Michelob Ultra, a light lager owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, is one of today’s most popular beers. But is it gluten-free? We must examine what makes up Michelob Ultra and its brewing process to answer this question.
We should also consider how much gluten content there is in Michelob Ultra — if any — and whether or not it’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities or intolerances.
Gluten Content In Michelob Ultra
Despite Michelob Ultra containing barley malt, a glutenous ingredient, its brewers have crafted it with a shallow level of gluten which tests show to be 20 – 100 ppm making it safe for those who are just mildly gluten-sensitive. (Source)
Glutenous Ingredients
Gluten is a protein composite in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, and it can be found in many food and beverage items, including beer. People who are sensitive to gluten may experience adverse reactions when consuming it.
Glutenous ingredients can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain due to inflammation of the intestines (celiac disease).
Regarding Michelob Ultra Beer specifically, hops and barley—both sources of gluten —are used during the brewing process. While additional testing has revealed that only a negligible amount of gluten is present before filtration, its very presence cannot be evaluated beforehand.
As this information isn’t readily available from production facilities—it’s impossible to determine whether or not Michelob Ultra contains enough gluten poses an issue for individuals with extreme sensitivities.
Brewing Process
Regarding Michelob Ultra, their brewing process is critical in determining the beer’s gluten-free status. Traditional beers are brewed with grains that contain gluten, such as wheat and barley.
However, Michelob Ultra does not use these glutenous ingredients. (source)
Additionally, specific steps are taken in the brewing process to further reduce the risk of cross-contamination from other grains containing gluten.
These steps include stringent cleanings of all machinery used during production after every batch is brewed and before any new grain touches them again; this includes testing and rinsing on all pieces of equipment used in storage barrels or tanks before being added back into the production line.
Testing For Gluten Content
Testing for gluten content is an integral part of producing beer, as it’s necessary to ensure that neither gluten-containing ingredients nor trace amounts of gluten from the brewing process remain in the final product.
The amount of gluten detected must be below certain thresholds for a beer to be considered genuinely gluten-free and safe enough for those with celiac disease or other sensitivities.
The most common way to test for barley-based beers is through ELISA testing. This involves collecting sample grains via manual extraction and hauling them offsite, usually to another lab facility, where they are dissolved and tested using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).
If a higher than average level of degradation proteins, which can indicate contamination by barley protein sources such as wheat or rye flour, are present, these tests will not pass certification standards.
For rice beers like Michelob Ultra, monoclonal flow cytometry is commonly used instead due to their much lower levels of gliadin molecules. The sample grain must still go offsite, but this method yields faster results, so the production process goes much faster than ELISA testing; however, if very high concentrations are found during this approach, further investigation may need to be done on-site before moving forward.
Despite deficient levels being detected by both processes, some breweries choose not to count their beers as officially “gluten-free” due to malted ingredients–even when brewed with only rice–being unable to receive GF certification because many individuals find additional comfort in certified “gluten-free” labeling rather than relying solely on testing results. (Source)
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is made with organic ingredients and is considered a gluten-free option due to its brewing process and ingredients.
Made With Gluten-Free Ingredients
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is made from organic grains carefully selected for their gluten-free properties. This low-carb, low-calorie beer is brewed without barley malt or other glutenous ingredients, making it a suitable option for those on a strict gluten-free diet or who are sensitive to gluten.
To ensure that the final product was gluten-free, Michelob tested each batch before its release into the market with state-of-the-art testing methods to guarantee its safety and quality.
Considered Gluten-Free
It is important to note that only Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is considered gluten-free. This beer underwent a specific USDA organic certification process because it contains organic ingredients and low-calorie content. (Source)
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold contains no glutenous grains. It does not undergo any malting process, which could introduce cross-contamination from barley, one of beer’s primary sources of glutens.
Extensive testing conducted by the brewers also ensured that all traces of gluten had been removed before being released for consumption.
For those with Celiac Disease or who are otherwise sensitive to ingesting glutens, Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold offers excellent refreshment without worrying about side effects from ingesting high amounts of ingredients derived from wheat, oats, spelled, or rye, making it an ideal choice for the conscious consumer, who desires an easy drinking light macro beer with a deliciously refreshing taste while adhering to their dietary needs.
Is Michelob Ultra Gluten Free?
Yes, Michelob Ultra is a gluten-free beer formulated using barley and hops with no added grains containing glutens such as wheat or rye.
What are the ingredients in Michelob Ultra beer?
The main ingredients to brew Michelob Ultra include malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Other minor non-alcoholic components, such as rice and corn syrup, may also be included for additional flavor profiles.
How much alcohol does Michelob Ultra contain?
Michelob Ultra contains 4% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), making it one of the most popular light beers available today due to its low-calorie content compared to regular beers, which typically have an ABV range between 5%-7%.
Does the Anheuser-Busch company offer any other gluten-free products?
Yes, aside from their flagship brands like Budweiser and Busch, Anheuser-Bush offers several other gluten-free alcoholic beverages including Shock Top Honey Creek Hard Apple Cider, O’Douls Non-Alcoholic Beer & ZiegenBock Lager Ale for those looking for options allowing them to enjoy refreshing drinks without sacrificing taste or potential health concerns related to drinking high grain alcohols & ciders high in sugars/calories
Conclusion: Is Michelob Ultra Gluten-Free?
The answer is no; Michelob Ultra is not gluten-free. While several other light beers are considered free from gluten-containing ingredients, such as Bud Light and Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra contains barley malt with some gluten.
Generally speaking, those with slight to moderate sensitivity levels typically suffer no ill effects when consuming beer like this; however, anyone with an extreme level of gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease must avoid it altogether.
