Overview of Gluten Free Alcohol
For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding an enjoyable alcoholic beverage can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are many gluten free options available from classic cocktails to beer. This section will provide an in-depth overview of the many gluten free alcohol options, including:
- Spirits
- Beer
- Wine
Definition of gluten
Gluten is a type of protein found primarily in wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the consumption of gluten, which causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. It can cause serious long-term health problems if it’s not managed. People with celiac disease must avoid all products that contain gluten in order to stay healthy and avoid damage to the small intestine.
It’s important to note that just because a product may not contain wheat or barley does not necessarily mean that it is gluten free. Oats, for example, often come into contact with wheat during growing and processing so if you are purchasing oat products, such as oatmeal or oat flour, make sure you look for labels stating “gluten-free”.
Certain types of alcohol need special attention when determining whether they are safe for consumption by someone with celiac disease or other intolerances. Beer brewed from malt commonly contains gluten while distilled spirits made from grains will generally be free of gluten proteins; however certain additives used in wine production can also contain trace amounts of gluten proteins so always check the label or contact the producer before consuming any alcoholic beverage. The following types of alcohol are generally considered safe for those with celiac disease:
- Distilled spirits (gin, whiskey, vodka): Grain based spirits distilled at a high enough proof neutralize any trace amount of gluten present in the distillation process.
- Sake: Traditionally made from rice and fermented without added enzymes; however some sake producers have begun adding wheat as an ingredient so label reading is important here as well!
- Wine: Generally considered Gluten Free; however some use fining agents during production which may contain traces of gluten such as albumin derived from egg whites or casein derived from milk products (which due to cross contamination could potentially contain small amounts). It’s always best to confirm with producers if there are concerns about cross contamination or potential sources used during production such as those listed above.
- Cider: Apple cider fermented traditionally should be Gluten Free although there may be added ingredients depending on what type of cider it is; again label checking should be done before consuming any product labelled “cider” if there is a concern about potential sources used during production such as those listed above.
Types of gluten-free alcohol
Many people enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, but those following a gluten-free diet may worry that their choices are limited. Fortunately, there are several types of gluten-free alcohol available for the discerning consumer. Here’s a quick overview:
- Wine – Wine is naturally gluten-free and most basic wine does not require any processing or packaging techniques that introduce gluten into the product. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the wine producer if in doubt.
- Hard Cider – Hard cider is made from apples and other fruit, and fermentation generally takes place in tanks or barrels made of oak or stainless steel – none of which typically contain gluten. However, some hard cider producers may add wheat or barley as ingredients in their products, so checking with them is recommended.
- Distilled Spirits – Distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey and gin are extracted via distillation (as opposed to fermentation) and can be safely consumed by those on a gluten free diet provided they do not contain added ingredients such as artificial flavorings that may contain wheat derivatives.
- Beer Alternatives – There are several types of beer alternatives available for those on a gluten-free diet including sorghum beer, millet beer and buckwheat beer. These beers use alternative grains to make brewed beverages without any wheat or barley malt.
In addition to these main types of alcohols that are produced without using grains containing gluten (such as wheat or barley), there are also many specialty drinks that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs including veganism and vegetarianism as well any other specific food allergies you may have. As always when trying something new, it’s important to check all labels carefully before consuming anything you’re unsure about!
Wine
Wine is one type of alcoholic beverage that usually has no gluten. While there are some wines that may contain traces of gluten, most wines are crafted with gluten-free ingredients. If you are gluten-sensitive or have Celiac Disease, it can be hard to find alcoholic beverages that are completely gluten-free, but wine is one of them.
Let’s dive a little deeper and explore more about gluten-free wines:
Types of wine
Wine is one alcoholic beverage that typically contains no detectable gluten. This is because the fermentation process used to make wine actually breaks down the proteins found in grains that contain gluten, making wine one of the few types of alcohol that can generally be enjoyed safely by those with Celiac disease or other forms of gluten sensitivity.
It’s important to note that other ingredients may be used to add flavor and sweetness to a particular wine, such as caramel colorings or flavorings, some of which may contain gluten from wheat sources. As always, it’s best to check labels and contact the winery or producer for further information about whether any ingredients with potential sources of gluten have been added.
Most types of red and white wines are naturally gluten-free including:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah/Shiraz
- Riesling
- Sparkling Wines
Gluten-free wine brands
When it comes to alcohol, gluten-free beer and spirits are becoming more commonplace on store shelves, but for those in search of a gluten-free wine, the choices can be limited. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and barley – two key ingredients used to make beer–so most beers are not gluten-free. On the other hand, grapes used to make wine lack gluten proteins, so most wines are technically considered ‘gluten free’. However, due to processing methods and added ingredients used in some wines – like wheat paste or grain alcohols – cross contamination may occur.
Whether you’re looking for an alcoholic alternative or simply avoiding gluten due to dietary restrictions or allergies, there are some well-known brands of wines that are free of these proteins and can be enjoyed with confidence such as:
- Barefoot Cellar: A popular label that offers robust reds, crisp whites and a myriad of flavored offerings.
