-winning gluten-free beer from Ghostfish Brewery. This gluten-free beer is a standout in the craft beer world, boasting multiple accolades, including a Bronze Medal at the 2021 New York International Beer Competition, a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Best of Craft Beer Awards, and a Gold Medal at the 2017 Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition.
Known for its “big” and bold character, this beer features an impressive combination of Summit, Azacca, Centennial, and Eureka hops layered atop a rich foundation of malted rice, millet, and buckwheat.
The flavor profile is dominated by intense hop notes, delivering over-the-top flavors of passionfruit, mango, and pine. The tropical Azacca, citrusy Centennial, and piney Eureka hops create a balanced yet powerful taste experience, making this beer a true force to be reckoned with.
3. Wave Runnering – Departed Souls (3.7)
Out of all the beers on this list Wave Runnering is the hardest to come by but worth tracking down in the summer! Wave Runnering is a unique collaboration between Departed Soles and Carton Brewing – another outstanding NJ Brewery but unfortunately their beers all contain gluten. Carton was one of my favorite breweries before going gluten-free so I love this collab between the brands!
This beer is crafted entirely with 100% gluten-free ingredients. This beer is inspired by Carton Brewing’s renowned “Boat Beer” and features the bright, tropical flavors of Amarillo and Galaxy hops.
Unfortunately, this beer is on rotational availability and is hard to come by. Wave Runnering offers a refreshing and flavorful experience for those seeking a gluten-free option with a hoppy twist. The collaboration showcases the creativity and expertise of both breweries, providing a delightful beer that stands out in the gluten-free market.
2. India Pale Ale – Glutenberg (3.75)
Glutenberg beer is the most widely accessible gluten-free beer in the U.S. It’s not my favorite but because it’s widely available and it’s high Untapped rating I gave it the number 2 spot. This beer was my first gluten-free beer!
This award-winning beer, recognized in the Gluten-Free Beer category at the World Beer Cup and the Canadian Brewing Awards across multiple years, offers a harmonious blend of citrus aromas, fresh hops, and a pleasing bitterness.
On the palate, Glutenberg IPA delivers a delightful mix of apricot and sweet caramel notes. The nose features hints of lemon and floral notes, adding to its refreshing profile.
Crafted with a blend of gluten-free ingredients including millet, buckwheat, corn, black rice, and corn maltodextrin, along with hops and yeast, this IPA guarantees a satisfying and safe experience for those avoiding gluten. Glutenberg IPA is a delicious, aromatic choice, perfect for enjoying in abundance.
1. Fat Randy’s (3.94) – Holidaily
Fat Randy’s IPA is my FAVORITE gluten free beer and its backstory makes me enjoy it even more. Bad enough “Fat Randy” has the nickname of being Fat even though he is not, Holidaily makes sure the legacy of the founder’s husband’s friend is enshrined in Holidaily’s legacy by featuring his epic ski fail at Jacksonhole on their can and on their website (you can watch the Youtube video here)
This IPA boasts a strong aroma with forward notes of pine, citrus, and tropical fruits, complemented by a subtle malty sweetness. It pours a medium gold color with a characteristic dry, hop-induced haziness. The flavor profile is complex, featuring prominent pine and citrus hop notes balanced by a smooth, malty finish. With a full body and smooth mouthfeel, this beer delivers a satisfying experience.
The grain bill includes a unique combination of millet malt and buckwheat malt, while the hop bill features a blend of Mosaic, Cascade, and Centennial hops, contributing to its rich and vibrant taste. Fat Randy’s IPA is not just a nod to a long-time friend but also a celebration of flavorful, gluten-free brewing.
The Best Gluten-Free Beers
I hope you enjoyed this list of gluten-free beers! Whether you’re looking to find some of your next favorite beers here or looking to discover new gluten-free breweries. I hope this gives you hope that you can still find good gluten-free offerings in the world of gluten-free beer!
If you can’t find these beers in local stores near you you can ask at nearby liquor stores if they are willing to order it for you! I’m sure many will be willing and happy to do so. I don’t think grocery stores will order for you so it’s best to go to a liquor store.
Make sure when you try these gluten-free beers that you rate them on Untapped! That way you share with our celiac community which ones are the best ones to try!
Also, make sure that if you have celiac disease you avoid all gluten-free and gluten-reduced beers. They are not celiac-safe and will contain gluten. Even though some of these beers contain under 20 ppm of gluten I know I still react to them! I was devastated when I found out Gluten-Free Peroni is not truly gluten-free when I had a reaction to it.
(Note: I did not list any beers from Green’s Beers. They are a top gluten-free beer. However, while they are 100% gluten-free in the United States I read online that in the U.K. some people believe they are gluten-reduced. I am not sure how true that is, but I erred with caution in this post. However, I did list their beers below!)
Here are some honorable mentions of gluten-free beers.
IPA No. 5 Ground Breaker Brewing (3.41) (100% Gluten-Free Brewery in Portland, OR)
Four My Homie (GoodbIPA)- Departed Souls (3.42)
IPA – Glutenberg (3.21)
Pale Ale – Glutenberg (3.07)
Favorite Blonde – Holidaily (3.45)
Patchy Waters – Holidaily (3.49)
Glutenberg Blonde (3.02)
Vanishing Point Pale Ale (3.28) – Ghostfish
Grapefruit IPA – Ghostfish (3.39)
Kick Step IPA – Ghostfish (3.41)
