As people choose healthier lifestyles the demand for organic beer is growing.
Organic beer must meet the same certifications and requirements of any other organic food product. These days having the ability to add the word “organic” to a label is an extremely profitable selling point. However that does not ensure that the product is legitimately organic. When buying organic beer make sure to look for certification on the label, this helps protect you, the consumer from buying a product that may not really be organic.

There are three separate organic certifications in the United States:

• “100% Organic” - This means that the product was made entirely with certified organic ingredients. This certification can show the USDA Certified organic seal.
• “Organic”- This means that the product was made out of at least 95% certified organic ingredients. This Certification can display the USDA organic seal.
• “Made with organic ingredients”- This means that a product is made with a minimum of 70% certified organic ingredients.
• Any product that is made with less than 70% certified organic ingredients can not promote being organic. It can only mention that it is partly organic. Often these are advertised as “All Natural”.

Organic beer contain a higher alcohol content than bulk made, conventional beer. Conventional beer ranges from 3.2 percent to 5.5 percent by weight compared to the 4 percent to 8 percent weight of organic beer. This is because the mass made beer may be made with less costly ingredients like corn and rice. This adds sugar to the beer and make it lighter. This causes the beer to have a watery taste and less alcohol content.

Organic beer can be made with:

• Hops
• Malted barley
• Yeast
• Wheat
• Rolled oats

Each of these must be individually certified organic. These grains are grown with out the application of any pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds (GMOs). Studies that are currently under examination by the US Environmental Protection Agency show that genetically modified organisms may be a very large threat to the environment by destroying living and natural organisms. Since they are a recently new development it is not known how they will ultimately affect the health, either.

There are many organic breweries all over the world. It is best to buy from a local source, an artisan brewery if possible. The best way to find one that is near you is to go to Google Maps and type in “Beer Brewery” and your location. A local brewery is the best place to buy organic beer, and they are not hard to find. However, if you can not locate a  brewery in your area then Whole Foods Market and Kegs and Barrels are great alternatives. There are not many online stores where you can purchase organic beer because it is more difficult to ID someone who is ordering online.

Do you want to try your hand at brewing your own organic beer? There are beginners kits that you can purchase that contains most of the ingredients that you will need to get started. If you decide to purchase a brewing kit there may be a few ingredients that are not included. Make sure to read the descriptions thoroughly so that you know exactly what you are purchasing. Brew Organic is a great website where you can get tips and recipes. All of the products that are labeled “organic” are certified organic and USDA approved.

Whether you decide to buy already made or to venture into the world of organic brewing rest assured that organic beer is the best quality beer out there. Due to the fact that there are no chemicals used to grow or make any of the ingredients, organic beer has the best flavor you will find.

Be careful when you drink organic beer, remember that it has a higher alcohol content. You should always drink in moderation and do not drink and drive.

If you liked this article you may also be interested in Organic Wine.