Are you a beer lover who wants to avoid corn syrup in your brews?
You’re not alone. With the rise of craft breweries and a growing interest in ingredient transparency, more and more beer drinkers are seeking out options that don’t include this controversial sweetener.
But which beers are made without corn syrup? And is it really that big of a deal?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of corn-free beer and help you discover some delicious options for your next pint.
So grab a cold one (corn syrup-free, of course) and read on!
What Beers Are Made Without Corn Syrup?
Many popular beer brands use corn syrup in their brewing process, but there are also plenty of options that don’t. Craft breweries in particular tend to rely on other sources of sugar for fermentation, such as pale malts, hops, and special grains.
Some well-known brands that don’t use corn syrup in their brewing process include Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Founders, Sam Adams, Brooklyn Brewery, Stone, and Dogfish Head. These beers are widely available and offer a range of styles and flavors to suit any palate.
It’s worth noting that just because a beer doesn’t use corn syrup doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier or better for you. As Harvard nutrition professor David Ludwig points out, the type of sugar used during fermentation isn’t important to the final nutritional quality of the beer.
That being said, if you’re looking to avoid corn syrup for personal or dietary reasons, there are plenty of delicious options out there. And with the growing trend towards ingredient transparency in the beer industry, it’s likely that more and more breweries will start offering corn-free options in the future.
Why Is Corn Syrup Controversial In Beer?
Corn syrup has become a controversial ingredient in beer due to misconceptions about its use and health effects. While it is true that corn syrup is used in some beers, including Miller Lite and Coors Light, it is not used as a sweetener. Instead, it is used as a source of fermentable sugars to feed the yeast during the brewing process.
The controversy surrounding corn syrup in beer started when AB InBev aired a Super Bowl commercial that criticized its competitors for using corn syrup in their brewing process. The ad led to backlash from the corn industry and MillerCoors, who claimed that the ads were false and misleading.
One reason why corn syrup has become controversial is due to its association with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which has been linked to obesity and other health issues. However, it’s important to note that corn syrup and HFCS are not the same thing. Corn syrup is broken down into glucose, while HFCS has some of its glucose converted into fructose to make it sweeter.
Another reason why corn syrup has become controversial is due to the perception that it is an unnatural or inferior ingredient. However, corn syrup is simply a byproduct of corn starch and is widely used in food and beverage production. Moreover, many beers use other sources of fermentable sugars besides malted barley, such as rice or special grains.
How To Identify Beers That Contain Corn Syrup
If you’re trying to avoid corn syrup in your beer, it can be helpful to know how to identify which brands use it in their brewing process. One way to do this is to look for the ingredient list on the beer’s packaging or website. However, not all breweries list their ingredients, so it’s not always a foolproof method.
Another way to tell if a beer contains corn syrup is by its taste. Some people claim that beers brewed with corn syrup have a sweeter taste than those brewed without it. However, taste can be subjective and influenced by many factors, so this method may not be reliable for everyone.
Finally, you can research the brewery’s brewing process and ingredients online. Some breweries are transparent about their methods and will explicitly state whether or not they use corn syrup. Others may not mention it specifically, but will describe their use of other sugars or grains for fermentation.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure that a beer is free of corn syrup is to choose a brand that explicitly states that they do not use it in their brewing process. As mentioned above, there are plenty of options available from craft breweries and other brands that prioritize transparency and quality ingredients.
Craft Breweries Leading The Way In Corn-free Brewing
Craft breweries have been at the forefront of the corn-free beer movement, offering unique and flavorful options for those looking to avoid corn syrup. These smaller breweries often prioritize using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and experimenting with different brewing techniques.
One standout example is Athletic Brewing Company, a Connecticut-based brewery that specializes in non-alcoholic beer. Their flagship IPA, Upside Dawn, is made without corn syrup and has received rave reviews for its hoppy flavor and crisp finish.
Another notable craft brewery is TrimTab Brewing in Birmingham, Alabama. They offer a range of corn-free options, including their popular Martin Denny Complex Imperial Sour with passionfruit, peach, and vanilla.
New Belgium Brewing Company, based in Colorado, also avoids using corn syrup in their beers. Their Fat Tire Amber Ale is a classic example of a flavorful, corn-free brew that has become a staple in the craft beer world.
Other craft breweries leading the way in corn-free brewing include Deschutes Brewery in Oregon, Bell’s Brewery in Michigan, and Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado. These breweries are committed to using high-quality ingredients and creating unique flavor profiles that stand out from mass-produced beers that rely on corn syrup.
Delicious Corn-free Beer Options To Try
If you’re looking for some specific corn-free beer options to try, here are a few recommendations:
1. Omission Lager: This beer is brewed with malted barley, hops, yeast, and water – no corn syrup in sight. It’s also gluten-removed, so it’s a good option for those with gluten sensitivities.
2. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale: This popular IPA is brewed with 100% Centennial hops and malted barley, making it completely corn-free.
3. Lagunitas IPA: Lagunitas is known for their creative and flavorful beers, and their flagship IPA is no exception. It’s brewed with malted barley, hops, yeast, and water – no corn syrup needed.
4. Firestone Walker 805: This light, easy-drinking beer is brewed with a blend of pale malts and a touch of caramel malt for sweetness. It’s a great option for those who prefer lighter beers.
5. Deschutes Black Butte Porter: This award-winning porter is brewed with chocolate malt and crystal malt for a rich, complex flavor. And best of all, it’s completely corn-free.
These are just a few examples of the many corn-free beers available on the market today. When in doubt, check the ingredient list or do some research on the brewery’s website to see if they use corn syrup in their brewing process. And as always, drink responsibly and enjoy your beer!
The Future Of Corn Syrup In Beer: Trends And Predictions
As consumers become more health-conscious and ingredient-savvy, the use of corn syrup in beer has come under scrutiny. While some brands have been quick to defend their use of corn syrup, others have started to explore alternative ingredients for fermentation.
One trend that’s emerged in recent years is the use of fruit and vegetable sugars in beer. These natural sugars can add unique flavors and aromas to the brew, while also providing a healthier alternative to corn syrup. For example, some breweries have started using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in their beers.
Another trend is the use of alternative grains, such as rice or sorghum, in place of corn. These grains can offer a similar lightness and crispness to the beer without the added sugar content of corn syrup.
