Finding a delicious craft beer can be challenging if you’re avoiding gluten or animal products. Fortunately, there’s a growing selection of the best gluten-free and vegan-friendly craft beers that let everyone enjoy a great pint without compromise. Whether you follow a plant-based diet, have gluten sensitivities, or just want a cleaner brew, the market now offers more inclusive and flavorful options than ever before.
From crisp lagers to bold stouts and citrusy pale ales, today’s breweries are crafting a wide range of flavors that are both gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Leading brands like BrewDog, Stella Artois, Big Drop Brewing Co., and Athletic Brewing Co. are removing gluten and skipping animal-based clarifiers to create beers that suit modern dietary lifestyles.
Some breweries even offer curated Gluten-Free & Vegan Craft Beer Cases, perfect for sampling a variety or gifting to a beer-loving friend.
Whether you’re coeliac, plant-based, or simply exploring new brews, the market for the best gluten-free and vegan-friendly craft beers is expanding fast. In this guide, you’ll discover the top-rated picks, learn how these beers are made, and find helpful tips for choosing the right one for your taste and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Understand what makes a craft beer gluten-free or vegan-friendly
- Explore our list of the top 10 beers for gluten-free and plant-based diets
- Learn how to safely choose and enjoy inclusive craft beers
Understanding The Best Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly Craft Beers
Many modern craft breweries now offer beers specifically designed for people with gluten intolerance or those following a vegan lifestyle. Understanding the differences between gluten-free, gluten-removed, and vegan beers helps you choose options that align with your health needs and personal values.
Key Differences Between Gluten-Free, Gluten-Removed, and Vegan Beers
Gluten-free beers are made using grains that do not have gluten, such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat, or sorghum. These beers are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten allergies because they do not contain gluten from the start. The “gluten-free” label is regulated in many regions and often means the beer contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Some brands aim for even lower amounts.
Gluten-removed or gluten-reduced beers are brewed using grains like barley or wheat that naturally have gluten. The gluten is then broken down using special enzymes. These beers might be labeled as “gluten-removed” but are not fully gluten-free and may still cause reactions in people with coeliac disease or severe sensitivities. For more insight, see this guide on gluten-free and gluten-removed craft beers.
Vegan beers are brewed without animal products. Some regular beers use ingredients like isinglass (from fish), gelatin, or lactose, which makes them non-vegan. Vegan-friendly beers do not use these ingredients or any animal byproducts in filtering or brewing. Most gluten-free beers are also vegan, but always check the label to be sure.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors
Choosing gluten-free or vegan-friendly craft beers supports a wide range of dietary needs. For people with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, avoiding gluten in all forms can prevent fatigue, digestive issues, and other symptoms. These beers also make it easier to participate in social events without worry.
Vegan-friendly beers, on the other hand, align with plant-based values and are ideal for those avoiding animal products for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. They’re also a safer option for individuals with allergies to dairy or other animal byproducts.
As always, check the label or consult the brewery to confirm whether a beer is truly gluten-free or vegan. Many brands now clearly mark their beers, but when in doubt, resources like Choose Veganism’s vegan beer list can help you verify.
Essential Ingredients and Brewing Methods
Crafting high-quality gluten-free or vegan-friendly craft beers requires thoughtful ingredient choices and tailored brewing techniques. Brewers often use alternative grains, plant-based additives, and specific fermentation methods to meet dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Traditional vs. Alternative Grains in Craft Beer
Most traditional beers use malted barley, which contains gluten and isn’t suitable for people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. In gluten-free brewing, this grain is replaced with naturally gluten-free alternatives like sorghum, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, rice, and corn.
Each of these grains contributes unique qualities:
- Sorghum creates a light, crisp profile common in gluten-free lagers.
- Millet adds mild sweetness and a smooth finish.
- Quinoa and buckwheat bring nutty, earthy notes.
- Rice and corn offer a clean, neutral base perfect for lighter beers.
Many top breweries now blend these grains to craft well-balanced, gluten-free beers with complex flavors. Some even use ancient grains to push creative boundaries. For more on this, see this guide to gluten-free beer ingredients.
