The “Gluten-Breaking” Enzyme That Makes Gluten Reduced Beers

Brewers Clarex™ is an enzyme which contains a proline-specific endo-protease that prevents the formation of chill haze in beer by hydrolyzing the haze-active proteins in the beverage. It’s also the enzyme used to produce most of the gluten reduced beers you see on the market today.

The Science Behind It

“Brewer’s Clarex is an enzyme that degrades the epitopes on the antigen which causes the immune response known as Celiac disease. By degrading the responsible epitopes, the antigen is rendered harmless because there is no longer anything to interact with the human immune system. The epitopes are the section of the antigen that interact with the antibodies in people’s immune systems. To put it another way, consider a sea urchin. Now think of the sea urchin as an antigen and the spikes of the urchin to be the epitope. The prolyl endoprotease (Brewer’s Clarex) melts the spikes off of the urchin turning it into a simple, harmless tasty delicacy. Now the body is able to digest the antigen without harm.”

(https://www.shortsbrewing.com)

In a Nutshell

Brewers Clarex™ is an enzyme that was originally developed to prevent haze in beer, but researchers have since found that it possesses a secret power. The power to neutralize gluten in beer, rendering it safe to drink for many gluten sensitive individuals.

Are gluten reduced beers safe for Celiacs?

The short answer is, no. Ideally, those who battle Celiac Disease should have zero gluten in their diet. The safest choice for a Celiac is to drink a gluten free beer, a beer that was brewed with entirely gluten free ingredients to begin with, resulting in no need for an enzyme such as Brewers Clarex™. That being said, many people who should avoid gluten entirely, cheat sometimes. It’s a fact. In this case, a gluten reduced beer is your next best alternative.

Gluten Free vs. Gluten Reduced

Truly gluten free beers are brewed with 100% gluten free ingredients, often substituting wheat and barley with grains such as buckwheat or rice. These beers are the safest choice for the most sensitive of Celiacs.

Gluten reduced beers are required to keep their gluten content below 20ppm (parts per million), which is the nationally accepted threshold in North America deemed safe for consumption. This means that all gluten reduced beers have some trace of gluten and therefore possess the ability to trigger an immune response in a gluten intolerant individual.

Personally, as someone who battles Celiac Disease, I am able to drink a small amount of gluten reduced beer. When I limit myself to just one, my body seems to do alright. I don’t drink gluten reduced beer anymore. Here’s Why.

Breweries That Brew Gluten Reduced Beer With This Enzyme

Also known as “crafted to remove gluten” beers.

In the USA:

In Europe:

P.S. Like what I do for the gluten free beer community? Consider buying me a beer for my efforts! ;)