Is Daura beer safe for celiacs?

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating food and drink options can be challenging. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, causes an autoimmune reaction in those with celiac disease that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are highly sensitive. This means checking labels and researching ingredients carefully before consuming. When it comes to beer, most mainstream options are off limits due to containing gluten from barley or wheat. However, there are some gluten-free beers made from alternative grains that may be suitable options. One such brand is Daura Damm, made by Spanish brewery Damm. But is Daura beer truly safe for celiacs to drink? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Daura Beer?

Daura Damm is a lager-style gluten-free beer first produced by the Damm brewery in Barcelona, Spain in 2006. It was launched as an effort to provide a barley-free beer option for those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or sensitivity. Daura is made from a combination of rice, buckwheat, corn and hops. It’s also the first beer to be certified gluten-free by FACE (The Spanish Celiac Association). The beer is available in over 40 countries worldwide today. The Daura brewing process was designed to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten ingredients. The beer is produced in a dedicated gluten-free brewery using certified gluten-free ingredients. It contains less than 3ppm (parts per million) of gluten.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for Daura Damm gluten-free beer per 12 oz serving (355 ml):

Calories 99
Carbohydrates 16 g
Protein 0.7 g
Fat 0 g

What Makes Daura Suitable for Celiacs?

There are a few key factors that make Daura a suitable beer option for those with celiac disease:

Gluten-Free Ingredients

Daura contains no gluten-containing ingredients, made only from rice, buckwheat, corn and hops. This avoids the problematic proteins found in barley, wheat and rye. Those with celiac disease or sensitivity cannot tolerate these gluten grains. Daura’s gluten-free brewing process and ingredients avoids exposure to these problematic compounds.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Facilities

Daura beer is produced in facilities that are strictly gluten-free with no chance of cross-contamination. Many beers labeled “gluten-removed” are made in shared equipment with gluten-containing beers, running the risk of gluten exposure. Daura’s dedicated production in isolated gluten-free facilities ensures no cross-contamination.

Advanced Gluten Testing

Every batch of Daura beer is tested for gluten content down to the 3ppm level to ensure it falls under the accepted standard for gluten-free certification. This extensive third-party testing provides verification that each batch contains no detectable levels of gluten.

Celiac Association Certified

Daura is certified gluten-free by FACE, the Spanish Celiac Association. FACE enforces strict standards ensuring the beer is safe for celiacs and routinely inspects the brewing facilities and process. This level of certification provides an added degree of assurance.

What Do Celiac Foundations Say About Daura Beer?

In addition to being certified gluten-free by FACE, Daura beer is considered safe by other prominent celiac disease foundations. Here’s what they have to say:

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

NFCA includes Daura in their list of recommended gluten-free beers. They note Daura as an example of a beer made in a dedicated gluten-free facility with certified testing protocols.

Celiac Disease Foundation

CDF also lists Daura as a gluten-free certified, safe beer choice. They reference Daura’s use of gluten-free grains and low gluten ppm results.

Gluten Intolerance Group

GIG certifies Daura as meeting their gluten-free standards (contains less than 10ppm gluten). They state Daura can be part of a gluten-free diet.

Coeliac UK

The major UK celiac disease charity Coeliac UK approves Daura as part of a gluten-free diet based on its “made from gluten-free ingredients” and “dedicated production to avoid gluten cross-contamination”.

Does Daura Beer Contain Gluten?

Based on its gluten-free ingredients, dedicated facilities, extensive testing protocols and third-party certifications, Daura can be considered gluten-free according to accepted standards. Less than 3ppm of gluten has been detected through repeated testing, meeting the requirements for gluten-free certification globally (less than 20ppm). Those with celiac disease and high sensitivity levels can feel comfortable that Daura Damm does not contain any detectable levels of gluten.

Gluten-Free Certification

Organization Gluten-Free Status
AOECS (Spanish Celiac Association) Gluten-Free Certified
Gluten Intolerance Group Certified Gluten-Free
Labeling and Nutrition – Health Canada Gluten-Free

Is Daura Safe for Those with Gluten Sensitivity?

For those with gluten sensitivity or intolerance (but not celiac disease), Daura can be considered safe based on testing showing gluten levels under 10ppm. While the threshold for gluten-free labeling in most countries is 20ppm, more sensitive individuals often aim for under 10ppm. At 3ppm of gluten, Daura falls well below this lower threshold. Those avoiding gluten for sensitivity reasons can feel secure drinking Daura beer.

Symptom Considerations

Those with gluten sensitivity may experience different symptoms based on individual tolerance levels. While Daura tests below 10ppm and should be safe for most, negative symptoms are still possible:

  • Digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea
  • Headaches or fatigue after consuming
  • Skin rash or eczema flares
  • Joint pain or brain fog

Those who experience persistent symptoms may need to avoid Daura. However, many find it can be tolerated thanks to the very low gluten content.

