Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people cutting gluten from their diets for medical or lifestyle reasons. For those avoiding gluten, beer can be a tricky area – many mainstream beer brands contain gluten, making them off-limits for gluten-free diets. However, there are some gluten-free beer options available, including certain products from mainstream brands that have launched gluten-free lines. One such brand is Peroni, which produces a gluten-free version called Peroni 0.0. But is Peroni 0.0 completely gluten-free and safe for gluten-free diets? Let’s take a detailed look at what’s involved in making this beer gluten-free.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a structural component. For most people, gluten poses no problems. But for those with certain conditions like celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it can trigger serious health issues:
- Celiac disease – An autoimmune disorder where gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It can cause diarrhea, bloating, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies if gluten is eaten.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity – Gluten triggers symptoms like fatigue, headaches and joint pain, but there is no damage to the small intestine.
The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly and completely avoiding gluten. For non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet may help manage symptoms. This is why checking the gluten content of foods and drinks is so important for anyone with these conditions.
What ingredients make beer contain gluten?
Standard beer contains gluten because it is made from gluten-containing grains:
- Barley – The key grain used to make beer. Barley contains gluten.
- Wheat – Sometimes used along with barley as an additional grain in making beer. Wheat contains gluten.
- Rye – Rye is another gluten-containing grain that may be used in some beer styles.
- Oats – Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with gluten grains. Some beers use oats.
In addition, many steps in the regular beer brewing process involve contact with gluten grains. So beer is generally not considered safe for a gluten-free diet.
How is gluten-free beer made?
To make an authentically gluten-free beer, all gluten-containing ingredients must be swapped out for gluten-free alternatives:
- Instead of barley, a gluten-free grain like sorghum, buckwheat or rice is used.
- Any wheat or rye is also replaced with a gluten-free grain.
- Steps are taken to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten grains during production and bottling.
Gluten-free brewing requires careful oversight to keep the entire process 100% gluten-free. Many mainstream beer brands like Peroni don’t actually brew their gluten-free beers from scratch. Instead, they start with a base gluten-free beer produced at a specialty gluten-free brewery, then adjust it to match their own flavor profile.
Is Peroni 0.0 gluten-free?
Peroni clearly markets Peroni 0.0 as a gluten-free beer, displaying “gluten-free” on the bottle label. But is this accurate? Here are the key facts on Peroni 0.0’s gluten status:
- The beer is made from gluten-free sorghum, rice and maize.
- No gluten-containing grains like barley or wheat are used.
- It is brewed separately from regular Peroni beer to prevent cross-contamination.
- The facility has specific protocols to avoid any contact with gluten.
- The finished beer tests at less than 10ppm of gluten, the global standard for gluten-free certification.
Based on this process, Peroni 0.0 meets all the criteria to be considered gluten-free. Major gluten-free food certification organizations have also endorsed its gluten-free status:
- Peroni 0.0 is certified gluten-free by the Spanish Federation of Celiac Association (FEACED)
- It is labelled as “Gluten Free” by The Coeliac UK, the national charity for celiac disease in the UK
So in summary, Peroni 0.0 is a certified gluten-free beer that does not contain any gluten grains or pose a contamination risk for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition facts of Peroni 0.0
Since Peroni 0.0 is produced without gluten-containing grains, its nutritional profile looks different from standard beer:
| Nutrient | Per 100mL |
|---|---|
| Calories | 43 |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.2g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Alcohol | 0.4% |
Key points:
- Low in calories and carbohydrates compared to regular beer.
- Free of fat and very low alcohol content (0.4%).
- Not a significant source of protein.
This light nutritional profile makes Peroni 0.0 a good gluten-free option for those following a low-calorie, low-carb or low-alcohol diet.
Taste and flavor profile
Gluten-free brewing can alter the flavor and texture of beer. Here’s how Peroni 0.0 tastes compared to the regular Peroni beer:
- Crisp and refreshing like standard Peroni, but less bitter.
- Subtly fruity and citrusy notes.
- Clean aftertaste without heaviness.
- Light and sparkling rather than thick texture.
- Mild aroma and minimal hoppiness.
While the gluten-free formula changes the flavor slightly, Peroni 0.0 aims to retain the core drinkability of the Peroni brand. The taste appeals to those who enjoy light and mild beers.
Where to buy Peroni 0.0
Peroni 0.0 is sold in many major supermarkets and liquor stores in the same areas where standard Peroni is available. It can be purchased in different package formats:
- Single bottles (330mL each)
- 6-pack of bottles
- 12-pack case
- 18-pack case (only at certain warehouse stores)
It is often stocked alongside other gluten-free beer options, rather than next to regular Peroni. Prices are similar to other gluten-free specialty beers. Peroni 0.0 is also available on a limited basis in bars and restaurants that stock gluten-free beer. Check ahead to see if your local establishments carry it before visiting.
Alternatives to Peroni 0.0
While Peroni 0.0 is one well-known gluten-free beer, there are many other high-quality options:
Glutenberg
A Canadian gluten-free beer made from corn, millet, buckwheat and rice. Offers a range of styles.
Glutiny
A range of gluten-free beers brewed from sorghum by Bard’s Tale Beer Company.
Omission Beer
Produced by Widmer Brothers, it uses a special fermentation process to remove gluten.
Redbridge Beer
Made by Anheuser-Busch, Redbridge is sorghum-based and widely available.
Greens Gluten Free Beers
Eight gluten-free styles made from millet, sorghum and buckwheat by Green’s Brewery in Belgium.
Stone Delicious IPA
A popular gluten-reduced IPA from Stone Brewing using an enzymatic process.
There are lots of options so those with gluten restrictions can still enjoy delicious beer. It’s best to check the ingredients and company’s precautions against gluten on any new brand.
Is Peroni 0.0 safe for a gluten-free diet?
Based on an extensive analysis of its ingredients, brewing process and certifications, Peroni 0.0 appears to be authentically free of gluten and safe for those on a gluten-free diet due to medical reasons or personal lifestyle preferences. While flavor and texture may differ slightly from the gluten-containing Peroni, this version retains the well-known crisp, clean taste associated with the brand. Peroni 0.0 represents a major beer company investing resources into brewing an enjoyable mainstream gluten-free beer, helping raise the profile and availability of high-quality gluten-free beer. Those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet can feel confident enjoying Peroni 0.0 as part of their gluten-free lifestyle.
Conclusion
Peroni 0.0 is a dedicated gluten-free beer crafted using certified gluten-free ingredients and careful measures to prevent cross-contamination. Extensive testing verifies it contains less than 10ppm of gluten, meeting the global standard for gluten-free certification. Major gluten-free organizations endorse Peroni 0.0’s gluten-free status. While the recipe changes impart some flavor differences compared to regular Peroni, this gluten-free version retains the well-known light, crisp taste associated with the Peroni brand. Peroni 0.0 provides a widely available gluten-free beer option for those pursuing a gluten-free diet and lifestyle. People avoiding gluten for medical reasons can safely consume Peroni 0.0 without risk of reaction. Overall, Peroni 0.0 delivers an authentic mainstream gluten-free beer experience.
