Quick Answers
Michelob Ultra Amber Max is likely not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Michelob Ultra Amber Max is a lager-style beer brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. The gluten content may be reduced through processing but is unlikely to be fully eliminated. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid consuming Michelob Ultra Amber Max, as even small amounts of gluten can cause issues.
What is Michelob Ultra Amber Max?
Michelob Ultra Amber Max is a brand of amber lager produced by Anheuser-Busch. It was introduced in 2022 as a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) version of Michelob Ultra, containing 6% ABV compared to 4.2% ABV in regular Michelob Ultra.
Like the original Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is marketed as a light beer option, with only 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz serving. It is brewed with malted barley as well as rice and hops.
What ingredients are used in Michelob Ultra Amber Max?
The main ingredients used to brew Michelob Ultra Amber Max are:
- Malted barley
- Rice
- Hops
- Yeast
- Water
Malted barley provides the enzymes needed to convert starch into fermentable sugars. It also contributes flavor, color, and gluten content to the beer. Rice is used as an adjunct grain to lighten the body and flavor. Hops add bitterness and aroma. Water and yeast are also essential for fermentation.
Does Michelob Ultra Amber Max contain gluten?
Yes, Michelob Ultra Amber Max does contain gluten. This is because it is brewed using malted barley, which contains gluten proteins.
During the brewing process, the gluten in the barley is not completely removed or broken down. As a result, the finished Michelob Ultra Amber Max beer still contains gluten. The exact gluten content is not provided by the manufacturer.
Beers brewed without any gluten-containing grains, like sorghum or corn, are typically labeled “gluten-free.” Michelob Ultra Amber Max does not make a gluten-free claim.
Is Michelob Ultra Amber Max safe for people with celiac disease?
No, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is generally not considered safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by consuming gluten.
People with celiac disease must follow a strictly gluten-free diet, avoiding any products containing wheat, barley, or rye. Even tiny amounts of gluten from contaminated foods or beverages can cause issues.
The gluten content of Michelob Ultra Amber Max, despite being partially broken down during processing, is likely too high for those with celiac disease. Consuming it could cause adverse health effects like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
Amount of gluten that triggers reactions
Research indicates that ingesting as little as 10-50 mg of gluten per day can cause intestinal damage in those with celiac disease. A 12 oz serving of beer contains around 3000-4000 mg of gluten on average.
While Michelob Ultra Amber Max may have lower gluten levels than typical beer due to its rice content, it almost certainly exceeds the safe threshold for celiac patients.
No safe level
There is no universally “safe” level of gluten consumption for those with celiac disease. The amount needed to trigger symptoms varies between individuals. Some show signs after consuming as little as 10 mg per day.
To be cautious, people with celiac disease should avoid any intentionally gluten-containing foods like Michelob Ultra Amber Max.
Could Michelob Ultra Amber Max be gluten-removed?
Some beers are processed to remove gluten using special enzymes that break down the gluten proteins. This results in “gluten-removed” beer with gluten levels below 20 parts per million (ppm).
However, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is not currently marketed as a gluten-removed beer. There is no indication that Anheuser-Busch uses gluten-removing enzymes in its production process.
Unless clearly labeled as gluten-removed, Michelob Ultra Amber Max should be assumed to contain gluten in amounts unsafe for celiacs.
What about other gluten-reduced beers?
In addition to gluten-removed beers, some brands produce “gluten-reduced” beers using procedures to lower the gluten content. These beers typically have between 5-50 ppm of gluten.
Major brands offering gluten-reduced beer options include:
- Omission
- Stone Delicious IPA
- New Planet
- Ghostfish
While gluten-reduced beers have lower gluten levels than regular beer, there is still some risk of reaction in sensitive individuals. Those with celiac disease are advised to exercise caution with gluten-reduced beers as well.
Gluten content can vary
The gluten content of gluten-reduced beers may also vary between production batches. The exact gluten levels may fluctuate based on brewing conditions.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should carefully research brands and batches before consuming to minimize the chance of illness.
Are other Michelob Ultra products safe?
