Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people cutting gluten out of their diets for health or lifestyle reasons. For those who follow a gluten free diet, checking labels and asking questions about menu items is a daily necessity. With the rise in popularity of hard seltzers like Bud Light Seltzer, a common question has emerged – are these trendy new drinks safe for gluten free diets?
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of symptoms and health issues. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) refers to a condition where ingestion of gluten leads to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and headache but there is no damage to the small intestine. People with celiac disease or NCGS need to adhere to a strict 100% gluten free diet.
Are Bud Light Seltzers gluten free?
The quick answer is yes – Bud Light Seltzers are considered gluten free. According to Anheuser-Busch, the company that produces the Bud Light Seltzer products, these seltzers are brewed using a gluten free fermentation process and all the ingredients used are considered gluten free. On Bud Light Seltzer packaging and on the company’s website, it is stated that the beverages contain less than 10 PPM (parts per million) of gluten. This falls well below the FDA standard of less than 20 PPM for items to be labeled as gluten free.
Ingredients in Bud Light Seltzers
To understand what makes the Bud Light Seltzers gluten free, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:
– Carbonated water – Water is naturally gluten free. The carbonation process does not introduce any gluten.
– Cane sugar – Cane sugar comes from sugar canes, which do not contain gluten. Cane sugar is gluten free.
– Natural flavors – Flavorings are typically proprietary blends. Bud Light states that the natural flavors used in their seltzers are gluten free.
– Citric acid – This organic acid found in citrus fruits is gluten free.
– Sodium citrate – The sodium salt of citric acid, also gluten free.
– Fruit juice – Juices are naturally gluten free unless contaminated. Bud Light Seltzers are made with gluten free fruit juices.
– Sucralose – An artificial sweetener made from sugar but contains no gluten.
So by examining the ingredients, it is clear that the ingredients themselves do not contain gluten and would make the Bud Light Seltzer products gluten free.
Testing for Gluten in Bud Light Seltzers
In addition to having gluten free ingredients, Anheuser-Busch has conducted testing to confirm the absence of gluten in Bud Light Seltzers. To test for gluten, they used the R5 Competitive ELISA test, which is one of the most sensitive antibody-based detection methods. This test looks for residual protein fragments found when gluten is broken down during the brewing process.
Across different production lots of the Bud Light Seltzers, testing showed gluten levels consistently below 10 PPM, confirming that trace amounts of gluten, if any, are well below the allowable limits. Third-party laboratories also conduct additional testing periodically and have verified the lack of quantifiable gluten in the seltzers.
Bud Light Seltzer Manufacturing Process
In addition to ingredients and testing, having a gluten-free production process ensures no gluten is introduced. Here are some key points about how Bud Light Seltzers are manufactured:
– Gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye are not used. The fermentable sugars used for brewing come from cane sugar instead of malted grains.
– The factories and production lines where Bud Light Seltzers are produced do not handle any gluten-containing ingredients. Separate equipment is used.
– Contamination is prevented through cleaning protocols, standard operating procedures, employee training, and production scheduling.
– Each batch is tested for gluten during the production process and packaging.
Through both ingredients and processes, Bud Light Seltzer has carefully ensured no gluten ends up in their product.
Are all Bud Light Seltzer flavors gluten free?
Yes, all of the Bud Light Seltzer flavors including Bud Light Seltzer, Bud Light Seltzer Remix Editions, Bud Light Seltzer Hard Soda, Bud Light Seltzer Ugly Sweater Pack, and any limited edition or seasonal Bud Light Seltzer flavors are gluten free.
They abide by the same gluten free production processes. Anheuser-Busch has verified through extensive testing that every recipe has no detectable gluten. So whether you prefer flavors like Strawberry, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Apple Crisp, or Pumpkin Spice, you can enjoy any Bud Light Seltzer. Limited releases like the retro Hard Sodas or festive holiday flavors follow the same gluten free standards.
Is Bud Light Seltzer safe for people with celiac disease?
For people with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten free diet is critical to managing their condition and preventing complications. Despite intensive testing showing undetectable levels of gluten, some sources still recommend those with celiac disease proceed with caution when it comes to gluten removed beers. This is because there is a lack of long-term research on the effects of trace gluten.
The Celiac Disease Foundation states that while gluten removed beers might be safe for some people with celiac disease, they recommend individuals work with their doctor to make the best individual decision for them based on health history and risk factors. Those with celiac disease should watch for any symptoms that develop when trying gluten removed beers and discontinue use if issues arise. They suggest erring on the side of caution, especially for those newly diagnosed.
So in summary, while Bud Light Seltzer is as gluten free as possible according to current testing procedures, some sources recommend those with celiac disease get medical guidance to determine if it can fit safely in their diets. Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can be more flexible in trying gluten removed beers, but should still watch for symptoms.
