Quick Answer
Michelob Ultra Max is generally considered gluten-free, as no gluten-containing ingredients are used in its production. However, the beer is not tested for gluten and the brewery does not claim it is gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution when consuming Michelob Ultra Max.
What is Michelob Ultra Max?
Michelob Ultra Max is a light lager produced by Anheuser-Busch. It is an extension of the popular Michelob Ultra brand. Michelob Ultra Max contains 6.6% alcohol by volume, nearly double the alcohol content of regular Michelob Ultra at 4.2% ABV.
Like other Michelob Ultra products, Michelob Ultra Max is positioned as a lower calorie, lower carbohydrate beer option. A 12 oz serving contains 2.6 grams of carbohydrates and 85 calories.
The beer is brewed with some differences from regular Michelob Ultra. It utilizes a specific yeast strain and extended fermentation process to achieve the higher alcohol level. The ingredients are water, barley malt, hop extract, and yeast.
Why Michelob Ultra Max is Generally Considered Gluten-Free
The primary reason that Michelob Ultra Max is considered gluten-free is because no gluten-containing ingredients are used in its production. The ingredients used are:
- Water
- Barley malt – Barley contains gluten, but the gluten is removed during the brewing process.
- Hop extract
- Yeast
None of these contain gluten. During the brewing process, the gluten contained in the barley malt is removed and what remains is gluten-free.
The gluten-containing proteins in the barley are water-soluble. During the mashing stage of brewing, these soluble proteins dissolve and are separated from the insoluble starch that is converted to fermentable sugars. The gluten protein fraction, referred to as “trub,” is removed.
What remains is a gluten-free malt base. The other ingredients – hops, yeast, and water – do not contain gluten. Therefore, the finished Michelob Ultra Max beer is free of gluten-containing ingredients.
No Testing or Verification of Gluten-Free Status
Despite not containing any gluten-containing ingredients, Michelob Ultra Max is not tested for gluten and Anheuser-Busch does not make any gluten-free claims about the beer.
Most beers produced from traditional ingredients like barley malt, hops, yeast, and water are considered gluten-free by various organizations because the gluten is removed during brewing:
- Less than 20 ppm gluten according to the FDA’s standard for labeling foods “gluten-free.”
- Less than 10 ppm gluten according to the international Codex Alimentarius standard for labeling foods “gluten-free.”
- Generally recognized as gluten-free (GRAS) according to the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau).
However, without batch testing, there is no way to verify the exact gluten content of Michelob Ultra Max. Trace amounts over 20 ppm may be possible, even if unlikely given the brewing process.
The lack of verification means those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution with Michelob Ultra Max. The manufacturer does not consider it gluten-free and there may be risk of trace gluten exposure.
No Barley Malt Extract
One potential source of gluten in beers is from barley malt extract. Some breweries use malt extract in the fermentation stage or to enhance flavor. Malt extract is derived from barley and may contain gluten.
Michelob Ultra Max does not use malt extract in its production process. It relies on barley malt as the main grain ingredient. This is a positive factor for the gluten-free status of Michelob Ultra Max, as no additional sources of gluten are added.
Advice for Those with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution when consuming Michelob Ultra Max:
- There is no verification the beer contains less than 20 ppm gluten and it is not labeled gluten-free.
- Those with celiac disease should avoid it, as there is some uncertainty over gluten content.
- People with gluten sensitivity who do not experience issues from beers labeled gluten-free may be able to drink Michelob Ultra Max with low risk.
- Try a small serving first to check for any reaction prior to drinking larger quantities.
- If you experience symptoms, avoid Michelob Ultra Max in the future.
It is best to choose beers that are explicitly tested and labeled gluten-free if you need to follow a strict gluten-free diet for medical reasons. Examples of beers that claim to be gluten-free include Omission, Glutenberg, and Ghostfish.
Likelihood of Trace Gluten
Given that no gluten-containing ingredients are knowingly added to Michelob Ultra Max, the likelihood of gluten being present in significant quantities greater than 20 ppm is low. However, trace amounts are certainly possible:
- Use of shared equipment – If equipment is shared with other beers containing gluten, trace amounts could be introduced to Michelob Ultra Max batches.
