Is dextrin/carapils gluten free

I doubt it. Why would it be? It's made from barley.

But I'd be interested in any links to what you found claiming that it is gluten free.

 

I don’t see how that is possible.

 

Doubtful.

 

The process to make Carapils® is a proprietary secret, so good luck getting info from Breiss on that.
That being said, it, and other dextrin malts are barley, so unless otherwise stated, Occam’s razor suggests they all contain gluten.

 

Ok, I think you might be a little confused...

First, barley doesn’t produce gluten, it (along with wheat and rye) contain it.

Second, dextrine, maltodextrine, and dextrin malt are three different things.
Maltodextrin is a white powder that is used to thicken food and enhance beer mouthfeel. It is gluten free.
Dextrins are a group of carbohydrates that can or can not be gluten free.
Dextrin malt looks like a light barley malt. It is not gluten free.

What exactly are you curious about this for? Are you trying to brew gluten free beer?

 

In that case, you could use maltodextrin. Boil up the desired amount in a small amount of water.

 

My sister-in-law has Celiac Disease. It affects her respiratory system vs. the usual gastrointestinal problem. She carries an epipen, which she has plunged into her leg a couple of times in her life. It’s some serious shit!

Some people are in this situation - a severe allergy to gluten. She can’t tour a brewery, she can’t walk through a wheat field. Brewing beer for these people is indeed a complicated endevour. For a true gluten free beer, sorghum syrup is the best available option. Body is going to be a challenge, so I would recommend Belgian styles. I’ve had some phenomenal sorghum-based Belgian beers - these types of beers are largely yeast-driven anyway.

Now if the gluten issue is a ‘gluten sensitivity’ problem, white labs sells a product called ‘clarity ferm’ which effectively removes gluten and would be a great option for someone who doesn’t suffer a violent reaction to gluten.