Additives and Clarifying Agents That Impact Vegan Status
Additives used during brewing can affect whether a beer is vegan. Some traditional beers include animal-derived agents such as:
- Isinglass (from fish bladder)
- Gelatin
- Honey
- Lactose (milk sugar)
These are typically used for clarification or sweetness but are not suitable for vegan consumers. Unfortunately, many of these ingredients aren’t listed on labels.
Vegan-friendly craft beers, however, use plant-based alternatives like:
- Bentonite clay
- Irish moss
- Pea protein
These substitutes create the same visual clarity and body without any animal byproducts. Many craft breweries today focus on using only vegan-friendly fining agents. You can learn more from this guide to vegan craft beers.
Brewing Process and Fermentation Techniques
While the core brewing process remains similar, producing gluten-free or vegan craft beers requires key adjustments:
- Mashing temperatures may be altered to accommodate how non-barley grains break down.
- Enzymes are often added to extract sugars and reduce gluten levels.
- Yeast strains are carefully selected for clean fermentation and flavor balance.
Vegan beers also skip secondary additives that may contain animal products. The entire process is monitored to ensure the beer meets strict dietary standards while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.
For more insight into gluten-free brewing, check out this detailed brewing guide.
Best Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly Craft Beers
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With more breweries prioritizing inclusive brewing, there are now more exciting options than ever for those seeking gluten-free and vegan-friendly craft beers. These beers don’t just meet dietary needs — they deliver big on flavor and quality.
Award-Winning and Certified Gluten-Free Selections
Some standout craft beers are officially certified gluten-free, meeting strict standards like those set by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These beers are brewed with naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum and rice — not barley or wheat — and typically contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, making them safe for people with coeliac disease.
🍻 Top Certified Gluten-Free Picks:
- Green’s Amber Ale
A rich, malty Belgian-style ale brewed from millet and rice. Deep amber in color with a toasty finish — perfect for those who miss traditional pub ales. - Ghostfish Brewing Grapefruit IPA
A bold American IPA that’s 100% gluten-free and bursting with citrusy grapefruit flavor. A top choice for hop lovers. - Daura Damm Lager
One of the most popular gluten-free lagers in the world. Smooth, clean, and award-winning — it’s hard to tell it’s gluten-free.
A table helps compare their gluten content and style:
| Beer Name | Style | Certified Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Green’s Amber Ale | Amber Ale | ✅ Yes |
| Ghostfish Grapefruit IPA | IPA | ✅ Yes |
| Daura Damm Lager | Lager | ✅ Yes |
Among the top contenders for gluten-free and vegan-friendly craft beers, three standout names are making waves with their bold flavors and dietary transparency: Brunehaut, Galton, and Moon Gazer. Each brand brings a unique approach to brewing while ensuring their beers are inclusive, clean, and satisfying for all types of drinkers.
Brunehaut Brewery, based in Belgium, offers award-winning, traditionally styled beers that are certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Their Blonde and Amber ales are brewed using ancient techniques but with modern filtration that removes gluten to below 5 ppm. Brunehaut’s beers are rich in malt flavor and ideal for those who love Belgian-style complexity without the gluten.
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Galton Brewery is a rising UK-based producer that specializes in small-batch, craft beers made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. Galton’s beers often lean toward pale ales and lagers, with light citrusy profiles and clean finishes. Their brewing process avoids all animal-based additives, making their lineup friendly to vegans and those with gluten sensitivity.
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Moon Gazer Ales, brewed by Norfolk Brewhouse, has made a name for itself by offering traditional English ales in gluten-free formats. Known for their focus on flavor clarity and balance, Moon Gazer’s beers are vegan and brewed with local ingredients. The brewery uses a specific enzyme treatment to remove gluten while preserving full flavor and body.
Try these brews for yourself – available online.
| Beer Name | Style | Certified Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Brunehaut Blonde | Belgian Blonde | ✅ Yes |
| Galton Pale Ale | Pale Ale | ✅ Yes |
| Moon Gazer Jigfoot | Amber Ale | ✅ Yes |
Best Vegan-Friendly Craft Beer Choices
Many gluten-free craft beers are also naturally vegan-friendly, avoiding ingredients like honey, isinglass (fish-based clarifier), or lactose. Instead, they use plant-based fining agents such as Irish moss or pea protein to keep the beer clear and clean-tasting.
