Are Mike's Lemonades GF? What You Need to Know About 'Gluten-Removed'

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Mike's Hard Lemonade is made by fermenting malted barley, a gluten-containing grain, then filtering it to 'remove' the gluten. This process, however, does not make the product certified gluten-free, leading to widespread confusion among those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Mike's Hard Lemonade is a 'gluten-removed' product, meaning it's made from a gluten-containing grain and filtered, not certified gluten-free. This can pose risks for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, who should exercise caution.

Key Points

Not Certified GF: Mike's Hard Lemonade is not certified gluten-free, but labeled as 'Crafted to Remove Gluten'.
Malt-Based: The alcohol in Mike's is made by fermenting malted barley, a gluten-containing grain.
Filtration Process: A special filtering process is used to reduce gluten levels to below 20 ppm, the FDA standard for 'gluten-free' labeling.
Celiac Risk: Despite filtration, the product may not be safe for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity due to potential trace amounts or inconsistent testing.
Cross-Contamination: There is a risk of cross-contamination since the products are bottled in facilities that handle other malt-based beverages.
Safer Alternatives: Truly gluten-free options use naturally GF ingredients like vodka or fermented cane sugar and are a safer choice for those with serious sensitivities.
Always Check Labels: Consumers with gluten sensitivities should look for a certified gluten-free logo rather than relying on 'gluten-removed' claims.

Understanding the 'Gluten-Removed' Label on Mike's

Mike's Hard Lemonade and other beverages from the Mike's brand carry a 'Crafted to Remove Gluten' label, a crucial distinction from a true 'gluten-free' certification. The production process begins with a malt base fermented from barley, a gluten grain. The company then uses a proprietary filtration process designed to remove the gluten proteins from the final product. This process is different from creating a beverage with naturally gluten-free ingredients from the start.

The Science Behind Gluten Removal

The brewing process for a Mike's Hard Lemonade beverage involves fermenting a malt base, which is made from barley. This fermentation breaks down some of the gluten proteins. Following fermentation, a special filtration system is employed to remove the remaining gluten to below the FDA's threshold of 20 parts per million (ppm), which is the standard for labeling a product 'gluten-free'. However, the label 'Crafted to Remove Gluten' is used because the product was not made from ingredients that were inherently gluten-free. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which regulates these products, mandates this specific labeling to distinguish it from naturally gluten-free items.

Why 'Gluten-Removed' is a Concern for Celiacs

For individuals with celiac disease, the 'gluten-removed' label is a red flag. The effectiveness of the filtration process can be inconsistent, and the R5 Competitive ELISA test, often used to measure gluten levels in these products, can struggle to detect certain types of gluten fragments. As a result, sensitive individuals with celiac disease may still have a reaction to these beverages, even if they test below 20 ppm. The risk is further compounded by the possibility of cross-contamination during the bottling process, as some facilities that produce Mike's also handle other malt-based products. The safest course of action for those with celiac disease is to avoid 'gluten-removed' products entirely and opt for drinks with certified gluten-free ingredients.

Comparing Mike's with Truly Gluten-Free Options

For those seeking a hard lemonade that is guaranteed gluten-free, alternatives are available that use inherently gluten-free alcohol bases, such as vodka or fermented cane sugar. These products are often clearly labeled with certified gluten-free logos. Homebrewing your own hard lemonade using a gluten-free alcohol base like vodka is another simple and safe alternative.


Feature	Mike's Hard Lemonade	Certified Gluten-Free Hard Lemonade	Homemade Hard Lemonade (Vodka-based)
Base Ingredient	Malted Barley	Fermented cane sugar, vodka, or other non-gluten base	Vodka + Lemon Juice + Sweetener
Gluten Status	'Crafted to Remove Gluten'	Certified Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free (assuming safe ingredients)
Celiac Safety	Risky for sensitive individuals	Generally safe	Safe (assuming safe ingredients)
Labeling	'Crafted to Remove Gluten'	Gluten-Free Certified Logo	N/A (self-made)
Cross-Contamination	Possible, as noted by the company	Strict protocols in place for certified products	None, if ingredients are safe

How to Verify Gluten Status in Alcoholic Beverages

When shopping for alcoholic beverages, checking labels is paramount. Look for a certified gluten-free seal, like the one from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). If a product is labeled 'crafted to remove gluten' or does not specify its status, it is best to proceed with extreme caution or avoid it completely if you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity. Checking the manufacturer's website can also provide more details on their processes and allergen warnings.

Conclusion: Caution is the Best Policy

While Mike's Hard Lemonade products are tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, they are not certified gluten-free and are made from a gluten-containing grain. For individuals with celiac disease or significant gluten sensitivity, the risk of a reaction due to trace amounts of gluten or potential cross-contamination is a valid concern. The most prudent choice for a genuinely gluten-free hard lemonade is to select a product that uses naturally gluten-free ingredients and is certified accordingly, or to make your own with a safe alcohol base. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary restrictions and risks. [Note: This is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a physician for specific dietary needs.]

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Safer Alternative

Making an informed decision is key for managing a gluten-free diet, especially with complex products like 'gluten-removed' beverages. The ambiguity surrounding these products puts the onus on the consumer to evaluate the personal risk. For many, the peace of mind that comes with a truly certified gluten-free beverage is well worth seeking out a different brand or crafting a simple, reliable drink at home. The market for safe, certified hard lemonades and seltzers continues to grow, offering more delicious and worry-free options for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Mike's Hard Lemonade is not completely gluten-free. It is a 'gluten-removed' product, meaning it is made from malted barley, a gluten-containing grain, and then filtered to reduce gluten content to below 20 ppm.

No, they are different. 'Crafted to Remove Gluten' indicates the product was made from a gluten-containing grain, while 'Gluten-Free' products are made with ingredients that are naturally free of gluten.

Mike's Hard Lemonades are not recommended for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. The potential for trace amounts of gluten and cross-contamination means the risk is too high.

In the United States, the base alcohol is a flavored malt beverage derived from fermented barley. In Canada, some versions may be vodka-based.

Some highly sensitive individuals may react to tiny amounts of gluten that remain after filtration or to gluten fragments that are not easily detected by standard testing methods.

Look for brands that are explicitly labeled 'certified gluten-free,' as they typically use naturally gluten-free alcohol bases like fermented cane sugar or vodka.

Those with mild sensitivities should still exercise caution. While the risk may be lower than for someone with celiac disease, it is not zero. Checking the manufacturer's website for allergen warnings is advised.