Twisted Tea and Gluten: The Facts
For those on a gluten-free diet, understanding the ingredients in beverages is essential. Twisted Tea, despite its tea flavor, is not safe. This is due to the malt beverage base. Malt beverages are fermented from grains like barley, and the gluten remains.
Twisted Tea Original, and all other flavors, use a malt base. Therefore, every variety contains gluten and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten can cause health problems, including intestinal damage.
The Brewing Process
The difference between a gluten-free alcoholic beverage and Twisted Tea lies in how they are made:
- Twisted Tea (Malt Beverage): Malted barley is mashed and fermented to create the alcohol base. The liquid is then flavored with tea and fruit flavors. Gluten remains.
- Gluten-Free Beer: Gluten-free beers use alternative grains such as sorghum, rice, millet, or quinoa. These are naturally gluten-free.
- Distilled Spirits: Vodka, rum, and tequila are created by distillation. The distillation process removes the gluten protein, making them safe for most with celiac disease.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
There are safe alternatives:
- Hard Seltzers: Brands like Truly, High Noon, and White Claw are gluten-free.
- Hard Ciders: Ciders are fermented from apples, which are gluten-free.
- Wine and Wine Coolers: Pure wines, fermented from grapes, are naturally gluten-free.
- Homemade Spiked Tea: Mix your favorite iced tea with a gluten-free liquor and a flavor of your choice. An example recipe:
- Ingredients:
- Gluten-free vodka (e.g., Tito's, made from corn) or rum
- Brewed black tea or herbal tea
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sweetener of choice (sugar, honey, agave)
- Ice
- Ingredients:
Comparison Table: Twisted Tea vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives
| Feature | Twisted Tea | Gluten-Free Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Not Gluten-Free | Gluten-Free (confirm label) |
| Alcohol Base | Malted barley | Fermented sugar, apples, grapes, potatoes, or corn |
| Dietary Suitability | Unsafe | Safe |
| Flavor Profile | Tea-forward | Wide variety |
| Manufacturing | Fermented | Distilled or fermented |
Health Risks and Conclusion
Consuming gluten-containing products like Twisted Tea can lead to health concerns for those with celiac disease. Individuals with a non-celiac gluten sensitivity may experience discomfort. The tea flavor can make it a deceptive choice.
Twisted Tea is not safe for those avoiding gluten. By learning about alternatives like hard seltzers and pure spirits, individuals can still enjoy refreshing drinks. For information on celiac disease, visit Beyond Celiac.
Safe Mixing Spirits for DIY Hard Tea
- Vodka: Most pure vodkas are considered gluten-free, including those made from corn, grapes, or potatoes.
- Rum: Made from sugarcane or molasses, pure rum is a naturally gluten-free spirit.
- Tequila: Made from the blue agave plant, pure tequila is also naturally gluten-free.
- Plain Wine and Cider: These beverages are excellent bases for mixing.
Always read labels carefully and choose a naturally gluten-free alcohol or create your own spiked tea blend at home for a safe beverage.
