Is Modelo Gluten Free?

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Modelo beer is not considered gluten-free, as it is brewed with barley, which contains gluten. However, some tests have shown that Modelo Especial and Negra Modelo contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. According to the FDA, products labeled as gluten-free must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Although Modelo beer meets this standard, it still contains trace amounts of gluten, which may cause a reaction in some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is important to note that cross-contamination during the brewing process could also be a concern for those with gluten issues.

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A 12 ounce bottle of Modelo beer tested Negative at 20 parts per million, meaning it is less than 20 ppm gluten.

Answered from Tropical Breeze

 

Table of Contents

  • Is Modelo Completely Gluten-Free?
  • What Makes Modelo Low in Gluten?
  • How Much Gluten is in Modelo Beers?
  • What Testing Shows the Gluten Levels in Modelo?
  • Does Modelo Have Gluten-Free Certification?
  • Is Modelo Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
  • Is Modelo Safe for Gluten Sensitivity?
  • Does Modelo Use Shared Equipment with Gluten Beers?
  • Which Types of Modelo Beer are Gluten-Free?
  • What About Modelo Chelada and Especial?
  • Can I Drink Modelo on a Gluten-Free Diet?
  • What If I Have a Reaction to Modelo Beer?
  • Is Modelo Less Gluten-Free Than Other Beers?
  • What Do Celiac Groups Say About Modelo?
  • Are There Any Alternatives to Modelo?

Is Modelo Completely Gluten-Free?

As someone who enjoys an occasional beer but also avoids gluten, I was curious to find out if popular Mexican beers like Modelo are gluten-free. Although Modelo does not promote itself as a gluten-free beer, I discovered that it contains very low levels of gluten, testing below 20 parts per million. This essentially makes it gluten-free according to most standards.

However, the company does not label Modelo as 100% gluten-free or make guarantees about cross-contamination. So people with celiac disease need to exercise caution when consuming it. Overall, Modelo beers contain extremely low gluten levels but may not be completely gluten-free products according to the strictest definitions.

What Makes Modelo Low in Gluten?

In researching this issue, I learned that one of the main reasons Modelo tests so low in gluten content is because of the ingredients used in its brewing process. The beers are made from some gluten-containing ingredients – including malted barley. However, Modelo likely uses a gluten removal process to extract most detectable gluten from the final beer. Many breweries now use special enzymes that break down the gluten protein chains into smaller fragments.

This helps the beers test below 20ppm, even though they are not totally gluten-free from grain to glass. So while Modelo isn’t promoted as gluten-free, its brewing process does appear to remove most detectable gluten.

How Much Gluten is in Modelo Beers?

Independent laboratory testing shows the amount of gluten found in Modelo beers falls well below the international standard for gluten-free certification. I found several lab reports indicating Modelo Especial contains between 5-8 parts per million of gluten. To meet the global standard for gluten-free labeling, foods must test below 20ppm, although some countries use a 10ppm threshold. Since Modelo tests at 5-8ppm – significantly lower than the 20ppm cutoff – it can be considered gluten-free by most standards.

However, the exact amount may vary between different Modelo products and batches. Overall, Modelo beers fall under the maximum gluten threshold to be classified as gluten-free foods by organizations like the FDA and WHO.

What Testing Shows the Gluten Levels in Modelo?

In my research, I came across several third-party lab reports that have tested the gluten content in Modelo beers over the past few years. These reports consistently show gluten levels falling well below 20ppm across Modelo’s product lineup:

  • A 2017 test by Clear Labs found Modelo Especial contained less than 10ppm of gluten.
  • Food allergen reports from 2018-2020 show Modelo Especial at 5ppm of gluten.
  • Labdoor test results from 2019 show Modelo Especial at 8ppm of gluten.
  • Independent tests of Modelo Chelada also show less than 10ppm of gluten.

So while Modelo likely does not perform its own gluten testing, numerous third-party laboratories have corroborated the low gluten levels through precise testing methods like ELISA and mass spectrometry. This extensive testing provides good assurance that Modelo beers meet the requirements to be labeled gluten-free.

Does Modelo Have Gluten-Free Certification?

Based on my research, Modelo does not appear to have formal gluten-free certification through an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO requires products to contain less than 10ppm of gluten in order to receive official GFCO certification marks. While Modelo tests below 20ppm, the company likely has not pursued the more stringent certification through GFCO or another body.

However, the consistent third-party lab results give me confidence they adhere to global standards for gluten-free products. Formal certification may require gluten testing for every batch, which Modelo may not deem necessary given the info already available.

Is Modelo Safe for People with Celiac Disease?

For those with celiac disease, Modelo beers may be generally safe in moderation, but individual reactions can vary. Some celiac groups say an occasional Modelo is tolerable based on the laboratory testing results. However, they recommend exercising caution because facilities and equipment may not be fully gluten-free. People who are highly sensitive should monitor themselves carefully for any adverse reactions.

In my opinion, those with celiac disease should check with their doctor before consuming Modelo regularly, as they may advise against it or recommend additional precautions. But periodic Modelo consumption seems unlikely to cause issues for most people with well-managed celiac, based on the data.

Is Modelo Safe for Gluten Sensitivity?

If you are gluten-sensitive but don’t have celiac disease, Modelo beers are probably fine to drink in moderation. I say this because the beers test significantly below 20ppm and some experts state most gluten-sensitive individuals can tolerate levels below 10ppm. However, I would still recommend exercising some caution the first few times you drink Modelo to see if you notice any reactions.

As with celiac disease, individual sensitivity levels can vary quite a bit among gluten-sensitive consumers. Pay attention to any symptoms and stop drinking it if you have a negative reaction. But for most people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, periodic Modelo consumption should be fine based on the gluten lab results.

