For many beer enthusiasts, discovering they have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can feel like the end of their beer-drinking days. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case! The gluten-free beer market has exploded in recent years, with dedicated breweries crafting delicious alternatives that rival traditional beers in taste, variety, and quality.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best gluten-free beers available in 2025, break down what makes them special, and help you choose the perfect brew for your taste preferences. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned gluten-free drinker looking to expand your horizons, this article has something for everyone.
Understanding Gluten-Free Beer: What You Need to Know
Before diving into our top picks, let’s clarify what gluten-free beer actually is and why it matters to millions of Americans.
What Is Gluten-Free Beer?
Gluten-free beer is brewed using grains that naturally don’t contain gluten—such as millet, rice, buckwheat, sorghum, and corn—instead of the traditional barley, wheat, and rye used in conventional beers. According to FDA regulations, for a beer to be labeled “gluten-free,” it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Removed: A Critical Distinction
It’s important to understand the difference between truly gluten-free beer and “gluten-removed” beer:
- Gluten-Free Beer: Brewed exclusively with gluten-free ingredients from start to finish, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease.
- Gluten-Removed Beer: Brewed with traditional gluten-containing ingredients like barley, then treated with enzymes to break down the gluten proteins. While this process reduces gluten content, studies show that protein fragments may remain that can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
For those with celiac disease, true gluten-free beer is the safest choice. According to research cited by the Celiac Disease Foundation, some celiac patients still experience immune responses to gluten-removed beer, while none showed reactions to truly gluten-free options.
The Gluten-Free Beer Market in 2025
The gluten-free beer market has seen explosive growth, projected to reach approximately $1.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 11.78% from 2024. In North America alone, the market is expected to hit $396.52 million by 2030.
This growth isn’t just about catering to those with medical needs—it’s also driven by increasing health-consciousness among consumers and impressive innovations in brewing techniques that have dramatically improved the taste and variety of gluten-free beers.
Top Dedicated Gluten-Free Breweries in the US
These breweries stand out for their commitment to creating 100% gluten-free beer in dedicated facilities with no risk of cross-contamination:
1. Ghostfish Brewing Company (Seattle, WA)
Founded in Seattle, Ghostfish has established itself as a leader in the gluten-free brewing community. They’ve won multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival, including gold medals for their creative brews.
Flagship Beers:
- Ghostfish Grapefruit IPA
- Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale
- Meteor Shower Blonde Ale
- Watchstander Stout (Gold Medal winner)
Ghostfish beers are distributed primarily throughout the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, but they can also be ordered online from specialty retailers in states that permit direct-to-consumer beer shipments.
2. Holidaily Brewing Company (Golden, CO)
Holidaily is a female-owned brewery founded by Karen Hertz, a two-time cancer survivor who adopted a gluten-free diet as part of her recovery. Frustrated by the lack of quality gluten-free beer options, she created Holidaily to prove that gluten-free beer can be both safe and delicious.
Flagship Beers:
- Favorite Blonde Ale
- Big Henry Hazy IPA (Bronze Medal winner at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival)
- Fat Randy’s IPA
- Buckwit Belgian
Holidaily beers can be found throughout Colorado, Arizona, Kansas City metro, and Houston metro areas, as well as in retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts in select regions.
3. Ground Breaker Brewing (Portland, OR)
One of the pioneers in dedicated gluten-free brewing, Ground Breaker (formerly Harvester Brewing) has been crafting award-winning beers since its founding. Their commitment to quality is evident in their extensive lineup of year-round and seasonal offerings.
Flagship Beers:
- IPA No. 5
- Dark Ale (Bronze Medal winner)
- Pale Ale
- Olallie Ale (brewed with blackberries and rose hips)
Ground Breaker distributes to Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Michigan, Utah, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, British Columbia, Alberta, and Japan.
4. Burning Brothers Brewing (St. Paul, MN)
Founded by friends, one of whom has celiac disease, Burning Brothers operates under the motto “Gluten-free First, Beer Second.” This philosophy guides their approach to creating beers that stand on their own merits regardless of gluten content.
Flagship Beers:
- Pyro American Pale Ale
- Roasted Coffee Strong Ale
- Fused Orange Blossom Honey Ale
- Cranberry Shandy (seasonal)
5. Evasion Brewing (McMinnville, OR)
A relatively newer player in the dedicated gluten-free scene, Evasion has quickly gained a reputation for complex, flavorful beers that push the boundaries of what gluten-free can taste like.
