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I just saw a post that Mike's Lite Hard Lemonade is gluten free. I have to admit, I've missed malt beverages like these, especially in the summertime. I thought they changed the recipe for the Lite version, but it seems they are still using a super-refined malt that tests below 5ppm for gluten. Think this is safe?
Here's their FAQ about GF:
•Are your products gluten-free?
We're glad you asked! Our products were put through highly sensitive tests that indicate they are gluten-free. The ELISA test, the most stringent test currently available for gluten quantification, indicates that they contain less than 5 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, meaning they can be considered gluten-free. The results indicate that the products also tested well below the FDA's current proposed limit of 20ppm for a product to be considered gluten-free.
•How have the lite products been tested to prove they are gluten-free?
Fun fact: two mike's employees - our directors of quality assurance and compliance - have gluten allergies themselves and have been highly involved in our gluten-free testing to ensure we're offering an authentic and high quality gluten-free product. mike's lite hard lemonade and mike's lite cranberry lemonade were tested in February 2011 through the University of Nebraska's Food Allergy Research and Resource Program using two different methods - including the ELISA test, the most stringent test currently available for gluten quantification. Test results show that both lite products contain less than 5 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, less than the 20 ppm needed to be considered gluten-free.
•How can mike's malt base be gluten-free?
Magic. Ok, it's not! We know those with gluten allergies are taught to stay away from malt products so it's important to explain Mike's patented filtration process.
We start with a malt base of fermented barley, not unprocessed barley, and hops that are processed using a highly specialized, multi-stage filtration process. Step three of this proprietary filtration process - which Mike's has perfected - removes all the color, malt sugars, glucose and flavors from the malt base. The end result? An extremely pure neutral malt base that is gluten-free.
Hmmm. I think the correct answer must be "it depends." Of course it depends on how much you drink... but also how sensitive you are, and even the ups and downs of healing and health. I don't know whether I'd sip it or not, but I'm sure I wouldn't consume a whole one. (I do have an eye out for that apple cider product, though!)
It's probably as safe as at least 99% of the processed foods that are labeled GF - assuming that nothing goes wrong during the processing. It's certainly as safe as most GF beers.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I hope it's tasty AND reaction-free! (I recently (stupidly) took a B-12 supplement with barley malt, and - WOW, my system is just as enraged by barley as wheat.)
Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
