Is Alcohol-Free Beer Gluten-Free?

Published June 2026 · 6-minute read · by Rich, founder of Unhopped

Short answer

Mostly no. Alcohol-free beer is usually brewed from barley or wheat, which contain gluten. Gluten-free and ‘gluten-removed’ alcohol-free beers do exist — but the two aren't the same, and if you're coeliac the distinction really matters.

Removing the alcohol doesn't remove the gluten — that comes from the grain. Here's what's actually in your glass, and how to find a gluten-free alcohol-free beer you can trust.

Why most beer contains gluten

Beer is traditionally brewed from barley, often with some wheat — both of which contain gluten. Taking the alcohol out at the end changes nothing about the grain, so a standard alcohol-free beer contains gluten just like its full-strength counterpart.

Gluten-free vs ‘gluten-removed’ — an important difference

These two labels are not the same. Gluten-free beer is brewed from naturally gluten-free ingredients (or independently tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten) and can be certified as such. Gluten-removed (or ‘gluten-reduced’) beer is normal barley beer treated with an enzyme that breaks gluten down — the level can be very low, but testing can't always reliably confirm it, which is why it can't legally be called gluten-free in the UK.

Gluten-free alcohol-free options

Some alcohol-free beers are made to be gluten-free, and some larger brands (such as Athletic Brewing) use gluten-removing processes across much of their range. Because labelling varies, always read the can: look specifically for a clear ‘gluten-free’ statement rather than assuming. You can browse styles and brands across the Unhopped directory to find them.

If you have coeliac disease

This is where the distinction matters most. If you're coeliac, look for beer that is clearly labelled and certified gluten-free (for example carrying the Crossed Grain symbol) rather than ‘gluten-removed’, and check with the producer if you're unsure. This is general information, not medical advice — for anything specific to your own diet, your GP or a dietitian is the right port of call.

Frequently asked questions

Is there gluten in alcohol-free beer?

Usually yes, because it's typically brewed from barley or wheat. Removing the alcohol doesn't remove the gluten, though gluten-free options do exist.

What is the difference between gluten-free and gluten-removed beer?

Gluten-free beer is made from gluten-free ingredients or tested below 20ppm and can be certified; gluten-removed beer is barley beer treated to break down gluten, which can't always be verified as fully gluten-free.

Can coeliacs drink alcohol-free beer?

Only beers that are clearly labelled and certified gluten-free; ‘gluten-removed’ beers may not be suitable. Check the label and the producer, and seek advice for your own circumstances.