Flagship Beers:
- Tantamount Stout (with notes of coffee and chocolate)
- Hophoria IPA
- Blonde Ale
- Grandpa Jack’s Pumpkin Ale (seasonal)
Best Gluten-Free Beers by Style
For Lager Lovers
- New Grist Pilsner-Style Beer (Lakefront Brewery)
- The first beer to receive federal gluten-free certification in 2005
- Light, crisp, and easy-drinking with a clean finish
- Brewed with sorghum and rice
- Glutenberg Blonde Ale (Glutenberg)
- A light, crisp blonde ale with subtle notes of white pepper
- Brewed with millet, corn, demerara sugar, and hops
- Available throughout the US and Canada
- Redbridge Lager (Anheuser-Busch)
- One of the most widely available gluten-free beers
- Full-bodied lager with a moderately hoppy profile
- Brewed primarily with sorghum
For IPA Enthusiasts
- Ghostfish Grapefruit IPAÂ (Ghostfish Brewing)
- Bright, citrusy IPA with a balanced bitter finish
- Made with grapefruit-forward hops that create an explosion of flavor
- Perfect for summer days
- Ground Breaker IPA No. 5Â (Ground Breaker Brewing)
- A well-balanced IPA brewed with roasted chestnuts
- Features dark crystal millet and a robust blend of hops
- Complex flavor profile with notes of caramel and distinct hop character
- Alt Brew Copperhead Copper Ale (Alt Brew)
- Wisconsin-based brew with a beautiful amber color
- Medium-bodied with a perfect balance of malt and hop flavors
- Subtle caramel notes with a clean finish
For Dark Beer Fans
- Ghostfish Watchstander Stout (Ghostfish Brewing)
- Gold Medal winner at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival
- Rich, robust stout with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted nuts
- Brewed with roasted millet and buckwheat
- Evasion Tantamount Stout (Evasion Brewing)
- Complex stout that balances sweetness with full-bodied coffee and chocolate flavors
- Rivals traditional barley-based stouts in flavor and mouthfeel
- Perfect for cold weather drinking
- Ground Breaker Dark Ale (Ground Breaker Brewing)
- Bronze Medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival
- Features roasted chestnuts and dark crystal millet
- Notes of chocolate and coffee with a smooth finish
Best Specialty and Seasonal Options
- Holidaily Buckwit Belgian (Holidaily Brewing)
- A Belgian-style witbier with traditional spice notes
- Light and refreshing with hints of orange and coriander
- Perfect for pairing with seafood or light summer dishes
- Glutenberg Gose (Glutenberg)
- Tart, refreshing German-style sour beer
- Brewed with sea salt and coriander
- Light-bodied with a clean, crisp finish
- Duck Foot “Drink This Or The Bees Die” Honey Ale (Duck Foot Brewing)
- A refreshing honey ale with proceeds benefiting Planet Bee Foundation
- Uses innovative techniques to remove gluten
- Sweet and approachable, perfect for those new to craft beer
How to Choose the Right Gluten-Free Beer for You
Choosing the perfect gluten-free beer depends on several factors:
Consider Your Sensitivity Level
If you have celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, stick with beers from dedicated gluten-free facilities rather than gluten-removed options. Brands like Ghostfish, Holidaily, Ground Breaker, and Evasion are your safest bets.
Think About Your Flavor Preferences
- If you like light, easy-drinking beers: Try blonde ales, pilsners, and pale lagers from Holidaily, New Grist, or Glutenberg.
- If you prefer hoppy IPAs: Ghostfish Grapefruit IPA, Ground Breaker IPA No. 5, or Alt Brew Copperhead are excellent choices.
- If you crave dark, rich beers: Ghostfish Watchstander Stout, Evasion Tantamount Stout, or Ground Breaker Dark Ale will satisfy your palate.
Be Open to New Tastes
Gluten-free beers often have distinctive flavor profiles based on the alternative grains used:
- Millet tends to provide a flavor closest to traditional barley
- Buckwheat adds nutty, earthy notes
- Rice creates clean, crisp finishes
- Sorghum can contribute a slight sourness that works well in certain styles
The key is to approach gluten-free beer with an open mind—these aren’t exact replicas of conventional beer, but unique creations that stand on their own merits.
Taste Differences: Gluten-Free vs. Traditional Beer
Newcomers to gluten-free beer should understand that these brews may taste different from what they’re used to. Here’s what to expect:
Mouthfeel and Body
Traditional beers get much of their body and mouthfeel from gluten proteins in barley and wheat. Gluten-free beers may have a lighter body, though modern brewing techniques have significantly improved this aspect by using protein-rich alternatives like quinoa and lentils.
