Of course, when you think about craft beer in Pennsylvania, your mind probably jumps to the vast array of breweries popping up all over the state—from Philly’s bustling brewpubs to the cozy taprooms tucked away in Lancaster County. But if you’re like me, someone who’s been wandering through these beer scenes for over a decade and cares about where their food and drink come from, you might be wondering: are there any all-organic breweries in PA?
Maybe you’re leaning into healthier choices, or you want to support places that champion sustainable farming and local ingredients. Or perhaps you’re just curious if you can enjoy a great pint without the pesticides and additives that sometimes go into mass-produced beer. I’m here to break it down for you, sharing what I’ve found about breweries with organic ingredients, organic beer Pennsylvania offers, and why this matters for you and your weekend plans.
What Does “All-Organic Brewery” Even Mean?
Before diving into specific spots, let’s clear something up. An all-organic brewery is a place that uses 100% organic ingredients in Browse this site their beer—think organic barley, hops, and any other grains or adjuncts. They often have certification from the USDA or another organic certifier, which means they meet strict standards about how their ingredients are grown and handled.
But here’s the catch: organic brewing is still pretty niche. It’s hard to source all organic ingredients, and it can bump up the cost. So, while you’ll find a handful of breweries that either make some beers with organic ingredients or emphasize sustainable practices, fully organic breweries are rare.
Organic Beer in Pennsylvania: What’s on Tap?
Now for the good stuff—what’s actually available in PA? I’ve spent many weekends tasting flights and chatting with brewers to get the lowdown. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Lancaster Brewing Company: A Local Legend with Organic Offerings
Located in the heart of Lancaster, this brewery has been a staple for years, and they’re well-loved for their commitment to local ingredients and community vibes. While Lancaster Brewing Co. isn’t 100% organic, they do offer beers brewed with organic ingredients and sustainable practices.
One of their standouts is the Organic Farmhouse Ale, which uses organic barley and hops sourced from nearby farms. It’s a light, approachable beer with a crisp finish—perfect for a summer afternoon on their spacious patio. I remember chatting with their head brewer during a visit, and he shared how important it was for them to support local organic farmers while still keeping their beer accessible to everyone.
Besides the organic ale, their taproom is a great example of a community gathering spot—a “third space” if you will—where families, dog-walkers, and first-timers all feel welcome. They even have a nice selection of non-alcoholic options, so no one feels left out.
Hitchhiker Brewing Company: Crafting Organic-Inspired Brews in Philadelphia
If you’re in Philly, Hitchhiker Brewing is a spot to check out. While they don’t claim to be a fully organic brewery, they’re known for pushing the boundaries with creative, locally sourced ingredients, and they’ve experimented with organic grains and hops in some batches.
Their taproom is super welcoming, with an emphasis on community and sustainability. I visited last fall and ordered a flight featuring their Organic IPA, which was a nice balance of floral hops and malt sweetness without being too bitter. What stood out to me was their transparency—they’re upfront about which beers use organic ingredients and why it matters.
Plus, Hitchhiker goes beyond beer, hosting events like yoga classes and family-friendly game nights, making it a great social spot that’s more than just a “loud bar.”
Why Organic Beer? The “Why” Behind the Buzz
Alright, so why should you care about organic beer, especially here in Pennsylvania? Here are some reasons that go beyond just “it’s healthier”:
- Supporting Local Organic Farmers: Organic brewing helps keep small farms sustainable, many of which are right here in PA. This supports local economies and preserves farmland. Fewer Chemicals: Organic grains and hops are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which is better for the environment and for your body. Better Flavor: Many brewers swear organic ingredients add a cleaner, more vibrant flavor to their beers. Community Connection: Breweries focusing on organic or sustainable practices often have a stronger tie to their communities, hosting events and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
To me, these reasons make a visit to an organic or organic-inspired brewery feel more meaningful. It’s not just about the beer, but about being part of something that values where our food and drink come from.
Other Pennsylvania Breweries with Organic Ingredients
While fully organic breweries are rare, plenty of other PA spots are dipping their toes into organic ingredients or sustainable brewing:
These breweries might not market themselves as “all-organic,” but they’re worth checking out if you want to support healthier beer options in PA.
Finding Family-Friendly and Non-Drinker-Friendly Spots
One pain point I hear a lot from folks around here is the struggle to find social spaces that aren’t just loud, crowded bars. Many breweries with organic or local focuses tend to have a more welcoming vibe, which is great if you want to bring the kids or a friend who’s not drinking.
Lancaster Brewing Co. and Hitchhiker Brewing both fit this mold. They offer things like:
- Spacious, often outdoor seating areas Non-alcoholic beer and other beverage options Events that encourage socializing beyond just drinking (live music, trivia, yoga) Water served freely—something I always appreciate (because, honestly, some places don’t)
So if you’re craving a sense of community, these places provide more than just a pint—they offer a place to connect.
Wrapping It Up: Is PA Ready for More Organic Breweries?
To sum it all up, Pennsylvania has a handful of breweries embracing organic ingredients and sustainable practices, but fully all-organic breweries are still pretty rare. Lancaster Brewing Co. and Hitchhiker Brewing stand out as two solid examples where you can enjoy organic-inspired beers and a community-focused atmosphere.
If you want to support breweries with organic ingredients or find healthy beer options, I recommend starting with these spots and keeping an eye out for limited releases or seasonal brews featuring organic grains and hops. Plus, their welcoming taprooms make for a great weekend outing with friends or family.
And hey, if you find a hidden gem that’s fully organic or has an awesome story about sustainable brewing, hit me up—I’m always on the lookout for the next good spot to share.
Cheers to drinking well and supporting local communities!