Can Celiacs Drink Fizzy Drinks? A Comprehensive Guide to Gluten-Free Soda

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, most commercially available fizzy drinks are considered naturally gluten-free due to their basic ingredients like carbonated water and sugar. But if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you might still wonder, can celiacs drink fizzy drinks without a gluten reaction? For the most part, yes, but careful label reading is crucial.

Quick Summary

Most major fizzy drink brands are gluten-free, but vigilance is required for certain ingredients like malt flavoring, especially in craft sodas and root beers. Potential cross-contamination is also a risk, making certified products the safest choice.

Key Points

Majority are safe: Most major fizzy drink brands, like Coke and Pepsi, are naturally gluten-free due to their ingredients.
Check for malt: Be vigilant for ingredients derived from barley, especially 'malt flavoring' or 'malt extract,' which can be found in some root beers and craft sodas.
Avoid cross-contamination: The safest fizzy drinks are those with a 'certified gluten-free' label, which guarantees testing for gluten traces.
Be aware of international brands: The gluten-free status of a product can vary by country, so always double-check formulations when traveling.
Consider alternative sensitivities: Some celiacs may react to high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or the carbonation itself, causing digestive issues.
Explore healthier options: Naturally flavored sparkling water, kombucha (certified GF), and homemade sodas offer delicious, safe alternatives.

The Basic Recipe: Why Most Fizzy Drinks Are Naturally Gluten-Free

At its core, a fizzy drink, or soda, is a simple combination of carbonated water, a sweetener (sugar or artificial), flavorings, and preservatives. None of these standard components contain gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For this reason, the vast majority of mainstream sodas from major manufacturers are considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. Brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, and 7UP have formulations in North America that are widely confirmed to be gluten-free. This means for most people with celiac disease, a standard can of soda poses no gluten-related risk.

The Fine Print: Hidden Gluten and Contamination Risks

While the general rule is encouraging, there are important exceptions and potential pitfalls that celiacs must be aware of to ensure safety. The gluten-free status of a fizzy drink can be compromised by certain ingredients or manufacturing practices.

Malt Flavoring: This is one of the most common sources of hidden gluten in beverages. Malt is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain, and can be used to add flavor to certain drinks, particularly some root beers and specialty craft sodas. Always check the ingredients list for terms like “malt,” “malt flavoring,” “malt extract,” or “barley”.
Cross-Contamination: Even if a product's ingredients are naturally gluten-free, it can become contaminated if processed on shared equipment or in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products. This risk is higher with smaller or regional beverage producers who may not have dedicated gluten-free lines. Looking for a certified gluten-free label is the best way to avoid this risk.
International Variations: A product considered gluten-free in one country might not be in another, as ingredients and formulations can differ. If traveling, do your research or stick to products explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Generic and Store Brands: While many are safe, they may not follow the same strict manufacturing protocols as major brands. Always read the label and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.

Potential Non-Gluten Issues for Celiacs

Some individuals with celiac disease may find that fizzy drinks cause digestive upset, even when they are gluten-free. This can be due to several factors unrelated to gluten.

Carbonation: For those with a healing or sensitive gut, the carbonation itself can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort.
Fructose Malabsorption: Some celiacs also have trouble absorbing fructose, the sugar found in high-fructose corn syrup, a common sweetener in many sodas.
Artificial Sweeteners: Certain artificial sweeteners, while gluten-free, can cause digestive upset in some sensitive individuals.
Phosphoric Acid: Found in cola-based drinks, this can be an irritant to a sensitive stomach.

Safe Alternatives to Traditional Fizzy Drinks

For those who experience issues with traditional fizzy drinks or simply want a healthier option, plenty of delicious alternatives exist that still offer that satisfying fizz.

Flavored Sparkling Water: Brands like LaCroix, Bubly, or Spindrift offer a wide variety of flavored waters that are naturally gluten-free and have no calories or sugar.
Kombucha: This fermented tea provides fizz and probiotic benefits, though you must choose a certified gluten-free brand to ensure no cross-contamination, especially if flavors are added.
Homemade Sodas: Creating your own with a soda maker and fresh fruits or syrups gives you complete control over ingredients, ensuring both gluten-free status and sugar content.
Iced Tea or Coffee: Unsweetened versions offer a flavorful, gluten-free, and healthier alternative.

Standard vs. Caution-Needed Fizzy Drinks


Feature	Standard Major Brands (e.g., Coke, Pepsi, Sprite)	Craft/Imported/Specialty Sodas
Gluten Status	Generally considered gluten-free in North America.	Can contain hidden gluten from ingredients like malt.
Cross-Contamination	Less of a risk due to strict manufacturing practices and ingredient control.	Higher risk of cross-contamination due to smaller-scale or shared facility production.
Malt Content	Typically use corn-based sweeteners; avoid malt.	Might use malt flavoring from barley, requiring careful label reading.
Labeling	May not be explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' but are widely considered safe.	Must be checked carefully for 'certified gluten-free' labels.

A Final Word on Fizzy Drinks for Celiacs

In conclusion, can celiacs drink fizzy drinks? Yes, for the most part, but it requires mindful consumption. Most major brands are safe, but it is always wise to read labels thoroughly and be particularly cautious with specialty, craft, or imported varieties. For the most peace of mind, opt for products with a certified gluten-free label or choose healthier, naturally gluten-free alternatives like flavored sparkling water. For more information on safely navigating a gluten-free diet, organizations like Coeliac UK offer valuable resources.

How to Verify and Enjoy Fizzy Drinks Safely

Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free': This is the safest bet, as it guarantees the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards.
Scan for Malt and Barley: On products without a certified label, carefully read the ingredients list to ensure there is no malt or barley, or any of their derivatives.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you're unsure about a specific product, especially a generic or international brand, reach out to the company directly to inquire about their manufacturing practices.
Watch for Your Body's Reaction: Pay attention to how your body responds to new fizzy drinks. Even if it's gluten-free, other ingredients might be causing discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caramel coloring used in most major soda brands is gluten-free and is safe for people with celiac disease. If you are concerned, you can always check with the specific manufacturer for their ingredient source.

Yes, most diet sodas from major brands, like Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi, are gluten-free. However, some celiacs report sensitivity to certain artificial sweeteners, so paying attention to your body's reaction is important.

Exercise caution with craft or specialty fizzy drinks, as they may use unconventional ingredients or malt-based flavorings. Always read the label and, if in doubt, opt for a certified gluten-free product.

Yes, plain sparkling water and seltzer are inherently gluten-free, as they contain only water and carbon dioxide. Flavored versions are also typically safe, but it's always wise to check the label for any added ingredients.

If a fizzy drink isn't certified gluten-free, look for gluten-containing ingredients in the allergen or ingredient list. Be cautious of 'malt flavoring' and check with the manufacturer if you are unsure.

Many major root beer brands, such as A&W, are gluten-free. However, some craft or specialty root beers use malt flavoring derived from barley, so it's essential to check the label.

While most fizzy drinks are gluten-free, they are not necessarily healthy due to high sugar or artificial sweetener content. Healthier alternatives include flavored sparkling water or kombucha, offering fizz without the negative health impacts.