By Graham FisherUpdated November 2026
Choosing a gluten free homebrew kit means more than grabbing a box labeled “gluten-free.” Brewers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need ingredients that avoid barley, wheat, and rye, plus a clear path to a finished batch that tastes good. This guide compares five kits on the criteria that matter most: whether the grain bill is truly gluten-free, how clearly the manufacturer explains the process, batch size, beginner friendliness, and the style of beer or cider you end up with. Nothing here is based on our own brewing trials. Instead, we looked at published specifications, brand track record, and patterns that owners commonly describe in their feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBrewer's Best 1009 – Home Brew Beer Ingredient Kit (5 Gallon), (Gluten Free Ale) StrawView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for hop-forward fansExclusion IPA Beer Kit, Gluten-Free IngredientsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for cider loversGluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider KitView on Amazon - 4
Best for easy-drinking summer beerExclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit, Gluten-Free IngredientsView on Amazon - 5
Best for dark, roasty beerExclusion Stout Beer Kit, Gluten-Free IngredientsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Brewer’s Best 1009 Gluten Free Ale Kit | Beginners wanting a classic ale | Five-gallon ingredient kit with a straw-colored ale profile |
| Exclusion IPA Beer Kit | Hop-forward beer fans | Gluten-free ingredients built around an IPA style |
| Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit | Cider drinkers | Fruit-forward cider with no grain steps |
| Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit | Light, easy-drinking beer | Lower-bitterness, crisp summer profile |
| Exclusion Stout Beer Kit | Dark beer lovers | Roasted, full-bodied gluten-free stout |
Brewer’s Best 1009 – Home Brew Beer Ingredient Kit (5 Gallon), (Gluten Free Ale) Straw
Brewer's Best – 1009 – Home Brew Beer Ingredient Kit (5 Gallon), (Gluten Free Ale) Straw
Best for: Beginners who want a straightforward, five-gallon gluten-free ale.
This kit suits brewers who are new to extract brewing or who are returning to beer after a gluten-free diet started. The ingredient list is designed around a gluten-free ale, and the five-gallon yield gives you enough beer to share or store across several weeks.
Key specs
- Batch size: five gallons (per listing)
- Style: gluten-free ale
- Format: ingredient kit for home brewing
Pros
- Clearly labeled as gluten-free, which simplifies shopping decisions
- Five-gallon batch keeps cost per bottle reasonable for a home brewer
- Familiar ale profile that many beginners find approachable
Cons
- Flavor is more traditional than hop-heavy, so it may not appeal to IPA fans
- Owners often recommend a careful sanitation routine, since gluten-free worts can be less forgiving of infection
Bottom line: The best starting point for most beginners who want a reliable, five-gallon gluten-free ale.
Exclusion IPA Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Exclusion IPA Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Best for: Hop-forward beer fans who want a gluten-free IPA.
If you miss the bright, resinous character of a West Coast or American IPA, this kit targets that flavor direction without barley or wheat. It is a good match for brewers comfortable with hop additions and a slightly more hands-on process.
Key specs
- Style: IPA, gluten-free ingredients
- Format: beer ingredient kit
Pros
- Targets a style many gluten-free drinkers say they miss most
- Hop character can be adjusted through dry-hopping and timing
- Gluten-free formulation stated in the product name
Cons
- Hop-forward beers are less forgiving of over-oxidation, so careful packaging matters
- Requires attention to fermentation temperature to avoid harsh bitterness
Bottom line: A strong pick for brewers who prioritize hop aroma over malt sweetness.
Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit
Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit
Best for: Cider drinkers who want a gluten-free fruit drink without any grain steps.
Cider is naturally gluten-free, so this kit appeals to people who want a simpler process than beer. It suits brewers who enjoy tart, fruit-driven flavors and want a faster route from kit to glass.
Key specs
- Style: cranberry apple cider
- Format: cider kit, gluten-free
Pros
- No grain or mash steps, so the process is simpler than beer kits
- Fruit flavor is widely described as approachable for new brewers
- Gluten-free status is explicit in the product name
Cons
- Cider can finish sweet or tart depending on fermentation, so owners often adjust sugar or backsweeten
- Not a beer, so it will not satisfy those looking for a malt-forward drink
Bottom line: The right choice for anyone who wants a gluten-free drink with fruit flavor and minimal equipment.
Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Best for: Brewers who want a light, easy-drinking beer for warm weather.
A summer ale is a practical middle ground: lighter in body and bitterness than an IPA, yet more flavorful than a basic lager. It works well for first-time gluten-free brewers who want something refreshing for the patio.
Key specs
- Style: summer ale, gluten-free ingredients
- Format: beer ingredient kit
Pros
- Light, crisp profile that is forgiving for beginners
- Shorter conditioning period than many darker styles, according to typical ale timelines
- Gluten-free ingredients stated in the product name
Cons
- Light beers show off off-flavors more readily, so sanitation and temperature control matter
- Less complexity than stouts or IPAs for experienced brewers
Bottom line: A good pick for brewers who want a refreshing, low-bitterness beer for everyday drinking.
Exclusion Stout Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Exclusion Exclusion Stout Beer Kit, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Best for: Dark beer lovers who want roasty, full-bodied flavor without gluten.
Stouts are often the hardest style for gluten-free brewers to replicate, so a dedicated kit is useful. This one suits drinkers who enjoy coffee and chocolate notes and are willing to wait for a longer conditioning period.
Key specs
- Style: stout, gluten-free ingredients
- Format: beer ingredient kit
Pros
- Full, roasted flavor profile that appeals to dark-beer fans
- Gluten-free status stated in the product name
- Stouts generally tolerate a bit of extra conditioning time well
Cons
- Longer aging is typically needed for the flavors to smooth out
- Heavier body may feel rich for brewers who prefer lighter beers
Bottom line: The pick for brewers who want a dark, roasty beer and can plan ahead for conditioning.
