Quick Answers
Neither Corona nor Modelo beer contains gluten ingredients. However, both are produced in facilities that also process gluten-containing ingredients. So while Corona and Modelo are gluten-free beers, there is a small chance of cross-contamination with gluten during production. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution when consuming Corona or Modelo beer.
About Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any problems. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. While gluten sensitivity may not require as strict of avoidance, many with this condition also benefit from eliminating gluten from their diets.
Beer often contains gluten because it is typically brewed from gluten-containing grains. However, some beers are crafted to remove gluten or avoid gluten ingredients altogether. These are considered “gluten-removed” or “gluten-free” beers. Determining if a specific beer is gluten-free requires an understanding of the brewing process and ingredients.
Corona’s Gluten Status
Corona is a lager-style beer produced in Mexico. It is brewed primarily from malt, hops, yeast and water. Corona does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, according to the company:
“Corona Extra is brewed from malt, hops, yeast and water. Our beers do not contain any wheat or gluten containing ingredients. However, our beers are produced in facilities that manufacture other products that do contain gluten. As a result, our beers do not meet the definition of “gluten-free” under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rule on gluten-free food labeling.”
So while Corona’s ingredients are gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during production means it does not meet the FDA definition of “gluten-free.” The FDA stipulates that for a product to be labeled gluten-free, it must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Risk of Gluten Cross-Contamination
While Corona contains no gluten ingredients, the facilities and equipment used to brew Corona are also used to brew beers that do contain gluten. There is a chance that tiny amounts of gluten could be introduced to the Corona beer during the brewing process. However, the company notes that gluten levels in Corona beers tested below 10 ppm (parts per million):
“We periodically test Corona Extra for the presence of gluten using the R5 Competitive ELISA method, which has a detection limit of 10 ppm. All samples tested have measured below 10 ppm.”
So while Corona contains trace levels of gluten due to manufacturing processes, these amounts are under 10 ppm. For comparison, the FDA threshold for “gluten-free” labeling is 20 ppm.
Certifications
Corona Extra does not claim to be gluten-free nor does it carry any gluten-free certifications. However, Corona Premier is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an independent certification organization. For those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, Corona Premier may be a safer option over regular Corona.
Modelo’s Gluten Status
Modelo is another Mexican beer brand that produces several popular styles like Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Modelo Chelada. Like Corona, Modelo beers do not contain gluten ingredients but are produced in shared facilities.
Here is the gluten-related information provided by Modelo:
“Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, Modelo Chelada and the rest of the Modelo family beers do not contain any wheat or gluten containing ingredients. However, our beers are produced in facilities that manufacture other products that do contain gluten. As a result, our beers do not currently meet the definition of gluten-free under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rule on gluten-free food labeling.”
Modelo follows a similar protocol as Corona when it comes to testing for gluten:
“We periodically test our beers for the presence of gluten using the R5 Competitive ELISA method, which has a detection limit of 10 ppm. All samples have measured below 10 ppm.”
Risk of Gluten Cross-Contamination
While Modelo contains no gluten ingredients, the gluten-free status is questionable due to shared equipment and facilities. Theoretical traces of gluten could be introduced during brewing, bottling or packaging. However, gluten testing has revealed levels under 10 ppm, below the FDA standard of 20 ppm.
Certifications
No Modelo beers are currently certified gluten-free. The company makes no gluten-free claims. However, Modelo is transparent about their facilities and testing procedures to allow consumers to make an informed decision.
Gluten-Free Labeling Regulations
For a product to bear a “gluten-free” claim in the United States, it must meet the FDA gluten-free food labeling standard:
- It must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
- No ingredients can be derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, barley and their hybrid strains.
- Any unavoidable presence of gluten must be below 20 ppm.
Products that contain between 20-100 ppm can be labeled “very low gluten” but not “gluten-free.” To put this in perspective, 20 ppm of gluten in one 12 oz beer is equivalent to .03 grams.
Alcohol falls under the FDA’s gluten-free labeling rule. So any beers labeled “gluten-free” in the U.S. must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
International Gluten-Free Standards
Gluten-free standards vary globally. For example, in Europe, the threshold is lower at 20mg/kg or 20 ppm. Foods labeled “gluten-free” in Europe can contain no more than 20mg/kg or 20 ppm of gluten.
In Australia and New Zealand, the gluten-free standard is “no detectable gluten.” This is considered stricter than the FDA rule.
So a beer labeled gluten-free in Europe or Australia/New Zealand would theoretically have less gluten than one labeled gluten-free in America. This is important for those following gluten-free diets, especially those with celiac disease who require the strictest avoidance.
