Expert: Ed Westemeier - 11/22/2006

Question
could you please tell me what is larger made off. my friend says its full of additives is this true? please thank you. a list of what in larger would be most useful so i can show my friend. see whose correct. thanks. Diane

Answer
Lager beer is made from the same ingredients as any other beer, which are:
malted grains (usually barley)
hops (a plant)
yeast (the same kind used by bakers)
water

The best beers are made with nothing but those four ingredients, and no additives.

However, the very largest breweries do use tiny amounts of additives, for such things as improving head retention, shelf life, and other reasons. The amounts of additives are so small that they can be considered insignificant. But if you want beer made with no additives at all, then avoid the products of the giant breweries.