Gluten free beer in Greece: how to enjoy this pleasure!
Let’s face it: what’s better than an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day? If you are a gluten free beer enthusiast, though, you might think it’s challenging to enjoy this pleasure during your holiday in Greece. But let us tell you that, if you’re well informed, it will be easier than you expect.
Greece is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, scenic landscapes and vibrant culture… not as much for its beer scene, especially if gluten free. The good news though is that gluten free beer in Greece is increasingly available, catering to the needs of those – like us and probably you – with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Follow us on this journey and find out more about the availability of gluten free beer in Greece, spotlight two prominent Greek gluten free beers, Voreia and Nissos, and address some frequently asked questions about gluten free beer options in Greece.
Gluten free beer in Greece: availability and options
In the past, finding gluten free beer in Greece used to be a daunting task. Traditionally, Greek beer varieties are made from barley or wheat, which contain gluten. However, with the growing awareness and demand for gluten free products, the Greek market has followed the rest of Europe and the world and has expanded to include gluten free beer options. As a result, in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, along with popular tourist destinations like our Rhodes, now offer a selection of gluten free beers in supermarkets and even some bars and restaurants – such as ours, Rhodes Gluten Free!
Meet our two Greek gluten free beers
Of course, during your holiday in Greece you will stumble upon the major International brands of gluten free beer – but as we said, smaller local brands are also starting to cater to this audience. At Rhodes Gluten Free we chose to represent them and only them: at our café you’ll be able to taste the refreshing Voreia Pilsner Gluten Free and Nissos All-Day Organic gluten free beer. Find out more about them!
Voreia Pilsner Gluten Free Beer
Voreia is a brand by the Greek microbrewery Siris, located in Serres, Northern Greece. Known for their dedication to quality and innovation, Siris has created Voreia Pilsner Gluten Free Beer, an exceptional option for celiacs and those avoiding gluten in general. Voreia is a pilsner that boasts a balanced and refreshing taste, with a floral and citrusy aroma, making it perfect for warm Greek summers. With its golden color, it delivers a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp finish, characteristics that are often challenging to achieve in gluten free brewing. Basically, you will have the feeling of drinking a *normal* beer!
Voreia is widely appreciated by both gluten free and non-gluten free beer lovers for maintaining the traditional beer flavor profile, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the authentic beer experience. Whether you’re enjoying it by the Greek sea or in one of our little tables in town, Voreia offers a delightful gluten free option.
Nissos All-Day Organic Gluten Free Beer
Nissos is another standout in the Greek beer scene, hailing from the Cycladic island of Tinos. The brewery’s Nissos All-Day Organic gluten free beer is a testament to the island’s commitment to high-quality, artisanal brewing. This lager is brewed with the same passion and ingredients as its gluten-containing counterparts but is specially crafted to remove gluten (it contains less than 3 PPM of gluten!), making it safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Nissos All-Day Organic gluten free beer is known for its clear and yellow appearance and for the aromas of flowers and fruit and a well-rounded, slightly bitter hoppy taste that complements the malty sweetness. This balance of flavors makes it a versatile beer, perfect for pairing with a variety of Greek dishes such as our tyropita, and enjoyable also for those who are not usually beer drinkers.
Where can you find gluten free beer in Greece?
While it’s becoming easier to find gluten free beer in Greece, certain places are more reliable than others for ensuring availability.
- Major supermarkets: chains like AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis and My Market often stock gluten free beer options, including Greek and international brands.
- Specialty stores: in big cities you might find shops that focus on organic or healthy foods – those are good bets for finding gluten free beers.
- Rhodes Gluten Free: as a 100% gluten free facility that operates on a Greek island… could we maybe not have gluten free Greek beers? Of course we do have them! And we can’t wait to help you reintegrate your lost liquids in the hot Greek summer thanks to Voreia and Nissos gluten free beers. You can drink them comfortably sitting at one of our tables, paired with some delicious food, or buy the bottles and take them to the beach with you!
So it should be clear by now: if you’re in Rhodes, Greece, and looking for gluten free beer, Rhodes Gluten Free is your go-to destination. Located in the city, in a strategic spot close to the Old Town and the central bus station, our café and eatery specializes in gluten free products and proudly offers both Voreia and Nissos gluten free beers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, come visit us at Rhodes Gluten Free to taste all of our safe and mouthwatering options.
Enjoying gluten free beer in Greece has never been easier: next time you’re in the area, stop by Rhodes Gluten Free and raise a bottle to satisfying, worry-free drinking. Cheers to your gluten free Greek adventure!
F.A.Q. about gluten free beer in Greece
For some reason, sometimes online you will find people saying that it is – but NO, Mythos beer is not gluten free. It is brewed using barley malt, which contains gluten, and nowhere on the label they say that it’s less than 20 PPM. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should therefore avoid Mythos and opt for certified gluten free Greek beers like Voreia or Nissos.
Currently, Voreia and Nissos are the only Greek gluten free craft beers. However, the craft beer scene in Greece is dynamic and new options may emerge as demand for gluten free products grows. We will make sure to update this article in case we find new gluten free Greek beers!
While the availability of gluten free beer in Greek restaurants and bars is improving, it’s not guaranteed everywhere. Major cities and tourist hotspots are more likely to offer gluten free options. Always check with the establishment beforehand or carry your own supply if needed. We do offer gluten free beer at Rhodes Gluten Free, though!
In addition to local options, some international gluten free beers are available in Greek supermarkets and specialty stores. Brands like Estrella Daura, BrewDog Vagabond and Green’s are often stocked in larger retailers.
To be 100% sure, you have to look for the Crossed-Grain Trademark or the “Gluten Free” words on the label, and/or check the brewery’s website for information on their gluten free brewing process. Certified gluten free beers meet strict standards to ensure they are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities: the amount of gluten they contain has to be lower than 20 PPM.