Decoding Gluten-Free Claims
When it comes to beers that claim to be “gluten-free” or contain “no gluten ingredients,” it is important to understand what these terms mean and how gluten labeling is regulated. Some key things to look for:
- In the U.S., verify if a beer is certified gluten-free by an independent organization like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). This ensures adherence to the FDA gluten-free labeling standard.
- Look for beers labeled gluten-free in countries with stricter standards like Australia, New Zealand or Europe. For example, Belgian beers labeled “gluten-free” may have lower gluten levels than American ones.
- Beware of vague claims like “crafted to remove gluten.” Manufacturing processes can reduce but not eliminate gluten. Follow-up questions are needed.
- Contact the manufacturer for test results showing the parts per million of gluten detected, if any. This can provide more precise gluten content information.
Advisory labeling like “made in a facility that also processes wheat/gluten” indicates a shared production site. While the product may be made without gluten ingredients, cross-contact is likely.
Are Corona and Modelo Safe on a Gluten-Free Diet?
Whether or not Corona and Modelo are truly “gluten-free” beers is up for debate. Let’s recap the key facts:
- Neither beer contains gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, etc.
- Both are produced on shared equipment/in shared facilities with other beers that do contain gluten.
- Random batches have tested below 10 ppm of gluten, but this can vary.
- Neither are certified gluten-free by an independent organization.
Based on this information, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution with both Corona and Modelo beers. There is an unavoidable risk of gluten cross-contamination during production. However, the actual amounts of gluten in each batch is largely unknown and untested.
Assessing Your Risk
Whether or not to consume beers like Corona and Modelo comes down to individual risk assessment. Those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity fall on a spectrum when it comes to the amount of gluten they can safety tolerate:
- People with celiac disease: Need to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet with no cheating. Even traces of gluten can trigger damage to the small intestine. Consuming beers like Corona and Modelo on a regular basis is not recommended.
- People with gluten sensitivity/intolerance: May or may not react to trace amounts of gluten. Some have no issues with beers like Corona while others report reactions. Trial and error can help assess your personal tolerance.
- People without celiac/gluten sensitivity: Can typically tolerate the trace amounts of gluten present in beers like Corona and Modelo without issues.
Those with gluten-related conditions should work with a healthcare professional to determine suitable dietary boundaries based on health history and risk factors.
Safer Gluten-Free Beer Options
For a higher degree of certainty when it comes to gluten content, consider these options:
- Beers certified gluten-free by an independent certification organization like GIG.
- Beers that adhere to the German Purity Law and contain only the core ingredients of malt, hops, yeast and water.
- Gluten-removed beers that have tested below 20ppm.
- Cider, wine or gluten-free grain-based alcohols like rum, vodka, etc.
There are many high-quality gluten-free beers on the market today. With more awareness and testing capabilities, gluten content can be confirmed to safe levels for most people avoiding gluten.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to Corona and Modelo, there is no definitive yes/no answer on whether they are 100% gluten-free. The evidence points to:
- No gluten ingredients, but manufacturing processes may introduce traces of gluten due to shared equipment with other beers containing gluten.
- Testing shows gluten levels in Corona and Modelo beers under 10ppm, but this can vary between batches.
- Not certified gluten-free, so gluten content is not independently verified.
For individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, these beers may be risky due to uncertainty around gluten levels. While the majority of people can tolerate small amounts, those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet should exercise caution and evaluate other beer options that provide lab-tested assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corona gluten-free?
No, Corona does not meet the FDA definition of gluten-free (less than 20ppm). While Corona does not contain gluten ingredients, the risk of cross-contamination means gluten traces may be present.
Does Modelo contain gluten?
No, Modelo beers do not contain gluten ingredients. However, the risk of gluten cross-contact during production means Modelo does not meet the technical definition of gluten-free.
What beers are gluten-free?
There are many beers labeled gluten-free today such as Omission, Glutenberg, Ghostfish, etc. Look for “gluten-free” wording and certification from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Beers adhering to the German Purity Law also avoid gluten ingredients.
Is Michelob Ultra gluten-free?
No, Michelob Ultra is not gluten-free. It contains barley malt, a gluten ingredient. Anheuser-Busch clearly states Michelob Ultra contains gluten.
Is Heineken gluten-free?
No, Heineken is not gluten-free. It contains malted barley, a gluten-containing grain. Heineken does warn about gluten content on its packaging.
Is Dos Equis gluten-free?
No, Dos Equis beer contains malted barley and is not gluten-free, according to the Heineken company which brews Dos Equis.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to gluten and beer, labels can be misleading. Both Corona and Modelo test low for gluten but are not certified gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or on a strict gluten-free diet should use caution and opt for beers with verified gluten content under 20ppm.
While the majority of people can tolerate trace gluten, individuals highly sensitive should take a risk-based approach to these beers. Safer choices include ciders, wines, gluten-removed and certified gluten-free beers now available.