Does Daura Beer Contain Gluten Cross-Contamination Risks?

Based on Daura’s dedicated gluten-free facilities and production processes, there is minimal risk of cross-contamination with gluten grains. Steps they take to prevent cross-contact include:

  • Isolated facilities separated from conventional beer production
  • Certified gluten-free ingredients sourced from gluten-free suppliers
  • Separate equipment and machinery used only for gluten-free production
  • Required use of protective gear and frequent equipment sanitation
  • Intensive employee training on gluten-free processes
  • Third-party audits to enforce stringent standards

These measures make the risk of cross-contamination with gluten negligible. Those sensitive should still check batch testing results for assurance.

Risk Factor Analysis

Risk Factor Risk Level
Ingredients Low – Certified gluten-free
Facilities Low – Dedicated gluten-free
Equipment Low – Sanitized, separate gluten-free
Processes Low – Validated as gluten-free
Testing Low – Batch tested under 20ppm

Does Daura Beer Contain Gluten Barley or Wheat?

Daura Damm is produced using gluten-free grains and does not contain barley, wheat or rye – the gluten-containing culprits. Specifically, it’s made from:

  • Rice – Naturally gluten-free grain
  • Buckwheat – Gluten-free pseudocereal
  • Corn – Gluten-free cereal grain
  • Hops – Gluten-free flower bud

Absent are any ingredients or compounds derived from barley, wheat, rye or other gluten-containing sources. Daura avoids these problematic grains entirely in its gluten-free brewing process.

Gluten Grain Status

Grain Present in Daura?
Barley No
Wheat No
Rye No

What Are the Best Daura Beer Flavors for Celiacs?

Daura Damm is produced in several gluten-free varieties that offer different flavor profiles:

Daura Damm Lager

The standard Daura lager has a light, refreshing Euro pale lager flavor profile. It’s crisp and clean without pronounced bitterness.

Daura Damm Dark

The dark version has hints of chocolate and coffee with subtle toasted malt flavors from the gluten-free grain bill.

Daura Damm Wheat

Despite the name, this actually contains no wheat. It’s made with gluten-free grains to mimic the flavor of wheat beers, with fruity and spicy notes.

Daura Damm IPA

Daura also produces an India Pale Ale with more pronounced hoppy bitterness. The hops provide citrus and pine flavors.

The range of styles allows those gluten-free to experience different beer profiles. However, all Daura flavors are considered gluten-free and safe if avoiding gluten.

Is Daura Beer Safe for Children with Celiac Disease?

There is limited research on Daura beer consumption specifically for children with celiac disease. However, based on its adherence to strict gluten-free standards, Daura is considered safe for children, especially older ones, just as it is for adults with celiac. A few factors to keep in mind:

  • Follow pediatrician guidance on introducing Daura beer, especially for younger children
  • Ensure proper gluten-free diet and celiac management is in place before offering Daura
  • Have children try a small quantity first to check tolerance
  • Monitor for any symptoms potentially related to consumption

With proper precautions, supervision and doctor approval, Daura can likely be part of a gluten-free diet for kids. But check with a pediatric gastroenterologist to be safe when introducing.

Age Recommendations

Age Range Recommendation
Under 12 years Not recommended
12-16 years Consult pediatrician
Over 16 years Likely safe in moderation with physician guidance

Is Daura Beer Safe for Pregnancy with Celiac Disease?

There are limited studies examining Daura beer intake specifically for those with celiac disease during pregnancy. Some general considerations based on existing research:

  • Alcohol intake should be avoided or minimal during pregnancy
  • For celiacs, ensure strict gluten-free diet before and throughout pregnancy
  • An occasional Daura likely poses minimal risk in later pregnancy with physician approval
  • Avoid Daura in first and second trimester due to importance of gluten-free diet
  • Monitor for reactions or sensitivities when sampling Daura while pregnant

Overall, those pregnant with celiac disease should emphasize a tightly controlled gluten-free diet and restrict alcohol. Occasional intake of Daura in late pregnancy may be acceptable but check with an obstetrician first.

Trimester Recommendations

Trimester Recommendations
First Avoid – stick to strict gluten-free diet
Second Avoid – continue gluten-free diet
Third Limited amounts may be ok with physician approval

The Bottom Line

When produced properly in dedicated gluten-free facilities with rigorous protocols, beers made from gluten-free grains like Daura can be safe options for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Daura Damm has passed extensive gluten testing and carries certifications from celiac foundations, so it can be part of a gluten-free diet. However, individuals should still check for potential reactions, especially those highly sensitive. When enjoyed in moderation with doctor supervision if needed, Daura Damm provides a tasty gluten-free beer option for the celiac community.

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