Finding a great gluten-free, non-alcoholic beer is hard enough. Finding one that’s also safe for celiac disease can feel nearly impossible. That’s why I wanted to share the best Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer out there!
The good news is that more breweries are creating delicious gluten-free beverages than ever before. Whether you’re participating in Dry January, cutting back on alcohol, or simply looking for more non-alcoholic drinks, you don’t have to give up the taste of a great beer.
Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beers Versus Gluten-Reduced
If you have celiac disease, though, it’s important to know the difference between a truly gluten free beer and a gluten-reduced NA beer. Many alcohol-free beers begin with gluten-containing grains like barley. Even after the alcohol is removed, the final product still contains gluten. That means these beers are not safe for people with celiac disease.
Instead, look for beers brewed entirely with gluten-free grains. This helps eliminate the risk of cross-contamination and avoids the immune response that gluten can trigger.
In this post, I recommend two breweries that are 100% celiac-safe. However, the beers at the end of the post are all gluten-reduced. Meaning they are NOT safe for people with celiac disease.
Here are my two favorite gluten-free non-alcoholic beers.
100% Gluten-Free, Non-Alcoholic Beers
These first two beers are celiac-safe because they are made completely without gluten-containing ingredients. While the beers listed below them are made to reduce gluten and are therefore not celiac-safe.
1. Go Brewing Freedom Series (Crafted Without Gluten)
Go Brewing is one of the few breweries offering multiple non-alcoholic beers made specifically without traditional gluten-containing grains. Their Freedom Series includes three beers: Freedom California Pale, Freedom Amber, and Freedom Hazy IPA. Each brew contains less than 0.5% ABV and is made with millet, buckwheat, and certified gluten-free oats instead of barley or wheat. The beers are independently tested, and Go Brewing publishes batch-specific lab results, giving customers added confidence in what they’re drinking.
Even better, you can order their Freedom variety pack on Amazon!
The Freedom California Pale delivers bright citrus and tropical hop flavors, while Freedom Amber offers a smooth, malt-forward profile that’s perfect for those who miss traditional amber ales. If you’re an IPA fan, the Freedom Hazy IPA has juicy tropical notes and a soft, hazy finish that rivals many alcoholic craft beers. Although Go Brewing labels these beers as “crafted without gluten” rather than “gluten-free,” they are brewed without barley or wheat using gluten-free ingredients and undergo testing before release.
2. Departed Soles Brewing Co. – Nunya (CELIAC SAFE!)
Departed Soles Brewing Co. has been one of my favorite gluten-free breweries for years, and I can’t recommend them enough. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, they’ve built an incredible reputation for producing high-quality craft beer while taking gluten-free brewing seriously.
Unlike many breweries that simply offer one gluten-free option, Departed Soles has a dedicated gluten-free brewing program and is phenomenal about making people with celiac disease feel safe and included. I’ve enjoyed just about every gluten-free beer they’ve released, from hoppy IPAs to rich seasonal brews, and they’ve consistently proven that you don’t need barley to make exceptional craft beer.
Now I’m especially excited because they’ve released Nunya, their first gluten-free non-alcoholic beer. As someone who has loved their alcoholic beers for years, I couldn’t be happier to see them expanding into the non-alcoholic market. It’s refreshing to see a brewery that already understands the needs of the celiac community continue to innovate with safe, gluten-free options.
I can’t wait to get my hands on a can of Nunya, and if it’s anything like the rest of Departed Soles’ lineup, I have a feeling it’s going to become another favorite.
Gluten-Reduced Non-Alcoholic Beers (NOT celiac safe)
The following beers are GLUTEN-REMOVED, meaning they are not safe for those with celiac disease. They are good options though for people who can tolerate some gluten because they are gluten-free by choice.
1. Athletic Brewing – Upside Dawn Golden (GLUTEN REDUCED, Not Celiac Safe)
If you’re looking for a traditional beer experience without the alcohol, Athletic Brewing’s Upside Dawn is one of the best options available.
This golden-style brew has a clean, crisp flavor that closely resembles the real thing. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with everything from burgers to pizza. If you’re new to non-alcoholic pale brew styles, this is a fantastic place to start.
One important note: Athletic Brewing is famous for its alcohol-free beers, but not every beer they make is gluten-free. Always read the label carefully and verify the gluten content of this product before purchasing. People with celiac disease should never assume a brewery’s entire lineup is safe.
If you can find a certified gluten-free version in your area, it’s one of the best non-alcoholic brews I’ve tasted.
