Finding Beers Without Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is commonly used by large breweries as an inexpensive sweetener and fermentable sugar in beer production. However, there is a growing demand from beer drinkers for options without this controversial additive. Craft breweries focused on quality ingredients have led the way in producing beers brewed without corn syrup or other adjuncts.
Why Do Some Beers Contain Corn Syrup?
Historically, corn syrup emerged as an economical way for major breweries to boost the alcohol content in their beer recipes. Corn syrup is converted by enzymes into fermentable sugars that yeast can turn into alcohol. The pros for big beer companies include:
- Corn syrup is cheaper than using all barley malt.
- It lightens the flavor profile compared to all-malt beers.
- Adds alcohol without contributing to body or fullness.
- Extends the shelf life of beer by avoiding spoilage.
However, traditionalists argue that relying on corn syrup detracts from the true flavor of beer and waters down the integrity of the ingredients.
Why Avoid Beers Made with Corn Syrup?
Here are some reasons why beer drinkers seek out options that are not brewed with corn syrup:
- Corn is a common allergen - beers without it are safer for people with corn allergies.
- It adds an unwanted sweetness and thinner mouthfeel.
- Belief that it causes worse hangovers (though no scientific evidence supports this).
- Perception that it makes beer lower quality.
- Preference to avoid highly processed ingredients.
- Controversy around GMOs, pesticides, and corn subsidies.
While there are no proven health benefits to avoiding beer with corn syrup, many consumers simply prefer beer made from traditional malted barley, hops, water and yeast.
Finding Craft Beers Without Corn Syrup
When it comes to avoiding corn syrup in beer, the craft beer world is leading the charge. Here are some tips for finding craft brews without this additive:
Check the Ingredient List
Reading the ingredients label on a beer bottle or can is the best way to verify it does not contain corn syrup or other adjuncts like rice or corn. Barley, hops, yeast and water make up the ingredients of most craft brewed beers.
Seek Out All-Malt Beers
"All-malt" means the beer was made using 100% malted barley with no corn, rice, sugar or other additives. The malt provides all the fermentable sugars naturally. German beers like Doppelbocks adhere to strict "Reinheitsgebot" purity laws prohibiting corn.
Choose Smaller Independent Breweries
Opt for craft beers brewed by smaller scale independent breweries which typically avoid using corn. They focus more on quality ingredients rather than mass production.
Try Belgian and German Styles
Traditional beer producing countries like Belgium and Germany legally prohibit adulterating beer with additives like corn. Their beer culture celebrates malt complexity.
Select Unfiltered Beers
Hazy, unfiltered craft beers with active yeast contain more solids from malt, a signal that no adjuncts watered down the grain bill.
Check Lists of Beers Without Corn Syrup
Some sites compile lists of specific beers that are corn-free. These can provide good suggestions of known craft beers that fit the criteria.
Popular Beer Styles Made without Corn Syrup
Certain styles of craft beer lend themselves well to being produced without corn or other adjuncts. Some options to look for include:
India Pale Ales (IPAs)
The hearty malt bills and intense hopping of IPAs means brewers don't need to rely on added sugars. The bold flavors highlight quality ingredients.
Stouts and Porters
Thick, full-bodied dark beers get their complexity from roasted malts not additional sweeteners or light grains.
Belgian Dubbels and Tripels
Traditionally brewed with 100% barley malt, these Abbey-style Belgian beers have a rich malt sweetness.
Oktoberfest Lagers
German-style amber lagers have a clean, malted grain profile perfect for the fall. Additives are frowned upon.
California Common Beer
This lager invented during the Gold Rush uses lager yeast at warmer ale temperatures. Malty with a mild hoppy finish.
Mrzen and Bocks
Mrzens are full-bodied amber lagers. Doppelbocks are extra strong German lagers with rich malted barley flavors.
American Pale Ales
Showcasing American hops, a pale ale's biscuity malt body avoids corn sweetness.
Gose
This tart German wheat beer is brewed with additions like coriander and salt. The sourness comes from bacteria not corn.
Breweries Known for Avoiding Corn Syrup
In addition to style, knowing which craft breweries avoid corn syrup can further help identify quality options. Some brewers known for leaving out this additive include:
Sierra Nevada
This pioneer of craft beer helped spark the movement away from corn with their malty West Coast IPAs.
Dogfish Head
Famous for continuous hopping and ancient ales, their beers also stick to the core four ingredients.
Stone Brewing
Known for "Arrogant" beers packed with hops, Stone uses extra malted barley for gravity not corn syrup.
Deschutes
Their small batch experimental and mainline beers are made with quality Northwest ingredients.
New Belgium
This eco-conscious employee-owned brewery avoids corn and leads with tasty ingredients like hefeweizen yeast.
Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Lager and other classic styles are made with premium New York grains and hops.
Firestone Walker
Passionately brewed DBA and IPAs live up to their motto of "Beer First".
Surly Brewing
Corn-free canned craft beer pioneers out of Minnesota that brew aggressively hopped beers.
Bell's Brewery
No shortcuts like corn syrup for Michigan brewed Oberon, Two Hearted and Hopslam beers.
Factors to Consider in Corn-Free Beer
Avoiding corn syrup or other additives is a good baseline for quality, but some other factors to consider when selecting a beer include:
Freshness
Choose beers with clearly marked bottling/canning dates and consume them as fresh as possible for best flavor.
Local Options
Try small regional breweries making fresh unadulterated beers. Local beer supports local communities.
Malt Varieties
Beyond barley, some malts like wheat, rye, oats and sorghum can influence the flavor profile.
Hop Varieties
Hops like Cascade, Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe etc. impart different aromas from citrus to piney.
Yeast Strains
Ale versus lager yeast produces different esters. Hefeweizen yeast imparts clove/banana notes.
Water Chemistry
The mineral profile of local water sources impacts beer's finish and head retention.
Consider all these elements of liquid craftsmanship when sampling beers without corn syrup. Discover new favorite breweries, styles and regional quirks by going corn-free.
FAQs
Why do some beers contain corn syrup?
Corn syrup is cheaper than barley malt and adds fermentable sugars to boost alcohol content. Large breweries use it to reduce costs and lighten flavor.
What are the downsides of corn syrup in beer?
Downsides include unwanted sweetness, thinner body, perceived lower quality, and avoidance of highly processed ingredients. Some argue it detracts from true beer flavor.
Which beer styles are typically made without corn syrup?
IPAs, stouts, porters, Belgian dubbels, Oktoberfest lagers, California common, Märzens, bocks, pale ales, and gose are styles often brewed without corn additives.
What should you look for to identify corn-free beers?
Read the ingredients listing, look for the term "all-malt", choose small independent breweries, and opt for styles like IPAs and Belgian beers.
Which major craft breweries avoid using corn syrup?
Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Stone, Deschutes, New Belgium, Brooklyn Brewery, Firestone Walker, Surly, and Bell's are known for avoiding corn syrup and other additives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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