Breweries like Beer Hunter and Shandy Shack are known for offering curated packs that clearly meet both gluten-free and vegan standards — making it easier for shoppers who want beers that align with their dietary and ethical values.
🍻 Noteworthy Vegan and Gluten-Free Beers
- Beer Hunter Gluten Free & Vegan Craft Beer Case
A 12-pack selection of top UK craft beers that are both gluten-free and vegan. Ideal for sampling, gifting, or discovering new favorites.
👉 See the top picks from Beer Hunter. - Shandy Shack Elderflower Lager Top
A refreshing, fully vegan lager infused with elderflower and brewed with natural flavors. It’s gluten-free and low in alcohol — perfect for a light, easy-drinking option.
🛒 Tip: Look for beer labels or gift sets clearly marked “gluten free” and “vegan friendly” to ensure they meet both criteria.
Notable Gluten-Removed Craft Beer Options
Gluten-removed beers are brewed with traditional grains like barley but use enzymes to break down gluten proteins to levels below 20 ppm. While suitable for some with mild gluten sensitivities, these beers are not recommended for those with coeliac disease.
Several breweries are transparent about their gluten-removal methods and testing, offering beers that closely mimic traditional taste profiles.
🍺 Popular Gluten-Removed Craft Beers
- Omission Lager
One of the first and most widely available gluten-removed lagers. Crafted with barley and enzyme-treated to reduce gluten while retaining classic lager flavor. - Estrella Galicia Gluten-Removed Lager
A crisp Spanish lager that regularly tests below gluten thresholds. Known for its smooth finish and clean profile. - Two Brothers Prairie Path
A golden ale crafted for gluten-sensitive drinkers, offering malty notes and a clean, approachable taste.
⚠️ Always check the label or contact the brewery if you have coeliac disease, as “gluten-removed” is not the same as “certified gluten-free.”
👉 For more recommendations, explore this list of top gluten-free and gluten-removed craft beers.
Exploring Non-Alcoholic and Low-ABV Alternatives
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or vegan-friendly craft beer with little to no alcohol, you’re in luck. The market now offers a wide selection of alcohol-free and low-ABV beers that don’t compromise on taste or dietary standards. Whether you’re avoiding alcohol for health reasons, lifestyle choices, or just want a lighter option for social occasions, there are more inclusive brews than ever before.
Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands
In recent years, several breweries have stepped up with impressive gluten-free non-alcoholic beers. These brews are crafted using gluten-free grains or advanced enzyme treatments to make them safe for coeliac or gluten-sensitive drinkers.
🔹 Top Brands to Know:
- Athletic Brewing Co.
Known for its wide selection of non-alcoholic beers made from millet, rice, and other gluten-free grains. Their beers are also vegan and widely available in the UK and US. - Big Drop Brewing Co.
Offers award-winning, vegan-friendly non-alcoholic beers brewed with gluten-free techniques. Available in cans and on draught, their range includes stouts, IPAs, and lagers. - IMPOSSIBREW®
Specializes in low-ABV lagers using enzyme technology to reduce gluten to under 10 ppm — a level considered safe for most gluten-free diets.
📚 Want more suggestions? Don’t miss our roundup of the Top 10 Low-ABV and Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers — perfect for mindful sipping without compromise.
What Does 0.5% ABV Really Mean?
In the UK and many countries, beers with 0.5% ABV or less are legally considered non-alcoholic. This amount of alcohol is minimal — similar to what’s naturally found in kombucha, fruit juice, or even ripe bananas.
This small percentage allows brewers to preserve more flavor than with fully alcohol-removed options. Many gluten-free, 0.5% ABV beers offer a full-bodied taste while remaining suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
🧊 Tip: Always read the label to confirm both the ABV and gluten-free or vegan status, especially if you have coeliac disease or specific sensitivities.
For example, BBC Good Food recently featured a gluten-free lager at 0.5% ABV praised for its flavor and easy drinkability — a perfect option for mindful drinking.
