Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR as it’s affectionately known, has been a staple in the American beer scene for over 150 years. Its popularity has only grown in recent years, with a new generation of drinkers embracing its classic taste and retro branding.
But what exactly is in this beloved beer? One ingredient that has been the subject of much debate is corn syrup. Some claim that PBR contains this controversial ingredient, while others argue that it’s just a myth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in Pabst Blue Ribbon and settle once and for all whether or not it contains corn syrup.
Does Pabst Blue Ribbon Have Corn Syrup?
After researching the ingredients in Pabst Blue Ribbon, we can confirm that it does contain corn syrup. However, it’s important to note that the corn syrup used in PBR is not high fructose corn syrup, as some may assume. Instead, it’s a lower fructose content syrup than what is found in many other beers.
The corn syrup used in PBR is made from GMO corn, which has raised concerns among some health-conscious consumers. While the effects of GMOs on the body are still being studied, some believe that they can lead to negative health consequences.
It’s also worth noting that PBR contains other ingredients like malted barley, filtered water, cultured yeast, and spicy hops. The brewers ferment the sugar into CO2 and alcohol and then mix carbohydrates from both malt and corn syrup to create its unique taste.
The Controversy Surrounding Corn Syrup In Beer
The use of corn syrup in beer has become a controversial topic in recent years. Bud Light’s Super Bowl ad campaign calling out Miller Lite and Coors Light for using corn syrup sparked a heated debate among beer enthusiasts and corn farmers alike. While MillerCoors argues that any corn syrup used in the brewing process is burned up and does not end up in the final product, Bud Light’s message implies that corn syrup is a negative ingredient in beer.
Pabst Blue Ribbon responded to the controversy by stating that their corn syrup is “special” and made up of carbohydrates and simple sugars like dextrose and maltose. They argue that the sugars are fermented into alcohol and CO2, while the carbohydrates from both malt and corn syrup remain in the beer as flavor, color, and body components.
Despite the controversy, registered dietitian Suzanne Dixon explains that corn syrup used in brewing does not affect the health of the beer. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in the corn syrup, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Any residual sugar left behind is filtered out before the beer is bottled, leaving no actual corn syrup in the final product.
While PBR does contain corn syrup, it’s important to note that not all corn syrups are created equal. The type of corn syrup used in PBR has a lower fructose content than high fructose corn syrup found in many other beers. However, some consumers may still be concerned about the use of GMO corn in PBR’s ingredients.
What Are The Ingredients In Pabst Blue Ribbon?
The ingredients in Pabst Blue Ribbon include water, barley malt, corn syrup, carbon dioxide, hops extract, and artificial flavor. The six-row barley and corn syrup are the main ingredients, along with American and Yugoslavian hops. The brewers use a blend of malted barley and special corn syrup to create the beer’s flavor profile. The syrup is made from carbohydrates like rice and some added simple sugars like maltose and dextrose. The sugars are fermented into alcohol and CO2, while the carbohydrates from both malt and corn syrup remain in the beer as flavor, color, and body components.
It’s important to note that PBR is not a gluten-free product due to the barley used in brewing. However, it is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Pabst Brewing Company provides all PBC brands to be vegan-friendly, according to a company email from March 2010.
While PBR does contain corn syrup, it’s not a high fructose corn syrup. Instead, it’s a lower fructose content syrup than what is found in many other beers. The use of GMO corn in the production of the corn syrup may be a concern for some consumers. Additionally, PBR may contain a non-disclosed “artificial flavoring” ingredient.
Despite its controversial ingredients, Pabst Blue Ribbon remains a beloved American beer that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor profile has remained consistent throughout the years despite changes in ownership and production methods.
Debunking The Myth: Does PBR Actually Contain Corn Syrup?
There has been some confusion and misinformation circulating about whether or not Pabst Blue Ribbon contains corn syrup. Some have speculated that PBR is one of the beers that Bud Light called out in their Super Bowl ad for using corn syrup in their brewing process. However, as we have confirmed above, PBR does contain corn syrup.
But it’s important to debunk the myth that this automatically makes PBR a “bad” beer. As registered dietitian Suzanne Dixon explains, the use of corn syrup in brewing does not affect the health of the beer in any way. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in the corn syrup and converts them into alcohol and CO2. Any remaining sugars are filtered out before the beer is bottled, so there is no actual corn syrup left in the finished product.
Furthermore, as we mentioned earlier, the type of corn syrup used in PBR is not high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is often demonized as a harmful ingredient. Instead, it’s a lower fructose content syrup than what is found in many other beers.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to drink Pabst Blue Ribbon is up to you. But it’s important to make an informed decision based on accurate information rather than fear-mongering or misinformation.
The Importance Of Understanding Beer Ingredients
Understanding the ingredients in beer is important for several reasons. For one, it can help consumers make informed decisions about what they are consuming and potentially avoid any ingredients that may negatively affect their health. Additionally, understanding the ingredients can help beer enthusiasts appreciate the complexity of the brewing process and the unique flavors that each ingredient contributes.
The primary ingredients in beer are water, grains (such as barley or wheat), hops, and yeast. However, some beers may also contain adjuncts like corn or rice, which can affect the flavor and texture of the beer. It’s important to note that not all adjuncts are created equal – some, like corn syrup, may have negative health implications while others, like rice, are simply used to create a lighter-bodied beer.
While Pabst Blue Ribbon does contain corn syrup, it’s important to remember that not all beers do. Craft brewers in particular often focus on using high-quality, natural ingredients and avoiding additives like corn syrup or GMOs. By understanding the ingredients in beer, consumers can make more informed choices about what they are consuming and support breweries that align with their values.
Other Popular Beers That Contain Corn Syrup
Aside from Pabst Blue Ribbon, there are other popular beers that contain corn syrup. For example, Miller Lite and Coors Light both use corn syrup directly in the brewing process. In fact, Anheuser-Busch claimed in a recent ad campaign that MillerCoors uses corn syrup to brew their light beers, while they do not use it in Bud Light. This campaign led to a lawsuit from MillerCoors for false advertising.
While the use of corn syrup in brewing is not necessarily bad for the health of the beer, it is not a traditional method and tends to be employed by mass-market brewers like MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch. Many other beers, including some big European brands like Heineken and Guinness, do not use corn syrup in their brewing process.
It’s important to note that even though corn syrup is used in some beers, the fermentation process gets rid of all the corn syrup and only leaves behind flavor, color, and body components. Additionally, all of the sugar left behind by yeast during fermentation is filtered out before the beer is bottled. So while some may have concerns about GMOs or the use of corn syrup in brewing, there is no actual corn syrup left in a can or bottle of beer for consumers to consume.
