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Gluten-free beer in the UK: what the labels mean

Is beer gluten-free? How UK law defines gluten-free beer, naturally gluten-free vs gluten-removed barley beers, 'contains barley' labels and safe drinks.

Published Last reviewed 4 min read

Beer is one of the things people miss most after a coeliac diagnosis, and the labels on gluten-free beer can be genuinely confusing. Why would a gluten-free lager say “contains barley”? This guide explains what UK law and Coeliac UK say, so you can choose with confidence.

Is beer gluten-free?

Ordinary beer is not. Coeliac UK says beers, lagers, stouts and ales contain varying amounts of gluten and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. That’s because they are usually brewed from barley and sometimes wheat, and unlike spirits they are not distilled.

There are gluten-free options, though, and they fall into two types.

The two types of gluten-free beer

Naturally gluten-free beer Gluten-removed beer
Made from Grains without gluten (for example sorghum, rice or millet) Barley (sometimes other gluten cereals), processed to break down or remove gluten
Gluten limit to be labelled gluten-free 20 ppm or less 20 ppm or less
“Contains barley” on the label? No Yes, by law

Source: Coeliac UK.

For both types, manufacturers can only label a beer gluten-free if it contains 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less, the legal definition of gluten-free. Coeliac UK adds that a gluten-removed beer made from barley must also state that it “contains barley”, because barley is a listed allergen.

Reading the label

“Gluten-free” + “contains barley” = a gluten-removed beer that meets the legal gluten-free limit.
“Contains barley” with no gluten-free claim = an ordinary beer. Not suitable.

Are gluten-removed beers safe?

Gluten-removed beers labelled gluten-free meet UK law. There has been scientific debate, however, about the best way to measure gluten in fermented and hydrolysed products like beer, where the gluten is broken into fragments.

In 2020 Coeliac UK explained that the current weight of evidence supports the R5 Competitive ELISA as the validated test, but called for more research. It said these products may still be included in a gluten-free diet, and that it wanted people to have the information to make their own choice. Beers listed in Coeliac UK’s Food and Drink Information carry a statement saying whether they are made from gluten-containing grains with the gluten removed, or from ingredients that do not contain gluten.

If you prefer to avoid barley-based beers altogether, look for naturally gluten-free beers, which won’t have barley in the allergen information. If you have symptoms you think are linked to a particular drink, talk to your GP or dietitian.

How alcohol labels differ from food labels

Drinks are labelled a little differently from food, which is why beer labels can feel sparse. According to Coeliac UK:

  • Drinks over 1.2% ABV don’t have to list all their ingredients. But if they contain an allergen, including a cereal containing gluten, they must declare it, for example “contains barley” or “contains wheat”.
  • If the allergen is in the drink’s name, such as “wheat beer”, it doesn’t have to be repeated, although it should still be clear from the packaging.
  • Drinks of 1.2% ABV or less (including many alcohol-free beers) must list all ingredients, with allergens emphasised, just like food.

So: alcohol-free does not mean gluten-free. Most low- and no-alcohol beers are brewed like ordinary beer. Look for the gluten-free claim.

What else can you drink?

Coeliac UK says cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs are gluten-free. Spirits are distilled, which removes gluten, so all spirit drinks are safe for people with coeliac disease, including malt whisky made from barley.

Watch out for:

  • Flavoured drinks and pre-mixed cans, where ingredients may be added after distillation. Check the allergen information.
  • Shandy, which is made with ordinary beer unless stated otherwise.
  • Barley squash and malted drinks, which are soft drinks but contain barley.

In the pub

  • Ask whether they stock a bottled or canned gluten-free beer, so you can see the label yourself.
  • Cider, wine and spirits are straightforward options; check mixers and cocktail ingredients if flavoured syrups are used.

Our eating out guide covers what pubs and restaurants must tell you about allergens.

Drinking sensibly

UK guidelines, as summarised by Coeliac UK, advise not regularly drinking more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days. The NHS calculating alcohol units page explains how to work out the units in a drink. That applies to gluten-free drinks just as it does to any other.

For more on shopping labels generally, read our guide to gluten-free vs “may contain” labels, and see is soy sauce gluten-free? for another common label trap. Planning drinks for the festive season? See our gluten-free Christmas guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is normal beer gluten-free?

No. Coeliac UK says beers, lagers, stouts and ales contain varying amounts of gluten and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Only beers labelled gluten-free are suitable.

Why does my gluten-free beer say 'contains barley'?

It is probably a gluten-removed beer. These are brewed from barley and processed to reduce the gluten to 20 parts per million or less. Allergen law still requires barley to be declared, but the beer can legally be labelled gluten-free if it meets the 20 ppm limit.

Are cider, wine and spirits gluten-free?

Coeliac UK says cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs are gluten-free. Spirits are distilled, which removes gluten, so even malt whisky made from barley is safe for people with coeliac disease.

Is alcohol-free beer gluten-free?

Not automatically. Alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers are usually brewed from barley or wheat like ordinary beer. Look for a gluten-free claim. Drinks of 1.2% ABV or less must list all ingredients with allergens emphasised, which makes them easier to check.

Sources

  1. Is alcohol gluten free?, Coeliac UK. Accessed 4 October 2026.
  2. Help us secure further research and what you need to know (gluten-free beer testing), Coeliac UK. Accessed 4 October 2026.
  3. How to read food labels, Coeliac UK. Accessed 4 October 2026.
  4. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 (as retained in UK law), legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 4 October 2026.
  5. Calculating alcohol units, NHS. Accessed 4 October 2026.