- Ingredients from suppliers – While the ingredients themselves do not contain gluten, the malt, hops, yeast, and water may come from suppliers that also handle gluten and issues with cross-contamination could occur.
- Quality control issues – Mistakes in the brewery or bottling facility could potentially lead to small amounts of gluten being unintentionally added.
These types of issues would likely lead to gluten levels in the range of 5-20 ppm. For most individuals without celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this would not cause problems. But those requiring a strict gluten-free diet should be aware it could occur.
Comparison to Other Popular Beers
How does Michelob Ultra Max compare to some other popular beer brands in terms of gluten content? Here is an overview:
| Beer Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Michelob Ultra | Not tested or labeled gluten-free but generally assumed to be gluten-free based on ingredients |
| Bud Light | Not tested or labeled gluten-free but generally assumed to be gluten-free based on ingredients |
| Coors Light | Not tested or labeled gluten-free but generally assumed to be gluten-free based on ingredients |
| Omission | Tested to contain under 20 ppm gluten and labeled gluten-free |
| Glutenberg | Tested to contain under 20 ppm gluten and labeled gluten-free |
Like other major light lagers from Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, etc., Michelob Ultra Max falls into the category of generally assumed gluten-free based on its ingredients, but without batch testing for verification.
Beers certified gluten-free like Omission and Glutenberg go through additional testing to validate their gluten-free status below 20 ppm. This provides more assurance for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Contacting Anheuser-Busch About Gluten Content
Some individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may want to inquire directly with Anheuser-Busch about the gluten content of Michelob Ultra Max. Here are some tips:
- Call the customer service line at 1-800-DIAL-BUD (1-800-342-5283) with product questions.
- Ask specifically if they have any test results showing Michelob Ultra Max tests below 20 ppm gluten.
- Inquire about protocols to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
- Check if they recommend those with celiac disease do not drink it as a precaution.
- Anheuser-Busch may not provide detailed answers due to lack of testing, but it is worth contacting them to learn more.
Based on what other beer drinkers with celiac disease have reported from calling, Anheuser-Busch will likely direct you to look at the ingredients and make your own judgment regarding consuming Michelob Ultra Max. But you may get some additional perspective from talking directly to the company.
Tips for Choosing Beers When Gluten-Free
When following a gluten-free diet, here are some tips for choosing safe beers:
- Look for beers explicitly labeled gluten-free, like Omission, Glutenberg, Ghostfish, etc. These have been tested to verify gluten levels below 20 ppm.
- Research the ingredients and brewing process used for a beer brand not labeled gluten-free. Avoid malt extract and other questionable ingredients.
- Contact the manufacturer with any questions regarding their protocols to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.
- The TTB provides guidelines that beers made from traditional ingredients like malt, hops, yeast and water are GRAS and not required to list gluten on the label.
- Avoid grain adjuncts like wheat, barley, and rye unless specifically gluten-removed.
- Check websites like Glutenfreespal.com that compile gluten-free beer brands.
Following these tips will help identify beer options that fit your gluten-free needs and avoid uncertainty. With more brands getting certified and labeled gluten-free, sticking to beers confirmed as GF is the safest approach.
The Bottom Line
While Michelob Ultra Max is generally considered gluten-free based on its ingredients, the lack of independent testing makes it difficult for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume it with full confidence. Without Anheuser-Busch verifying the gluten content below 20 ppm or label claiming it is gluten-free, there is some risk involved. People requiring a strict gluten-free diet should exercise caution and opt for a beer that is definitively tested and certified gluten-free instead. For individuals without medical necessity, Michelob Ultra Max can likely be enjoyed as a gluten-free option based on general assumptions about similar light lagers. But actual gluten content is uncertain. Contacting Anheuser-Busch directly to ask about their gluten protocols may provide more perspective. Overall, in the absence of verification, Michelob Ultra Max should be considered potentially rather than definitively gluten-free.
