Lena Savoie
Navigating a gluten-free diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Beer, for instance, is typically made from gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, and rye, making it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, gluten-free alternatives do exist, with manufacturers using gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet, and rice. Distilled spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey, are generally considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains, due to the distillation process. Wine is also naturally gluten-free, including sparkling wines like champagne and prosecco. Nonetheless, caution is advised with flavored liquors and mixed drinks, as they may introduce gluten through added ingredients. Always check ingredient lists and look for gluten-free labels to make informed choices when selecting alcoholic beverages while on a gluten-free diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages that are gluten-free | Wine, gluten-free beer, most spirits |
| Wine types that are gluten-free | Regular red, white, rosé, sparkling wines (champagne, prosecco), fortified wines (vermouth, port, sherry) |
| Gluten-free beer types | Beer made from sorghum, maize, millet, oats, pseudocereals (amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa) |
| Pure, distilled liquors that are gluten-free | Vodka (made from corn or potatoes), whiskey, scotch |
| Mixed drinks that are gluten-free | Gin and tonic, martini with potato-based vodka, bourbon |
| Gluten-free hard ciders | ACE Cider, Crispin Cider, Woodchuck Cider |
| Gluten-free sake | Junmai or junmai-shu (made from pure rice) |
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What You'll Learn
Wine is gluten-free
Wine is typically made from grapes, which are naturally gluten-free. The process of turning grapes into wine—which involves crushing, fermenting, and bottling—does not introduce any gluten into the final product. Wine is, therefore, widely considered gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to consume.
However, it is important to note that not all wines are created equal, and gluten contamination can occur during the winemaking process. One potential source of gluten contamination is the use of certain fining agents. Fining is a clarifying process that helps remove unwanted particles and impurities, creating a clearer and more stable finished product. While some traditional fining agents such as egg whites, bentonite clay, and pea protein are naturally gluten-free, others like hydrolyzed wheat protein or wheat gluten do contain gluten. If these are used, trace amounts of gluten may remain in the finished wine, even at low concentrations of 1 g/hL.
Another potential source of gluten contamination is the use of oak barrels sealed with wheat paste. Studies have shown that the amount of gluten found in wines aged in these barrels is very low, with less than 5 to 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten detected. According to FDA guidelines, products containing less than 20 ppm of gluten qualify as gluten-free. Therefore, wines aged in oak barrels sealed with wheat paste can still be considered gluten-free.
To ensure that your wine is gluten-free, it is recommended to stick with traditional, unflavored wines, as they are least likely to have added gluten during the production process. For those with a high sensitivity to gluten, it is advisable to seek out wines fermented in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels, as some oak barrels may be sealed with wheat paste. Many wineries now use stainless steel for all or part of their fermentation process, making it easier for individuals with gluten intolerance to find suitable options.
In conclusion, while most wines are naturally gluten-free, it is important to be mindful of potential gluten contamination during the winemaking process. By choosing unflavored wines and those fermented in stainless steel tanks, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely enjoy a glass of wine without worrying about adverse reactions.
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Pure distilled liquors are gluten-free
Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Gluten is a term that refers to hundreds of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye). Beer, for example, is commonly made from wheat or barley, making it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
However, pure distilled liquors are gluten-free, even if they are made from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. The distillation process involves heating fermented plant materials until they vaporize, and then condensing the vapors back into an alcohol-containing liquid. Gluten, being a protein, has a very high boiling point and does not vaporize during distillation. As a result, it is left behind, and the distilled spirit is considered gluten-free.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the United States allows the term "gluten-free" on labels and advertisements for alcoholic beverages produced without gluten-containing grains or other gluten-containing ingredients. This includes liquors like vodka made from corn or potatoes, as well as whiskeys made from wheat or rye, and Scotch made from barley.
It is important to note that flavored distilled liquors can sometimes introduce gluten back into the product if the flavorings are added after distillation. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer to confirm the gluten-free status of flavored distilled liquors. Additionally, there is a risk of gluten cross-contact in facilities that process products containing wheat, barley, or rye.
When following a gluten-free diet, it is always advisable to check ingredient labels and look for gluten-free labels to ensure the safety of the alcoholic beverage.
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Beers made from gluten-free grains
Beer is traditionally made from wheat or barley, which contain gluten. However, some manufacturers have started making beer from gluten-free grains such as sorghum, maize, millet, oats, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, rice, and corn. These gluten-free beers are suitable for people with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-free beers are now widely available, and some breweries are dedicated gluten-free breweries, meaning they do not handle gluten-containing ingredients at all. Popular gluten-free beers include Buck Wild Pale Ale by Alpenglow Beer Company (California, USA) and Copperhead Copper Ale by Alt Brew (Wisconsin, USA). Gluten-free beers come in a variety of styles, including coffee ales, golden ales, IPAs, Belgian whites, and citrusy witbiers.
