Gluten-free beer, you might have come across it on store shelves or heard some friends talking about it, but what is it? In other words, gluten-free beer is prepared without grains containing gluten, like wheat and barley. This makes it a good choice for people intolerant to gluten, but is also being adopted by those in search of a healthier alternative to traditional beer.
So, what’s the big deal? Why are increasingly more people reaching for gluten-free beers? Let us break this down: health benefits, ingredients, and some tips on how to enjoy it to the fullest.
The Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Beer
First of all, the biggest reason people turn to gluten free beer is that it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Of course, if you are one of these people, you already know that gluten can do serious harm. That’s where gluten-free beer comes in, to solve that problem.
But even if gluten isn’t an issue for you, there is a reason to reach for gluten-free beer. Many of these beers have fewer calories compared to traditional beer. If you’re counting your calories this is significant.
And there’s more. Some people find gluten-free beers easier on the stomach. This could be due to ingredients used, which we get into later, but the bottom line is that gluten-free beer might be better on your digestion and gut health.
Ingredients Used in Gluten-Free Beer
Now, you are probably wondering if gluten-free beer does not include wheat or barley, then what does? The bottom line is, brewers get creative with substitutes like sorghum, rice, millet, and even buckwheat. None of these grains contains gluten, but they can create a very nice, full-bodied beer that hits the spot.
What’s really cool is that a lot of gluten-free beers are made from natural, organic ingredients. In other words, you’re not only avoiding the gluten; you’re getting a product that very often does not contain all that extra junk. Now, isn’t that really a nice bonus if you’re someone who truly looks after your body?
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
So, you have chosen the gluten-free beer, now what? If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you’re going to want to present it properly. Much like regular beer, gluten-free beers also have a perfect serving temperature. You generally want to serve them cold, though not too cold.
Pair your gluten-free beer to get more enjoyment out of your drinking experience. Think of all the things you like to eat when you drink regular beer, but now with gluten-free beer. For example, a light gluten-free lager would be great with some grilled chicken or seafood. If you have a darker type of beer, try to have something a bit heartier, such as steak or even gluten-free pizza.
Final Thoughts
Long story short, gluten-free beer is way more than just an alternative, actually, it is becoming a favourite in its own right. With these benefits and range of varieties involved, it’s something worth cracking open a bottle for and seeing what all the fuss is about. Cheers to that!