Flavor Profiles
Each gluten-free grain brings distinct characteristics:
- Millet provides a base most similar to barley but with a slightly sweeter profile
- Buckwheat adds nutty, earthy notes and helps with body and head retention
- Rice contributes crispness and clean flavors
- Sorghum, once commonly used but less popular now, can have a slightly sour apple-like note
Head Retention
The foam or “head” on beer is partly created by gluten proteins. Early gluten-free beers struggled with head retention, but modern brewers have overcome this challenge through creative grain combinations and brewing techniques.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Beer
Retail Availability
Gluten-free beer availability has expanded dramatically in recent years. Look for dedicated gluten-free options at:
- Specialty liquor stores with extensive craft beer selections
- Natural grocery chains like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Natural Grocers
- Major supermarkets often stock at least a few gluten-free options
Online Ordering
Many dedicated gluten-free breweries now ship directly to consumers in states that allow it. Specialty retailers like Marina Market also ship gluten-free beer nationwide (where legal).
Taproom Experiences
For the ultimate gluten-free beer experience, nothing beats visiting a dedicated gluten-free brewery taproom. Many offer food menus that are also entirely gluten-free, creating a worry-free dining and drinking experience.
Top taprooms to visit include:
- Ghostfish Brewing in Seattle, WA
- Holidaily Brewing in Golden, CO and Greenwood Village, CO
- Ground Breaker Brewing in Portland, OR
- Evasion Brewing in McMinnville, OR
- Burning Brothers Brewing in St. Paul, MN
Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Beer
Beyond being a necessity for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten-free beer offers some potential benefits for health-conscious consumers:
Alternative Grain Nutrition
Many gluten-free grains used in brewing provide nutritional advantages:
- Millet is high in magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants
- Buckwheat contains more protein and fiber than traditional brewing grains
- Quinoa (used in some specialty gluten-free beers) is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids
Lower Inflammatory Response
For the estimated 6% of Americans with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten-free beer allows enjoyment without triggering inflammatory responses that can cause digestive discomfort, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Emerging Market for Health-Conscious Consumers
The growing “free-from” food and beverage trend has expanded the appeal of gluten-free beer beyond those with medical requirements. Many health-conscious consumers choose gluten-free options as part of a broader approach to wellness.
The Future of Gluten-Free Beer
The gluten-free beer industry continues to evolve rapidly, with exciting developments on the horizon:
Expanding Distribution Networks
As demand grows, more dedicated gluten-free breweries are expanding their distribution footprints, making these specialty beers accessible to more consumers nationwide.
Innovative Brewing Techniques
Brewers continue to refine techniques for working with alternative grains, resulting in ever-improving taste, body, and head retention in gluten-free beers.
Broader Style Diversity
While early gluten-free beers were limited to a few basic styles, today’s brewers are successfully creating gluten-free versions of nearly every beer style imaginable—from Belgian tripels to Russian imperial stouts.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gluten-Free Beer Revolution
Gone are the days when gluten-free beer was a disappointing compromise. Today’s options are diverse, flavorful, and crafted with the same care and creativity as conventional craft beer. The dedicated breweries leading this revolution have proven that brewing without gluten doesn’t mean brewing without flavor, character, or tradition.
Whether you’re avoiding gluten for medical reasons or simply exploring new taste experiences, the world of gluten-free beer in 2025 offers something for every palate. The next time you’re shopping for beer, consider trying one of our recommended gluten-free options—you might be surprised by just how delicious “free-from” can be.
FAQs About Gluten-Free Beer
Q: Is all craft beer gluten-free? A: No. Traditional craft beer is typically made with barley and other gluten-containing grains. Look specifically for beers labeled “gluten-free” from dedicated gluten-free breweries.
Q: Can people with celiac disease drink gluten-removed beer? A: Most experts recommend that people with celiac disease avoid gluten-removed beer. Research shows that some celiac patients still experience immune responses to these products, indicating that potentially harmful protein fragments may remain.
Q: Does gluten-free beer taste the same as regular beer? A: Gluten-free beer has its own unique flavor profile based on the alternative grains used. While it won’t taste identical to conventional beer, today’s options are delicious in their own right and continue to improve.
Q: Is gluten-free beer more expensive? A: Generally, yes. The specialized ingredients and dedicated equipment required to produce gluten-free beer result in higher production costs, which are reflected in the retail price.
Q: Are there any gluten-free non-alcoholic beers available? A: Yes, the market for gluten-free non-alcoholic beers is growing, with several options now available for those avoiding both gluten and alcohol.
Q: Can I brew gluten-free beer at home? A: Absolutely! Home brewing supply stores now carry gluten-free malts and ingredients, making it possible to craft your own gluten-free beer at home.
Disclaimer: While we’ve made every effort to verify the gluten-free status of the beers mentioned in this article, formulations and production methods may change. Always check product labels and consult the manufacturer if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