Buying and Enjoying Gluten-Free or Vegan-Friendly Craft Beers
Knowing how to choose, store, and serve gluten-free or vegan-friendly craft beers can make a big difference in taste and enjoyment. From reading labels to pairing with food, a few simple steps help ensure a great drinking experience.
🏷️ Interpreting Labels and Certifications
When shopping for inclusive craft beers, it’s essential to read labels carefully:
- Gluten-Free Certification: Look for certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This confirms that the beer contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, making it safe for most people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
- Vegan-Friendly Labels: Vegan beers are usually marked with a “vegan” logo or will clearly state that no animal-derived ingredients were used — including isinglass (fish), gelatin, lactose, or honey.
- Gluten-Removed Warning: Beers labeled “gluten-removed” are not the same as certified gluten-free. These are made with gluten-containing grains but treated with enzymes to reduce gluten levels. If you’re coeliac or highly sensitive, it’s best to avoid these.
✅ Use tools like the Barnivore App to check whether a beer meets vegan standards.
🍽️ Storage, Pairing, and Serving Tips
To get the most out of your gluten-free or vegan beer, follow these simple tips:
- Storage: Keep bottles and cans upright in a cool, dark place. For extended storage, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions:
- Light gluten-free lagers or pilsners pair well with salads, grilled vegetables, or rice dishes.
- Vegan stouts or dark ales complement mushroom stews, roasted root vegetables, or vegan chili.
- For snacking, try gluten-free pretzels or vegan crisps.
- Serving Advice: Use clean glasses and pour gently to preserve the head. Most craft beers — especially unfiltered or vegan ones — taste best slightly chilled (around 7–10°C), not ice cold, so their flavors and aromas can shine.
🔍 Always check the packaging or brewery website for specific serving suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many breweries now make gluten-free and vegan-friendly craft beers that can be found at retail stores, supermarkets, and pubs in the UK. The following information explains which brands stand out, where to buy them, and how to find these beers.
Which breweries produce the best gluten-free beers?
Athletic Brewing Co., Big Drop Brewing Co., and IMPOSSIBREW® are known for their award-winning, gluten-free options. Their beers often use gluten-free grains or enzyme treatment to meet strict gluten-free standards. Some breweries focus on unique flavors and craft quality while keeping gluten out of their recipes. More details about brewery methods can be found in this guide to gluten-free non-alcoholic beers.
Can you list popular gluten-free beers available at supermarkets?
Brands such as Grüvi, Green’s, Big Drop, and Athletic Brewing offer gluten-free craft beers that are often stocked in major UK supermarkets. Celia Lager and Ipswich Ale Brewery also provide options that appeal to gluten-free drinkers. Many of these can be found on the shelves in both specialty and larger grocery stores. For more details, see this list of top gluten-free lagers in 2025.
What options are available for gluten-free draft beer in the UK?
Pubs and taprooms in the UK increasingly feature gluten-free draft beer. Breweries like Big Drop Brewing Co. offer draft options specifically made for bars and pubs. Availability depends on the venue, but demand is making gluten-free options more common behind the bar.
Are there any vegan-friendly craft beers that are also gluten-free?
Several brands provide both vegan-friendly and gluten-free beers. Big Drop Brewing Co. makes vegan and gluten-free beers that cater to customers with dietary restrictions. These beers use plant-based ingredients and skip animal-derived fining agents. More about vegan and gluten-free choices is available in this craft beer case for gluten free and vegan drinkers.
What are the top-rated gluten-free beers found in pubs?
Top-rated gluten-free beers often found in pubs include Grüvi IPA, Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout, and Celia Lager. These beers have good reviews and are frequently praised for both flavor and accessibility. Choices can differ by location, but these brands are recognized for quality gluten-free options. See more top picks at Brew Publik’s list of the 10 best gluten-free non-alcoholic beers.
How do I identify gluten-free beers at retail stores?
Gluten-free beers usually display a clear label or logo stating “gluten-free.” Packaging may also note compliance with gluten-free standards, such as less than 20 ppm gluten. Retailers often place these beers in a separate section or provide shelf tags indicating gluten-free status, making them easier to find.