Buying Guide
Confirm the grain and ingredient list is gluten-free
“Gluten-free” on a box is a starting point, not a guarantee. Read the full ingredient list and look for barley, wheat, rye, and malt derived from them. Many gluten-free kits use sorghum, rice, or other grains, and some use enzymes to break down proteins. Check the manufacturer’s labeling and, if you have celiac disease, consult a medical professional about what levels of gluten exposure you can tolerate.
Good picks for this: Brewer’s Best 1009 Gluten Free Ale Kit, Exclusion IPA Beer Kit
Choose between beer and cider
Beer kits involve steeping, boiling, and hopping, while cider kits typically combine juice or concentrate with yeast and a short fermentation. If you want the simplest process, a cider kit is usually the faster route. If you want a malt-forward or hoppy drink, a beer kit fits better.
Good picks for this: Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit, Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit
Check the batch size
Most kits in this category are sold for five-gallon batches, which yields roughly 50 twelve-ounce bottles. If you are new to brewing or live in a small space, check whether your fermenter and bottling setup can handle that volume. Smaller-batch options exist, but five gallons is the most common format and offers better value per bottle.
Good picks for this: Brewer’s Best 1009 Gluten Free Ale Kit, Exclusion Stout Beer Kit
Match the style to your taste
Gluten-free beer has historically been harder to make taste like traditional beer, so many owners say the style you choose matters. Lighter styles like summer ales hide small flaws more easily than dark, complex beers. Hop-forward styles reward careful brewing but can be sensitive to oxidation. Think about what you usually order at a bar and start there.
Good picks for this: Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit, Exclusion IPA Beer Kit
Plan for conditioning and storage
Each style needs a different amount of time in the fermenter and bottle. Ales generally condition faster than stouts, and stronger beers benefit from longer aging. Storage temperature matters too. Store finished beer in a cool, dark place and drink lighter styles within a few months. Owners often report that darker beers improve with patience.
Good picks for this: Exclusion Stout Beer Kit, Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit
Consider sanitation and equipment needs
Sanitation is critical in every homebrew batch, and gluten-free worts can be more prone to spoilage in some owners’ experience. Plan to sanitize your fermenter, airlock, bottling bucket, and tubing before every brew day. Basic equipment like a fermenter with airlock, a bottling bucket, and a hydrometer is usually required regardless of which kit you choose. For a process overview, see Homebrew Brewing Systems: Extract, BIAB and All-Grain and Homebrew Bottling Equipment: What Each Tool Does.
Good picks for this: Brewer’s Best 1009 Gluten Free Ale Kit, Exclusion IPA Beer Kit
Use the kit as a learning step
A kit is a good first step, but it does not have to be your last. Once you understand fermentation and sanitation, you can experiment with recipes, hops, and yeast. Keep notes on each batch, including gravity readings and fermentation temperatures. For a related primer, see How to Use a Hydrometer for Homebrew.
Good picks for this: Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit, Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit
FAQ
Is a gluten free homebrew kit safe for people with celiac disease?
A kit labeled gluten-free uses ingredients that do not contain barley, wheat, or rye, but cross-contamination can happen at home if equipment is shared with gluten-containing brews. If you have celiac disease, use dedicated equipment and consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before drinking homebrew.
Can gluten-free beer taste like regular beer?
Gluten-free beer often has a different profile because it uses alternative grains or enzyme-treated ingredients. Many drinkers find lighter styles closest to what they expect, and owners often report that hoppy and dark styles mask differences more effectively.
How long does a gluten free beer kit take from start to finish?
Brewing day usually takes a few hours, followed by primary fermentation of one to two weeks. Bottling and conditioning add at least two more weeks for most ales, and darker styles often benefit from longer aging.
Do I need special equipment for a gluten free kit?
You need the same basic equipment as any homebrew kit: a fermenter, airlock, sanitizer, bottling supplies, and a hydrometer. The main difference is that you should keep gluten-free equipment separate from anything used for regular beer if cross-contamination is a concern.
Is cider a good option for gluten-free drinkers?
Cider is naturally gluten-free because it is made from fruit, not grain. A cider kit can be a simple, low-risk option if you want a gluten-free homebrew without a mashing step.
How should I store finished gluten-free beer?
Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from temperature swings. Lighter beers are best consumed within a few months, while stouts and stronger beers can age longer. Check each kit’s instructions for specific guidance.
Conclusion
For most beginners, the Brewer’s Best 1009 Gluten Free Ale Kit is the most straightforward starting point, offering a classic ale profile and a five-gallon batch. If you want hop-forward flavor, the Exclusion IPA Beer Kit targets that direction. Cider drinkers who want the simplest process should consider the Gluten Free Cider House Select Cranberry Apple Cider Kit. The Exclusion Summer Ale Beer Kit suits easy-drinking, warm-weather beer, while the Exclusion Stout Beer Kit fits brewers who want dark, roasty flavor and can plan ahead for conditioning. Whichever you choose, confirm the ingredient list, plan your sanitation, and consult a medical professional if you have celiac disease.
Sources
- Background on celiac disease and gluten-related disorders (niddk.nih.gov)
- Federal rules and guidance on gluten-free food labeling (fda.gov)
- Regulatory information on home brewing of beer and cider in the United States (ttb.gov)
Related reading
- Top 7 Craft Beer Homebrew Kits for Beginners (2026)
- Northern Brewer Brew Share Enjoy Homebrew Starter Kit: Step-by-Step Setup (2026)
- Homebrew Wine Making Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home brewing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
