Reinheitsgebot

Just over 500 years ago, the Duke of Bavaria put a law, Reinheitsgebot, into effect, limiting what ingredients could be used in the beer making process. The law was created in 1516, with the goal of protecting consumers from outrageous prices, keeping brewing companies from using toxic ingredients, and preventing the use of wheat in beer. Before Reinheitsgebot was put into effect, ingredients like wood shavings, rosemary, and soot were used in some beers. At the time, Duke Wilhelm IV wanted to ensure that there was enough wheat to make bread, leading to the banning of wheat as an ingredient. The ban on wheat in beer lasted for years then became a limitation instead of a full-on ban, before it was finally repealed. The law has since been modified, but still restricts what ingredients can be used to make beer in Germany. As replacements for wheat and barley are not allowed under Reinheitsgebot, there is very little, if any, gluten-free beer in the country. The government does, however, allow beer that does not follow the rules of Reinheitsgebot to be imported to the country.