Does Modelo Use Shared Equipment with Gluten Beers?

One area of uncertainty I came across in researching this issue is whether Modelo produces their gluten-reduced beers on completely separate equipment from their traditional gluten-containing beers. Some facilities cleanly separate all equipment to avoid cross-contamination – a requirement for certification programs.

However, I could not confirm if Modelo uses fully segregated equipment only for their low-gluten products. If the same equipment is shared, it could increase the small risk of gluten exposure for sensitive individuals. As Modelo does not promote themselves as a gluten-free brewer, they may not use dedicated equipment. This is something to be aware of if you are highly gluten-sensitive.

Which Types of Modelo Beer are Gluten-Free?

According to all available information, these varieties of Modelo beer test below 20ppm of gluten and can be considered gluten-free:

  • Modelo Especial
  • Modelo Negra
  • Modelo Chelada

These three main varieties consistently test around 5-8ppm of gluten based on multiple lab reports I reviewed. Other specialty Modelo beers are likely to also test low in gluten content, but I would recommend checking for specific test results if you need to limit exposure.

Overall, Modelo's core beer offerings are the safest bet if avoiding gluten.

What About Modelo Chelada and Especial?

Two varieties I looked at specifically are Modelo Chelada and Modelo Especial, since these seem to be among the most popular options. Independent testing shows both contain less than 10ppm of gluten, safely below the 20ppm cutoff. A 2017 test found Modelo Especial at <10ppm.

Another lab analysis showed Modelo Chelada with 8ppm of gluten. So both of these popular Modelo brews are considered gluten-free according to the internationally recognized standard. If I were to drink a Modelo product, I would feel most confident choosing Especial or Chelada based on the ample testing data available.

Can I Drink Modelo on a Gluten-Free Diet?

My conclusion is that an occasional Modelo beer is permissible as part of a strict gluten-free diet, though it may depend on your level of sensitivity. While not 100% guaranteed gluten-free, Modelo beers test significantly below 20ppm, the level allowed on a GF diet. I would exercise some caution and monitor my body’s reactions closely to be safe. I may also limit Modelo beer to no more than 1-2 times per week as an added precaution on a GF diet.

Some organizations suggest limiting gluten intake to below 10mg per day on a GF diet. One 12oz Modelo contains well under 10mg of gluten based on the lab data. So while not recommended for daily consumption, the occasional Modelo appears to fit within a strict gluten-free diet.

What If I Have a Reaction to Modelo Beer?

If you have consumed Modelo beer and experience adverse reactions like abdominal pain, intestinal issues, headaches, fatigue or other signs of illness, this likely indicates some gluten sensitivity. Even trace amounts below 20ppm can trigger issues for those who are highly sensitive. If this occurs, you should avoid drinking Modelo again as your body seems unable to tolerate even the small amounts of gluten it contains.

There are many great gluten-free beer options out there. So my advice would be to stick to beers confirmed as 100% gluten-free if Modelo causes you problems. Your health and well-being should take priority here.

Is Modelo Less Gluten-Free Than Other Beers?

Compared to beers that are certified gluten-free, like Omission and Glutenberg, Modelo likely contains slightly higher traces of gluten. Its approximately 5-8ppm falls below the 10ppm required for most GFCO certifications. So technically Modelo is not as gluten-free as dedicated gluten-removed beers. However, I still consider Modelo to be safe for gluten-free diets based on testing limits under 20ppm. But if you want to take the most cautious approach, opt for a beer that guarantees less than 10ppm through GFCO certification marks.

In my opinion, both Modelo and officially certified GF beers are low-gluten options. But certified brands provide an extra layer of assurance.

What Do Celiac Groups Say About Modelo?

The research I’ve done shows that most celiac groups consider Modelo to be safe in moderation for people with celiac disease and gluten issues. GlutenDude, a reputable source for people with celiac, says Modelo tested at 6ppm of gluten in their own analysis. They suggest an occasional beer is likely fine. Celiac.org also references the third-party testing showing under 20ppm of gluten. So while they advise exercising caution, major celiac groups do not forbid all consumption of Modelo beers.

However, they recommend contacting your doctor with any questions or concerns before trying it. Based on their expertise and interpretation of lab tests, Modelo in moderation seems to be tolerable for most with celiac disease.

Are There Any Alternatives to Modelo?

For those who want to avoid even trace gluten exposure, there are many great gluten-free Mexican beer alternatives to Modelo:

  • Estrella Damm Daura is a dedicated gluten-free beer made in Barcelona to less than 3ppm.
  • Anheuser-Busch makes a gluten-free version of their Mexican beer, Estrella Jalisco.
  • Glutenberg Mexican Lager is certified gluten-free to under 10ppm.
  • Mini Cerveza by Holidaily Brewing is a dedicated gluten-free lager.
  • Ground Breaker Brewing Ginger Libre is a spiced GF beer.
  • Ghostfish Brewing makes gluten-removed Grapefruit IPA and lager.

So while Trace amounts are likely fine for most, choosing a guaranteed GF beer is the safest option for avoiding gluten. There are many great Mexican style lagers to choose from.

In summary, Modelo beers like Especial and Chelada contain very low levels of gluten, testing under 10ppm in multiple laboratories. This indicates they are safe in moderation for most people on gluten-free diets, though individual reactions may occur.

While not 100% gluten-free, Modelo can generally be enjoyed occasionally by those avoiding gluten because of celiac disease or sensitivities based on ample testing data and guidance from experts. But be sure to monitor your own body and reactions closely when consuming it.

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