Since more and more individuals are removing gluten from their diets, whether they have celiac disease, are gluten sensitive, or are just choosing to follow a gluten-free lifestyle, gluten-free diets have grown in popularity. Anyone on a rigorous gluten-free diet needs to read product labels and conduct research to make sure they are not unintentionally consuming any gluten.
Due to ingredients like barley and wheat, beer is one food that frequently contains gluten. That being said, there are currently several possibilities for gluten-free beer. Kona Big Wave Golden Ale from the Craft Brew Alliance is one product that people following a gluten-free diet would be interested in learning more about.
This post will examine Kona Big Wave Golden Ale in more detail to see if it is gluten-free. For individuals looking for safe gluten-free food and drink options, we’ll examine the product’s contents, production method, and certification to provide a conclusive response.
Is Kona Big Wave Gluten Free?
The response is No.
The Kona Big Wave is not 100 % gluten free. Malts and hops are used to make this golden ale. Because it is prepared using wheat and barley products, gluten is present. This beer is not safe for anyone with celiac disease or other gluten allergies or intolerances.
Kona Big Wave The most well-known beer produced by Hawaii-based Kona Brewing Co. is Golden Ale. Big Wave is a well-known beer worldwide, described as a lighter-bodied golden ale with a tropical flavor and aroma. It’s well-liked in tropical resorts and on islands!
Examining the Ingredients
Big Wave is a pale golden ale flavoured with a hint of fruitiness and a mild hop scent. An easy-drinking, smooth, and refreshing ale. This beer’s golden colour results from the lightly roasted honey malt, adding a hint of sweetness counterbalanced by our unique hop blend.
Examining each component in detail is the first and most crucial step in determining whether a product is gluten free. For people who have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, even minute levels of gluten might cause problems.
The following are the ingredients listed by Kona Brewing Company in their Kona Big Wave Golden Ale:
Water, yeast, hops, malted barley, rice, and passionfruit juice
The presence of malted barley in this ingredient list initially gives it a suspicious appearance. One grain that contains gluten is barley. Nevertheless, more significant research into Big Wave’s manufacturing process provides additional information regarding its possible gluten presence.
Knowing How to Brew
It’s essential to pay attention to Kona Big Wave Golden Ale’s manufacturing process in addition to double-checking the ingredients. To remove gluten, several beers label themselves as “gluten-removed” following the brewing process.
On the other hand, Kona Brewing Company approaches the gluten-free production of their beer differently. Big Wave Ale does not remove gluten once gluten-containing components have been used in its manufacturing; gluten is monitored during the whole brewing process.
The first step is finding gluten-free grains, such as buckwheat, rice, sorghum, millet, and corn. There are various strains of gluten-free yeast used. These grains and yeast are subjected to a rigorous brewing procedure in a controlled space to avoid gluten cross-contamination.
This yields an entirely gluten-free beer that doesn’t require further gluten processing throughout the brewing process. One of the main reasons Big Wave Ale is regarded as 100% gluten-free is its meticulous brewing procedure.
Seeking Certification from Third Parties
Kona Big Wave Ale has an inherent gluten-free brewing method and is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a pioneer in testing and certifying gluten-free goods.
Big Wave Ale has undergone extensive testing to ensure it has fewer than ten parts per million of gluten, as evidenced by its GIG certification. By the way, the FDA classifies gluten-free products under 20 parts per million. Therefore, Big Wave Ale greatly surpasses the criteria to be considered gluten free, with a 10ppm barrier.
To provide an additional degree of accountability for avoiding cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains, the GIG also conducts routine inspections of the manufacturing facility where Kona Big Wave Ale is made.
Things that Could Ruin Your Gluten-Free Status
Despite Kona Big Wave Ale’s extensive efforts to achieve gluten-free designation through its ingredients, brewing method, and third-party certification, there are a few key considerations. These elements could compromise its integrity as a gluten-free product if specific measures aren’t implemented.
The location and method of serving and storing Big Wave Ale determine the first factor. Cross-contamination can happen if gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten later on in the supply chain, even if it is manufactured entirely gluten-free.
For instance, if Big Wave Ale shares transport trucks or storage facilities with non-gluten-free beer, there may be a chance of gluten exposure. Cross-contamination can also occur when regular and gluten-free beers are poured from shared lines in taverns and restaurants.
Consequently, even though Kona Big Wave Ale is brewed without gluten, those with celiac disease should still ask about handling policies before consuming it in public places. Before consuming Big Wave Ale at home, they should thoroughly wash any glasses used for regular beer to reduce the chance of infection.
The possibility of future formula modifications affects Kona’s Big Wave Ale’s ability to remain gluten-free. Changes to the recipe could happen at any time, just like with any product. Its ability to stay gluten-free could be jeopardized if new grains were added or production procedures altered.
It’s essential to regularly check back on things you can safely consume to make sure no components or manufacturing processes have changed for people on gluten-free diets, especially those with celiac disease who could become very ill from gluten exposure.
Conclusion
The conclusion is evident after examining its components, production method, and third-party certification. Big Wave Golden Ale by Kona Brewing Company is safe for people following gluten-free diets, including those with celiac disease, as it is 100% gluten-free.
As previously mentioned, the gluten-free recipe for Big Wave Ale has some gluten-containing components. It is also produced in closed, specialized facilities to avoid cross-contamination with grains like wheat or barley. GIG’s thorough testing has further verified the absence of gluten.
Naturally, when consuming Big Wave Ale somewhere other than home at a restaurant or bar, those on gluten-free diets should still inquire about correct handling practices to prevent contamination. In the future, it should also be periodically verified that any modifications to the recipe do not affect its gluten-free designation.
If specific safety measures are taken, Kona’s Big Wave Golden Ale is still a great gluten-free option without sacrificing flavour. It’s delicious to sip on its own or as an accompaniment to a gluten-free meal because of its smooth, pleasant tropical fruit flavours derived from real passionfruit juice.
Kona’s Big Wave Ale is an excellent option for anyone looking for a gluten-free beer to pair with a burger and gluten-free bun, pack in a beach cooler, or enjoy at a tailgate. You may be sure that the label’s distinctive conch shell logo represents a premium gluten-free beer suitable for everybody’s consumption.
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I’m Neasa Miller, a professional dietitian with 5 years of experience. I founded glutenfreelifestyles.org to assist people online in embracing gluten-free living. Read more about me