Gluten-Free Beer Here

Thousands of people in the U.S. are affected by Celiac Disease and/or have a sensitivity to gluten (wheat, rye, barley and oats). "Celiac Disease is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed." (www.celiac.org)  This can be extrememly frustrating for the person affected because wheat, rye, barley and oats are in so many foods and beverages. There are many tricks and tips to avoid gluten while still being able to eat and drink like a king, but it takes a little education.

Beer is an important food group to many in America. It doesn't seem fair that an American should have to miss out on the experience of cracking a cold one in the summer months, while flipping burgers on the bbq. People with Celiac or a sensitivity to gluten may think their beer drinking days are over, but this couldn't be further from the truth! There are many different kinds of gluten-free beers that are available online and even locally. Here is a list of beers to try:

Bard's Beer - www.bardsbeer.com. This beer can be found at the local Whole Foods store on San Jose Blvd, the Native Sun on Baymeadows Rd, Total Wine and More on Town Center Pkwy, and Broudy's Liquor on Marsh Landing Pkwy.

Redbridge - www.redbridgebeer.com. This beer is more widley available and can be found in mostly any Publix, Winn Dixie, or Walmart

Green's Gluten Free Beers - www.glutenfreebeers.co.uk. This is a Belgium based company that offers 3 varieties of gluten-free, vegan beer in the U.S.

Nick Stafford's Hambleton Ales. www.hambletonales.co.uk/gfa.htm. This is another U.K. based company that offers both a gluten-free ale and a gluten-free lager.

Ramapo Valley Brewery - http://www.rvbrewery.com This N.Y. based brewery offers a blue ribbon winning Honey Beer.
This is just a start as breweries are becoming more aware of Celiac Disease and are learing to cater more to people afflicted by the disease.