Are Bacardi and Coke Gluten-Free? A Guide for Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive Individuals

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Bacardi's official statements, most of their rum products are gluten-free, with a specific and important exception. This means that the classic rum and coke, made with standard Bacardi and Coca-Cola, is generally a safe choice for those following a gluten-free diet, but careful attention to flavored varieties is crucial.

Quick Summary

This guide confirms the gluten-free status of traditional Bacardi rum and standard Coca-Cola, making a classic rum and coke safe for many. It provides essential information on avoiding hidden gluten in flavored versions, premixed cocktails, and other potential contamination sources.

Key Points

Standard Bacardi is Gluten-Free: Most traditional, unflavored Bacardi rum is naturally gluten-free because it is distilled from sugarcane or molasses.
Avoid Bacardi Silver: Bacardi Silver is a malt-based beverage and is not safe for a gluten-free diet, unlike standard Bacardi rum.
Coca-Cola is Safe: Standard Coca-Cola and many of its variants are gluten-free, with no gluten-containing ingredients.
Check Flavored Rums: Exercise caution with flavored Bacardi products, as some additives could contain hidden gluten. Verify ingredients or stick to unflavored versions.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: At bars and restaurants, ask for a bottled Coke instead of a fountain soda to reduce the minimal risk of cross-contamination.
Read Labels on Premixed Products: Always read the labels on pre-mixed Bacardi and Coke drinks, as formulation changes or additives can introduce gluten.

Is Bacardi Rum Truly Gluten-Free?

Yes, for the most part, Bacardi rum is gluten-free. Rum, in its simplest form, is distilled from sugarcane or molasses, which are naturally gluten-free ingredients. The distillation process is also highly effective at removing gluten proteins, even if a grain were somehow involved in the initial fermentation. Bacardi has specifically confirmed that most of their standard rum products contain no gluten-based ingredients.

The One Major Exception to Watch For

While the news is good for unflavored rum, there is one major caveat. Bacardi Silver, which is a malt-based beverage and not a pure rum, contains gluten and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This highlights the importance of always reading labels and not assuming that all products from a single brand are safe.

Potential for Hidden Gluten in Flavored Rums

Beyond the specific malt-based product, flavored rums can also pose a risk. Additives, spices, and other flavorings introduced after distillation could potentially contain hidden gluten. If you are highly sensitive, it is always safest to stick to plain, unflavored rum or verify with the manufacturer that their flavored offerings are gluten-free. For example, Bacardi Spiced is officially stated to be gluten-free, but such verification is not always guaranteed for all flavored varieties.

Is Coca-Cola a Safe Gluten-Free Mixer?

Yes, standard Coca-Cola and most of its major variants are gluten-free. The ingredients typically used in Coca-Cola—carbonated water, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, and natural flavors—do not contain wheat, barley, or rye. The Coca-Cola company has confirmed that many of its products are suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Cross-Contamination Concerns in Restaurants and Bars

While the canned or bottled product is safe, some caution is advised when ordering fountain drinks at a restaurant or bar. While rare, there is a minimal risk of cross-contamination from the drink dispenser nozzles or the beverage lines. For individuals with celiac disease or extreme sensitivity, ordering a bottled Coke can provide extra peace of mind.

Comparison: Gluten-Free Status of Bacardi Rum and Coca-Cola


Feature	Bacardi Rum (Standard, Unflavored)	Coca-Cola (Standard)
Source	Sugarcane or molasses	Water, sugars, and natural flavorings
Gluten-Free Status	Generally considered safe due to distillation and source	Considers itself gluten-free; ingredients contain no gluten grains
Celiac Safety	High, provided it is a pure, unflavored variety	High, especially from a sealed bottle or can
Risks	Flavored varieties (additives), malt-based products (Bacardi Silver)	Cross-contamination from soda fountains
Verification	Manufacturer's public statements and ingredient lists	Manufacturer's public statements and ingredient lists

The Final Word on Bacardi and Coke Cocktails

A simple rum and coke cocktail, when made with standard Bacardi Superior and a fresh, bottled or canned Coca-Cola, is considered a safe choice for most people on a gluten-free diet. The key is to be diligent and avoid the following potential pitfalls:

Flavored Rums: Always confirm with the brand that any flavored rum is gluten-free, as flavorings can sometimes contain gluten.
Malt-Based Beverages: Steer clear of Bacardi Silver, which is explicitly not gluten-free.
Pre-Mixed Cocktails: Ready-to-drink Bacardi and Coke products should be checked carefully, as they may contain ingredients with hidden gluten.
Fountain Drinks: For high sensitivity, opting for a bottled mixer is the safest route to prevent cross-contamination from bar equipment.

Conclusion

In summary, the classic combination of Bacardi rum and Coca-Cola is a reliable gluten-free option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, provided standard, unflavored versions are used. Bacardi's standard rums are naturally gluten-free as they are derived from sugarcane, and Coca-Cola's core products do not contain gluten ingredients. Vigilance is key to ensuring safety, which means avoiding flavored or malt-based variations and opting for bottled soda when dining out to mitigate cross-contamination risks. With these simple precautions, you can enjoy a classic Bacardi and Coke worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Bacardi rum is primarily made from sugarcane or its byproduct, molasses, which are naturally gluten-free.

Yes, people with celiac disease can generally drink a Bacardi and Coke, provided they use a standard, unflavored Bacardi rum and a bottled or canned Coca-Cola to minimize any risk.

It depends on the specific product. While Bacardi Spiced is noted as gluten-free, additives in flavored varieties can sometimes contain gluten, so it's best to confirm with the manufacturer or choose unflavored rum if sensitive.

While the Coke syrup is gluten-free, there is a very small risk of cross-contamination from the dispenser nozzles at bars and restaurants. For maximum safety, opt for a bottled Coke.

Bacardi Silver is a malt-based beverage, which means it is made from barley, a gluten-containing grain. It is not a pure rum and should be avoided on a gluten-free diet.

Most pure distilled spirits, including rum, are considered safe because the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins. However, some individuals with extreme sensitivities may still prefer spirits made from naturally gluten-free sources, like sugarcane or potatoes.

No, the caramel coloring used in Coca-Cola is derived from gluten-free sources and is safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

Request a standard, unflavored Bacardi and ask for a sealed, bottled Coke to be opened in front of you. This ensures both ingredients are pure and minimizes any risk of cross-contamination.