Is Bud Light Seltzer safe during a gluten challenge?
If someone needs to undergo gluten challenge testing for celiac disease diagnosis, Bud Light Seltzer would not be recommended during this time. A gluten challenge involves eating gluten-containing foods for a period of 2 weeks prior to getting celiac disease blood testing. This ensures any celiac disease antibodies can be detected in the blood work. Having even trace amounts of gluten from sources like Bud Light Seltzer could potentially interfere with antibody levels. So for those undergoing gluten challenge, it’s advised to strictly avoid all gluten removed beers and adhere fully to a gluten-containing diet to get accurate test results. Once diagnosis and treatment has begun, Bud Light Seltzer can be reintroduced as long as it is tolerated.
Do Bud Light Seltzers contain wheat, barley, rye?
No, Bud Light Seltzers do not contain wheat, barley, or rye – the gluten-containing grains. As they are brewed differently than traditional fermented malt beverages, the recipes do not call for the use of these cereal grains. They replace fermentable sugars that would come from barley malt with cane sugar instead. Testing has verified no detectable traces of protein from wheat, barley, rye, or any gluten-containing ingredient.
Can I get a gluten free Bud Light Seltzer at bars/restaurants?
One concern when ordering gluten free drinks like Bud Light Seltzer away from home is potential for cross-contamination. Take care to ensure staff understand the request for a gluten free seltzer. Verify your drink is poured away from any beer taps to avoid drips and spills. Ask to see an unopened can or bottle opened in front of you. While the product itself is gluten free, cross-contamination with beer containing gluten could occur in a bar/restaurant environment. Adhering to a gluten free diet requires extra care when eating/drinking away from home.
Is Bud Light Seltzer truly gluten free?
Some skeptical gluten free consumers question whether any beer subjected to gluten removal can be considered 100% gluten free. Since Bud Light Seltzer is fermented from cane sugar and natural flavors rather than barley malt, it avoids this concern. The lack of gluten-containing ingredients from the start makes the end product definitively gluten free. Extensive testing down to parts per million along every step of the process ensures any traces are far below the gluten free threshold. Reputable third party labs have verified the accuracy of these results. So yes, Bud Light Seltzer can unequivocally be considered gluten free.
Should people with gluten sensitivities drink Bud Light Seltzer?
Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be able to tolerate Bud Light Seltzer without issues. Since NCGS presents with symptoms after ingesting gluten, but does not involve intestinal damage, trace amounts are less of a concern. The levels of undetectable gluten proteins should be well below amounts that typically trigger symptoms in most people with gluten intolerance. Of course, individual sensitivities vary, so it’s wise to try a Bud Light Seltzer in moderation at first. Discontinue use if any worrisome symptoms develop. But most people with NCGS can feel comfortable enjoying this brand of gluten free seltzer.
Is Bud Light Seltzer safe for people with wheat allergies?
In addition to celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, some people have a wheat allergy. This is different from gluten intolerance – a wheat allergy involves an immune reaction to any wheat proteins. So are Bud Light Seltzers safe for people with wheat allergies? While testing shows gluten levels from wheat are undetectable, some with wheat allergies may wish to exercise additional caution. There is limited research data on potential trace proteins. Those with wheat allergy concerns should consult their doctor to see if trying gluten removed beers like Bud Light Seltzer would be advisable for them personally.
What about other gluten free and gluten removed beers?
While this article focuses specifically on Bud Light Seltzers, other gluten free and gluten removed beer options exist:
– Gluten free beers like Omission, Ghostfish, and Glutenberg brew their beers from gluten-free grains like millet, sorghum, rice, buckwheat and corn. They undergo testing to confirm no detectable gluten.
– Other “crafted to remove gluten” large beer brands like Coors Peak, Corona Premier, Heineken, etc. use a similar proprietary enzyme process as Bud Light to break down gluten proteins. Testing verifies gluten below 10ppm.
So craft gluten free brands as well as large brands striving to meet gluten free demand are options in addition to Bud Light Seltzer. Those with celiac should still exercise caution. But most people following gluten free diets can likely enjoy these alternative beers safely as well.
Conclusion
To conclude, Bud Light Seltzer is considered gluten-free based on its ingredients, manufacturing process, and exhaustive testing that verifies non-detectable levels of gluten. People with celiac disease should proceed cautiously and consult their doctor before trying. But most others following gluten free diets, including those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy, can likely safely drink Bud Light Seltzer. While trace amounts of gluten may potentially be present below testing limits, this is the case for all foods labeled gluten free. So in answer to the original question – yes, Bud Light Seltzer is gluten free according to both the company and leading experts in celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Moderation is recommended, but most gluten free consumers can enjoy these popular hard seltzers.