No, other beers in the Michelob Ultra product line should also be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. All Michelob Ultra beers, including:
- Michelob Ultra
- Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
- Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer
contain gluten from the use of malted barley in the brewing process. None are labeled as gluten-free or gluten-removed.
Other ingredients of concern
Some Michelob Ultra products may also contain other problematic ingredients for those following a gluten-free diet, like maltodextrin. Anyone with celiac disease should thoroughly review the ingredients list of any Michelob Ultra product before consuming.
Are there any safe alcoholic drinks for celiacs?
Yes, there are some alcoholic beverage options generally considered safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These include:
- Wine – Most wines are made solely from grapes and are not a concern. Some wine coolers or flavored wines may contain gluten as added ingredients.
- Distilled spirits – Spirits made from gluten-free ingredients like potatoes (vodka), grapes (brandy), or corn (bourbon) are safe.
- Gluten-free beers – Beers certified gluten-free are made without barley, wheat, or rye.
- Hard ciders – Most ciders are gluten-free, but some may have gluten-containing additives.
- Gluten-free mixers – Mixers like soda, tonic water, juices, and gluten-free dairy products can be safely mixed with spirits.
Those with celiac disease should still exercise caution and check ingredient lists whenever possible, as gluten sources can sometimes be hidden. When in doubt, contacting the manufacturer is recommended.
Is Michelob Ultra Amber Max safe in small amounts?
No, those with celiac disease are advised to avoid consuming even small or accidental amounts of Michelob Ultra Amber Max. Some reasons why small amounts may still be unsafe include:
- Can activate autoimmune reaction – Just tiny bits of gluten can trigger the immune systems of those with celiac disease.
- May increase sensitivity – Repeated exposure to small amounts of gluten can increase gluten sensitivity over time.
- Adds to total gluten intake – Small amounts contribute to total daily gluten consumption which may already be borderline.
- Cross-contact risks – Gluten residue on glasses or taps may contaminate the Michelob Ultra Amber Max during service.
The safest recommendation is to avoid any amount of knowingly gluten-containing foods or beverages like Michelob Ultra Amber Max when following a gluten-free diet for medical reasons.
Should celiacs drink alcohol at all?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for adults with well-managed celiac disease. However, those with celiac disease should keep the following factors in mind regarding alcohol use:
- Damage from gluten exposure can be magnified by alcohol’s effects on the gastrointestinal system.
- Alcohol may contribute to nutritional deficiencies common in celiacs, especially folic acid.
- Celiacs may be at increased risk for liver disease, and alcohol adds additional liver stress.
- Drinking may lower inhibitions about strict gluten avoidance when dining out.
It is best for those with celiac disease to limit alcohol intake to no more than 1-2 servings per day as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Abstaining from alcohol also eliminates the concern around hidden gluten sources.
Other frequent questions
Can I have just one drink?
No, it is not recommended that those with celiac disease consume any amount of Michelob Ultra Amber Max, even one drink. Trace amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms, and gluten contamination may affect the safety of just a single serving.
What if it’s gluten-free beer?
Certified gluten-free beers that do not contain wheat, barley, or rye are generally considered safe for those with celiac disease. However, it is still smart to consume them in moderation.
Could this vary by individual?
Yes, those with celiac disease react differently based on the severity of their condition. Factors like the degree of intestinal damage and strength of the immune response affect individual tolerance levels. However, without personal testing, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is too risky to consume.
What about other gluten sensitivities?
For individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is also not recommended. While reactions may be milder than in celiacs, there are still potential symptoms from any gluten exposure.
The Bottom Line
In summary, Michelob Ultra Amber Max is not considered a safe choice for those following a gluten-free diet, including individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. Since it is brewed using barley malt, Michelob Ultra Amber Max inherently contains gluten. The exact gluten content is uncertain but is likely higher than the safe threshold for even minute gluten exposure. Those with medical needs to avoid gluten should steer clear of consuming Michelob Ultra Amber Max or any intentionally gluten-containing foods and beverages.
| Beer Brand | Gluten-Free? | Generally Safe for Celiacs? |
|---|---|---|
| Michelob Ultra Amber Max | No | No |
| Omission | No (gluten-reduced) | Use Caution |
| Ghostfish Grapefruit IPA | Yes | Yes |
