We mentioned that sometimes a beer allergy is alcohol intolerance — a genetic condition that causes some people to be unable to process alcohol normally. Other times, a beer allergy is an allergy to some of the most common ingredients in certain drinks. These are:
Sulfites or other preservatives: A list of alcohols high in sulfites would be led by wines and liquors that are meant to be aged. Sulfites and other preservatives can cause reactions in some drinkers. So-called “natural wines” are growing in popularity, largely because they’re lower in preservatives that may induce a reaction in some drinkers.
Gluten, grains and chemical compounds: People with sensitivities to gluten and other grains are typically unable to drink beer without experiencing adverse side effects, which is likely the reason why “beer allergy” has become such a well-known phrase.
Histamines: We mentioned before that histamines are natural byproducts of the brewing and fermentation process that many alcohols go through before they’re sold. Introducing histamines into the body can cause an artificial allergic response with many of the same symptoms as alcohol intolerance.