Home brewing kits for gluten-free beer are also commercially available. These kits typically include sorghum syrup, hops, yeast, and other items. While gluten-free home brewing kits are more expensive than standard kits, they produce drinkable gluten-free beer for less than the cost of a commercial beer. Adding extra hops can improve the flavour of gluten-free beer.
In addition to beers made from gluten-free grains, there are also gluten-removed and gluten-reduced beers. These beers are made with gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, or rye and then treated with enzymes to break down the gluten proteins. However, the gluten is not entirely removed, and many people report experiencing reactions to these drinks. The effectiveness of the removal process has not been scientifically validated, and the gluten content may vary between batches.
It is important to note that the regulations for labelling beers as gluten-free vary by country. In the United States, beers made with gluten-containing grains that have been treated with enzymes are considered gluten-reduced, not gluten-free. However, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has ruled that distilled alcohol, even when made with gluten-containing grains, can be labelled as gluten-free. This includes liquors like whiskey, Scotch, and vodka, which are typically made from wheat, barley, or rye but are considered gluten-free due to the distillation process.
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Gluten-removed beers
While beer is typically made from wheat or barley, which contain gluten, some manufacturers have begun making beer from gluten-free grains such as sorghum, maize, millet, oats, amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. These gluten-free beers are suitable for people with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
In addition to these naturally gluten-free beers, there is another type of beer known as "gluten-removed" beer. Gluten-removed beers are made with traditional gluten-containing grains, such as barley, but are then treated with enzymes that break down the gluten protein. This process does not completely eliminate the gluten, and some individuals with gluten sensitivities continue to experience reactions to these beverages. However, many people with celiac disease seem to tolerate gluten-removed beers without adverse symptoms.
While gluten-removed beers may be a suitable option for some individuals with gluten sensitivities, it is important to note that individual tolerance varies. Some people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may still experience reactions to these beverages. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional and exercise caution when introducing new products into your diet.
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Gluten-free hard ciders
For those on a gluten-free diet, it is important to know which alcoholic drinks are safe to consume. Many alcoholic beverages are naturally gluten-free, while some are modified to be lower in gluten. Wine, for example, is made from fruit, so it is naturally gluten-free. This includes red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines such as prosecco and champagne. Fortified wines like vermouth, port, and sherry are also gluten-free. Pure, distilled liquors are also considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. The distillation process ensures that most liquors are safe for people with celiac disease. However, it is important to be cautious of liquors with added flavourings or other additives, as they may contain hidden gluten.
When it comes to gluten-free hard ciders, there are several options available. Many hard ciders are inherently gluten-free, but it is always recommended to check the labels as ingredients can change. Some reliable gluten-free hard ciders include:
- Angry Orchard Cider: All ciders produced by Angry Orchard are currently gluten-free.
- Strongbow Ciders: Strongbow offers a complex aroma with a balance of acidity and sweetness. Their ciders are easy to drink and pair well with seafood, Asian dishes, spicy foods, and salads.
- Magner's Original Apple and Pear Ciders: These ciders are not only gluten-free but also known for their fabulous taste.
- Ciderboys First Press Traditional Hard Cider: This award-winning cider offers a sweet and apple-y taste with a medium-bodied mouthfeel. It pairs well with chicken wings, chimichurri, beets, goat cheese, and clams.
- J.K. Scrumpy's Organic Hard Cider: This cider stands out for its unique approach of not adding refined sugar to any of their ciders.
- Blake's Hard Cider: Based in Armada, MI, Blake's offers a range of gluten-free ciders, including the popular Flannel Mouth.
When in doubt, it is always best to check the labels and look for gluten-free indications. Additionally, remember that ingredients can change, so it is worth double-checking each time you purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
Many alcoholic drinks are naturally gluten-free, including wine, gluten-free beer, and most spirits.
Wines made from fruit are naturally gluten-free, including red, white, rosé, sparkling wines, and fortified wines.
Pure, distilled liquors are gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains. This includes vodka, whiskey, scotch, and gin.
Yes, some manufacturers produce gluten-free beers made from gluten-free grains such as sorghum, maize, millet, oats, amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa.
Alcoholic drinks made from gluten-containing grains, such as wheat or barley, should be avoided. This includes conventional beers and some liqueurs and mixed drinks.