2. Big Drop Brewing Co. (Gluten-Reduced, Not Celiac Safe)
Big Drop Brewing Co. has become a big name in the world of craft NA-beers. Located in the U.k they offer a growing variety of gluten-reduced options that don’t sacrifice flavor.
One standout is Big Drop Reef Point, a refreshing pale ale with balanced citrus notes. If you enjoy trying different styles, Big Drop also produces darker beers, IPAs, and seasonal releases.
Their goal has always been creating the exceptional taste of traditional craft beer without alcohol. According to their website, their beers test at 10 ppm of gluten. Unfortunately, because I have celiac disease, I would not trust even that little amount.
They continue expanding their alcohol-free beer selection. Availability can vary because of limited supply.
3. Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Golden Lager (Gluten-Reduced, Not Celiac Safe)
If you’re looking for a flavorful non-alcoholic lager, Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Golden Lager has earned a loyal following for its crisp, light taste and classic beer flavor. Brewed with barley, hops, yeast, and water, it’s designed to mimic a traditional American lager while containing less than 0.5% ABV. Grüvi also states that this beer is gluten-reduced, testing at less than 10 ppm of gluten per serving, which appeals to some people avoiding gluten for lifestyle reasons.
However, if you have celiac disease, this beer is not considered safe. Although the gluten content is reduced, it is still brewed with barley, a gluten-containing grain. Grüvi clearly states on its website that the beer is not gluten-free—only gluten-reduced.
For people with celiac disease, experts generally recommend choosing beers that are brewed from naturally gluten-free grains, rather than beers made from barley and treated to reduce gluten. If you’re looking for a truly celiac-safe option, stick with beers from dedicated gluten-free breweries like Holidaily, Ghostfish, or Departed Soles’ gluten-free lineup and for non-alcoholic beers choose the two listed above.
4. Bravus Brewing (Gluten-Reduced, Not Celiac Safe)
Bravus Brewing has become one of the most recognizable names in the non-alcoholic beer world, offering everything from IPAs and amber ales to peanut butter stouts. Their Non-Alcoholic IPA is especially popular thanks to its hoppy aroma, citrus notes, and craft beer flavor that’s remarkably close to a traditional IPA. Bravus uses a proprietary brewing process and states that all of its beers are brewed to reduce gluten, testing at less than 20 ppm. They also note that their beers are vegan, contain less than 0.5% ABV, and are made with malted barley.
However, Bravus beers are not celiac safe. Because they are brewed with barley, a gluten-containing grain, the beers are considered gluten-reduced, not gluten-free. Although the brewery states their beers test below 20 ppm, current recommendations from celiac experts are that gluten-reduced beers should be avoided by people with celiac disease. Testing methods for fermented beverages have limitations, and the gluten content cannot be reliably verified.
If you have celiac disease, it’s safest to choose non-alcoholic beers brewed entirely from naturally gluten-free grains instead of barley-based, gluten-reduced
Are Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beers Safe?
Not all alcohol-free beers are 100% gluten-free.
Many breweries use traditional methods and brew with barley before removing the alcohol. While some companies test for a low ppm of gluten, these beers still begin with gluten-containing ingredients.
Some may contain trace amounts of gluten after the brewing process. That’s why they’re generally not recommended for people with celiac disease.
The safest choice is always a beer brewed entirely with gluten-free grains from start to finish. Which is why my top two recommendations are Go Brewing’s Freedom Series and Departed Soles’ Nunya.
Final Thoughts
Thankfully, the market for gluten-free non-alcoholic beer continues to grow. As more breweries recognize the demand for gluten-free diets and changing dietary preferences, we’re seeing an exciting range of gluten-free beverages become available.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer drink, reducing your alcohol intake, or simply trying something new, these beers prove you don’t have to settle for less.
Have a favorite gluten-free NA beer that I should try? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to discover more great options for the gluten-free community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-alcoholic beer safe for celiac disease?
Only if it is brewed with gluten-free ingredients. In my list the only safe options are the Freedom Series from Go Brewing and Nunya by Departed Soles.
Many gluten-reduced alcohol-free beers still contain barley and are not safe for people with celiac disease.
Where can I buy gluten-free non-alcoholic beer?
You can often find gluten-free NA beers at specialty grocery stores, liquor stores, health food stores, and online retailers. Availability varies by location. If you visit the Brewery website, they usually have a “Locator” button where you can put in your zip code to see if the beer is sold near you.