Gluten-free beers quick guide and buying tips

Gluten-Free Beers: What You Need to Know

In recent years, gluten-free beers have become more widespread and varied: there are versions made with naturally gluten-free cereals (rice, corn, millet) and versions based on barley or malt treated to reduce gluten (deglutinated). If you are celiac or intolerant, it is important to know how they are made, what to look for on the label, and where to buy reliable products.

How is Gluten-Free Beer Made?

Two Main Approaches

There are two main approaches:

1. Beers made with naturally gluten-free cereals:

• Rice, corn, sorghum, buckwheat, millet
• Always suitable for those who must avoid gluten
• Safe for celiacs
• Flavor may differ from traditional cereals

2. Deglutinated beers:

• Starting from barley or wheat malt
• Enzymatic or technological processes are applied to reduce gluten
• Gluten content below established thresholds (<20 ppm)
• Some are certified as suitable for celiacs
• Others only labeled as "low gluten content"
• Always check certification

Deglutination Process

How it works:

• Use of specific enzymes (prolyl endopeptidase)
• Breakdown of gluten proteins
• Reduction below 20 ppm
• Laboratory testing for verification

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Beer?

Coop, Esselunga and Other Points of Sale

Large retailers and specialized stores have expanded their offerings. Chains like Coop and Esselunga often have a shelf dedicated to gluten-free products, including craft and industrial beers. Local supermarkets, organic stores, and online shops also offer an interesting selection. If you want convenience, check the chain’s website for in-store availability or e-commerce options.

Coop:

• Dedicated gluten-free section
• National and international brands
• Italian craft beers
• Competitive prices
• Availability varies by store

Esselunga:

• Free From section
• Curated selection
• Certified beers
• E-commerce service

Other supermarkets:

• Carrefour
• Conad
• Pam
• Hypermarkets
• Lidl (occasionally)

Specialized Stores

Where to find more choice:

• Specialized gluten-free stores
• Craft breweries
• Organic stores
• Pharmacies (some)

Shop Online

Advantages of buying online:

• Wider selection
• Home delivery
• Reviews and detailed descriptions
• Competitive prices
• Convenience

Does Peroni Produce Gluten-Free Beer?

Major Italian Brands

Some major national producers have experimented with or released gluten-free products. Peroni and other major brands may offer versions designed for intolerant people, but availability varies over time and by geographic area. Before buying, read the label and look for any certifications (e.g., celiac certification) or official information on the producer's website.

Italian brands to check:

• Peroni (check availability)
• Italian craft breweries
• Regional brands

What is Daura?

Famous Gluten-Free Beer

Daura (by Estrella Damm) is one of the best-known gluten-free beer brands: it is produced with processes that reduce gluten content and is often certified as "suitable for celiacs" in many countries. It is a good example of how it is possible to obtain a beer sensorially similar to a traditional one while keeping gluten below threshold levels.

Daura Features:

• Produced by Estrella Damm (Spain)
• Deglutinated beer
• Certified for celiacs
• Style: Lager
• Flavor similar to traditional beer
• Available in Italy

Daura Variants:

• Daura Damm (classic)
• Daura Marzen (amber)

Does Wine Contain Gluten?

Alcoholic Beverages and Gluten

Wine, being made from fermented grapes, is generally naturally gluten-free. However, some flavored wines, products with additives or special treatments, or mixed alcoholic drinks may contain traces or ingredients derived from cereals. If you are very sensitive, check the product details or choose wines labeled "gluten-free" or consult the producer.

Alcoholic drinks naturally gluten-free:

• Wine (red, white, rosé)
• Sparkling wine
• Prosecco
• Champagne
• Cider (check ingredients)
• Pure spirits (potato vodka, rum, tequila)

Drinks to check:

• Beer (only if certified gluten-free)
• Whisky (from gluten-containing cereals)
• Grain vodka
• Prepared cocktails

How to Choose a Safe Gluten-Free Beer

Essential Checks

What to check:

• Check for the label "gluten-free" or celiac certification on the label
• If the beer is deglutinated (treated malt), check that there are tests and certifications confirming the residual gluten level
• Prefer transparent producers and reliable retailers
• For cases of high sensitivity, ask the producer directly

Certifications to Look For

Important certifications:

• Spiga Barrata (AIC): Italian certification for celiacs
• Crossed Grain Symbol: European certification
• Gluten Free Certification (GFCO): International certification
• Content <20 ppm: European standard

Taste and Pairing Tips

Available Styles

Gluten-free beers can range from light golden lagers to IPAs and dark beers.

Common styles:

• Gluten-free Lager: Light, refreshing
• Gluten-free IPA: Hoppy, aromatic
• Gluten-free Pale Ale: Balanced
• Gluten-free Stout: Dark, malted
• Gluten-free Ambrée: Amber, caramelized

Gastronomic Pairings

Recommended dishes:

• Gluten-free pizza
• Gluten-free pasta
• Grilled fish
• White meats
• Grilled vegetables
• Cheeses
• Gluten-free snacks

Recommended Brands

International Brands

Famous beers:

• Daura (Estrella Damm): Spain, gluten-removed
• Omission: USA, gluten-removed
• Glutenberg: Canada, naturally gluten-free
• Mongozo: Belgium, naturally gluten-free
• Green's: Belgium, naturally gluten-free

Italian Brands

Italian craft breweries:

• Riversa (certified gluten-free beer)
• Other local craft breweries
• Check regional availability

Flavor Differences

What to Expect

Naturally gluten-free beers:

• Often lighter body
• Slightly different flavor (rice, corn)
• Less malted
• Still tasty

Gluten-removed beers:

• Flavor closer to traditional beer
• More structured body
• Malted aromas present

Advice for Celiacs

Precautions

What to do:

• Choose only certified beers
• Always check the label
• Prefer naturally gluten-free beers if you are very sensitive
• Avoid contamination (shared glasses)
• Consult your doctor if you have doubts about gluten-removed beers

Conclusion

Certified gluten-free beers are now an accessible and tasty reality. Whether you prefer a gluten-removed lager like Daura or a certified Italian craft beer like those from Riversa, on Maltese.beer you’ll find a curated selection — order it online with 24/48h shipping directly to your home.