- Straight Edge Organic: This premium collection is made from organically grown grapes without the use of sulfites or GMOs.
- Suvla Wines: Hailing from Turkey’s foremost sustainable winery Suvla Wines guarantees their products as both vegan friendly and naturally gluten free.
Of course these brands represent only a small sampling of options available to individuals seeking out truly gluten free options when it comes to wine enjoyment. Take some time with your favorite alcoholic beverage retailer and explore your choices! Bon Appetit!
Beer
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages and a favorite of many, but for those who are sensitive to gluten, this can be a cause for concern. While the majority of beers contain gluten, there are some varieties that are made with barley and hops that don’t contain this ingredient.
Let’s take a look at some of the beers that have no gluten, and what makes them special:
Types of beer
Beer is an alcoholic beverage brewed from malted cereal grains, such as barley, wheat, rye or maize. The brewing process involves boiling and fermenting the wort (sugar extracted from the grains) with yeast to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. Beer styles range from light to dark and can include but are not limited to ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts and milds.
Ales: Ales are a type of beer that is brewed with top-fermenting yeasts that work at warmer temperatures than that used for Lagers and typically have more complex flavors than lager. Common varieties of ales include Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Brown Ale and Porter. These beers are usually characterized by their fruity or floral aroma.
Lagers: Lagers are beer styles brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast which works at colder temperatures than that of ale yeasts and produces a smoother tasting beer with fewer diverse flavors than an ale. Common types of lager beers include Pilsner, Bock and Marzenbier.
Gluten Free Beer: Gluten-free beer is a type of beer that has been brewed without wheat, barley or rye for individuals who either cannot tolerate gluten or those who wish to avoid it for other dietary reasons. There are many brands of gluten-free beer available in the market made from gluten-free malted grains such as sorghum and millet as well as from honey or fruit juices instead of malted grain extracts.
Gluten-free beer brands
People who are gluten-intolerant typically struggle to find alcoholic beverages they can safely enjoy. While wheat, rye, and barley used to make beer contain gluten, many breweries now offer a gluten-free alternative. Gluten-free beer is usually brewed with sorghum and other grains or pseudo-grains that do not contain gluten.
Most mass-produced American beers such as Budweiser or Coors use rice and corn adjuncts (ingredients besides malt) so their beers are naturally low in gluten content – less than 20 parts per million (ppm). Depending on the individual’s sensitivity level, some of these beers may be tolerated but it’s best to avoid them due to the risk of cross contamination from the regular beer production process.
Below are some verified brands that produce completely gluten-free products either using traditional brewing methods or by using an enzyme to break down remaining proteins in their beer:
- Omission Beer
- New Planet Beer
- Green’s Gluten Free Beers
- Ground Breaker Brewing
- Estrella Damm Daura (European)
- Dogfish Head Brewery – Tweason’ Ale
Many craft breweries now produce gluten free options as well, so if you see a brewery with dedicated beers labeled as “gluten free” you can safely assume they meet sensory guidelines for being below 20 ppm of gluten content.
Spirits
Spirits can be a great option for those looking for alcoholic beverages that don’t contain gluten. Many spirits are distilled, which means gluten proteins are removed during the distillation process. This includes whiskey, tequila, vodka, rum, and gin. However, there are still some things you should watch out for when selecting your spirits.
Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of different spirits:
Types of spirits
Spirits are alcoholic beverages that are usually made with a distillation process. They are usually clear and contain between 35 to 60 percent alcohol. Some of the most common types of spirits include vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, brandy and cognac. All of these spirits can be distilled from various types of grain or fermented fruit depending on the type of drink and its origin. Some of these drinks can also be flavored using spices or fruit extracts.
However, if you’d like to avoid gluten in your cocktails or spirits there are plenty of options available to you! All alcohols made from grains that don’t contain gluten (such as rice or buckwheat) create a spirit that is gluten-free. Examples include: sake, rice wine and bourbon whiskey (distilled from corn). Other popular spirits like gin, vodka, tequila and whiskey can also be found in gluten-free variations if they have been specially crafted with non-gluten grains such as sorghum and millet instead of traditional wheat or oat bases. Liqueurs like creme de menthe may contain some levels of gluten; however many brands now offer allergen-friendly versions that use alternative sweeteners such as corn syrup instead!
Gluten-free spirit brands
Gluten is a protein found in many grains including wheat, rye, barley and oats. Gluten-free diets are becoming more popular due to the increasing awareness of gluten sensitivities as well as Celiac Disease. While many popular beer and cider brands contain gluten, there are also a growing number of beverages made without it, including various types of spirits.
Here is a list of some of the most widely available gluten-free spirit brands:
- Vodka – Tito’s Handmade Vodka (Texas), Effen Vodka (Netherlands), Smirnoff No. 21 (United States), Reyka Vodka (Iceland).
- Gin–Cocomotion Oz Gin (Australia),London Hill Dry Gin (England)
- Rum–Bacardi Superior rum(Puerto Rico)
- Tequila – Casamigos Tequila Blanco(Mexico)
- Whiskey–Widow Jane Straight Bourbon Whiskey(New York).
- Brandy–Maxime Trijol VSOP Grand Champagne Cognac(France).
