Is Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Gluten Free?

If you’re someone who’s gluten intolerant or has celiac disease, finding gluten-free alternatives for your favorite beverages can be a challenging task. Beer, in particular, is a common alcoholic beverage that contains gluten. But with the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets and lifestyles, more and more breweries are introducing gluten-free beer options. One such option is the Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, a non-alcoholic beer that’s gained popularity among health-conscious drinkers. But is it truly gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher?

Before we dive into the gluten-free aspect of this drink, let’s first understand what Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is. The Lagunitas Brewing Company, based in Petaluma, California, is known for its craft beers. But in 2019, they introduced the Hoppy Refresher, a non-alcoholic sparkling water beverage that’s marketed as a hop-infused alternative to beer. It comes in a can and is made with hop extracts, natural flavors, and carbonated water.

Is Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Gluten-Free?

The short answer is yes, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is gluten-free. According to the Lagunitas Brewing Company, the Hoppy Refresher is brewed using only hops, yeast, water, and some natural flavors. It does not contain any grains, which means it’s completely gluten-free. In fact, the company even claims on its website that the Hoppy Refresher is “gluten-free AF,” making it a suitable option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.

What Makes Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Gluten-Free?

As mentioned earlier, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is made using only hops, yeast, water, and natural flavors. Unlike traditional beer, it does not contain any grains like barley, wheat, or rye, which are known to contain gluten. Hops, which are the primary ingredient in beer, do not contain gluten. The yeast used in the brewing process is also gluten-free. The natural flavors used in the Hoppy Refresher are made from real fruits and botanicals and do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Is Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Safe for People with Celiac Disease?

Yes, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is safe for people with celiac disease. As per the FDA, a food or drink can be labeled as “gluten-free” only if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. According to the Lagunitas Brewing Company, their Hoppy Refresher contains less than 10 ppm of gluten, which is well below the threshold set by the FDA. This means that people with celiac disease can safely consume Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher without worrying about any adverse health effects.

How Does Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher Taste?

While the gluten-free aspect of Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a significant selling point, it’s also essential to consider its taste. As the name suggests, the Hoppy Refresher is hop-infused, which gives it a distinct and refreshing taste. It has a slight bitterness, similar to that of an IPA, but is not overpowering. The natural flavors used in the drink also add a subtle fruity note, making it a perfect alternative to traditional beer on a hot summer day.

How Can You Enjoy Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher?

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher can be enjoyed just like any other sparkling water or soda. It’s available in 12-ounce cans and can be found at most grocery stores and online retailers.

Other Gluten-Free Beer Options

While Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a great gluten-free alternative to beer, it’s not the only option available. There are several other gluten-free beer options in the market, including:

• Omission Beer: Made with traditional beer ingredients, but the gluten is removed through a proprietary process.
• Glutenberg Beer: A Canadian beer brand that uses millet, buckwheat, corn, and quinoa instead of traditional grains.
• New Planet Beer: A beer brand that uses sorghum, corn, and brown rice instead of traditional grains.
• Dogfish Head Tweason’ale: A gluten-free beer made with strawberries and honey.

Conclusion

If you’re gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, finding gluten-free alternatives for your favorite drinks can be a challenging task. But with options like Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, you can enjoy a refreshing and tasty alternative to beer without worrying about any adverse health effects. Made with hops, yeast, water, and natural flavors, this non-alcoholic sparkling water beverage is completely gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. So go ahead and crack open a can of Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher and enjoy the hoppy goodness!