Cider
When considering what alcohol has no gluten, one of the best choices is cider. Cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apples, and for that reason contains no gluten. The cider-making process includes the crushing of apples, yeast fermentation, and then a period of aging.
Depending on the cider maker, the aging process can include a variety of additional ingredients, such as hops and spices, but gluten will not be present in the end product.
Types of cider
Cider is one of the most popular non-gluten containing alcoholic beverages due to the use of apples instead of wheat or barley. Cider comes in a wide variety of flavors and types, with most being either still or sparkling.
Still cider is created using a method known as maturation, which produces an alcoholic drink that is cloudy and non-sparkling. It tends to have more complexity in flavor, as opposed to its sparkling counterpart.
Sparkling ciders are carbonated which gives them a lighter feel and can be sweetened with additives such as sugar or juice concentrate. These come in a range of colors from light golden yellow to deep reds and purples depending on the type of apples used for fermentation and the level of added sugar.
Though very similar, there are some subtle differences between hard ciders, traditional cider and other white wine/apple wines/flavored wines (these are all often referred to as ‘ciders’) Hard ciders tend to be less sweet than others but with more depth from fermentation, while apple wines often contain additional alcohols such as brandy or vodka for added flavor complexity. Additionally flavored wines like cranberry-apple may suit those looking for something different than traditional ciders but without sacrificing its gluten-free qualities.
Gluten-free cider brands
Cider is a drink made from fermented apples that is popularly enjoyed in the United States and other countries. Made with just apples and sometimes with added sugar, almost all ciders are gluten-free – ideal for those looking for a gluten-free alcoholic beverage. Many major cider brands are available nationally, making it easy to find these refreshing drinks.
Here is a list of some popular gluten-free cider brands you may be able to find near you:
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider
- Smith & Forge Hard Cider
- Redds Apple Ale
- Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders
- Samuel Adams Cold Snap Hard Cider
- Magners Irish Cider Original
- Ace Hard Apple Ciders
- Woodchuck Amber Draft Cider
Other Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re looking for an alcohol-inclusive diet but need to be mindful of gluten, there are still plenty of options. Fortunately, there are a variety of alcoholic beverages that are gluten-free, which means you can still enjoy a night out without having to worry about adverse reactions. Let’s take a look at some of the other alcoholic drinks you can enjoy without gluten:
- Wine
- Hard Cider
- Vodka
- Tequila
- Gin
- Rum
- Whiskey
Types of other alcoholic beverages
If you can’t or choose not to drink beer and wine, don’t worry. There is an array of other alcoholic beverages that are entirely gluten-free. From ciders to cocktails, here are some of the most popular types:
- Hard ciders – Hard ciders are fermented from apples and pears and varied in flavor depending on the type of fruit used. All hard ciders should be considered gluten-free, but look for labels that say “gluten-free” to be sure.
- Spirits – including vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, brandy, and many more distilled spirits made from grains, fruits, vegetables and sugars; all gluten-free. Mixers like tonic water may contain gluten or wheat so choose mixers carefully or make your own.
- Meads – Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey mixed with water and flavored with spices or fruits. A festive choice when hosting friends for a meal! Depending on the ingredients added to the mead during fermentation it can also contain trace amounts of gluten proteins so strict avoidance would prefer purchasing one specifically labeled as “gluten-free” such as Naragansett Meadery’s who proudly declare “gluten free” on every bottled label they produce.
- Liqueurs – Liqueurs offer a huge variety in flavors as distinct as hazelnut, maraschino cherry, mint or coffee and often come in a variety of colors too such as blue curacao or green ice cream liqueur. Many classic liqueurs including Amaretto di Saronno are made with wheat grain making them off limits for those with gluten intolerances but fortunately many companies now have lines that cater specifically to those who have celiac disease like Livigno Luxardo Ltd in London who offers their Alto Glutalan line created especially for those who need a safe booze fix while avoiding wheat products totally!
Gluten-free other alcoholic beverage brands
In general, distilled alcoholic beverages, like spirits, are gluten-free. Since they’re made from grains that have been distilled to remove gluten proteins, they should not contain any gluten. However, some commercial distilleries add flavoring agents after distillation and these can contain traces of wheat or barley.
Gluten-free beer is made with a gluten-free grain base, such as sorghum or buckwheat instead of wheat or barley. In addition to beer, there are several other types of gluten-free alcoholic beverages available in stores around the world including hard seltzers and ales.
Here are some popular brands you should look for when searching for gluten-free other alcoholic drink options:
- Hard Yards Brewing Co. – offers several hard seltzer flavors that are all certified Gluten Free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
- Flying Embers Organic Hard Kombucha – made with natural fruit juices instead of sugar for a unique flavor and refreshingly clean finish
- Ace Cider – Ace Perry Pear Hard Cider is certified Gluten Free from the Celiac Support Association (CSA)
- Wölffer Estate Vineyard – their No 143 Dry Rose Cider is cider blended with rose wine for a flavorful taste
- Pabst Blue Ribbon – Pabst Blue Ribbon Non Alcoholic Beer is also certified Gluten Free by GIG
