Can Celiacs Have Tea? A Comprehensive Guide to Gluten-Free Sipping

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, pure tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are naturally gluten-free, but that doesn't mean every tea is safe. So, can celiacs have tea? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, as cross-contamination and certain additives can pose a serious risk.

Quick Summary

Pure tea is naturally gluten-free, but additives, flavorings, and cross-contamination during manufacturing can introduce gluten. Celiacs must carefully check ingredient lists, be wary of herbal and flavored blends, and consider certified gluten-free options to ensure safe tea consumption.

Key Points

Pure Tea is Safe: Black, green, white, and oolong teas from the Camellia sinensis plant are naturally gluten-free.
Hidden Gluten Dangers: Flavored blends and certain herbal teas can contain gluten ingredients like barley malt.
Cross-Contamination is Key: Manufacturing processes that handle both gluten and tea can lead to cross-contamination, even in seemingly safe teas.
Seek Certification: The safest option is to choose teas certified gluten-free by a recognized organization, such as GFCO.
Scrutinize Ingredient Lists: Carefully read labels on all tea products, especially herbal and flavored varieties, to avoid hidden gluten sources.
Avoid Specific Teas: Stay away from barley-based teas (like Mugicha) and teas specifically labeled as 'malted,' as they contain gluten.
Brand Transparency Matters: Stick with brands known for clear labeling and dedicated gluten-free processing to minimize risk.

Understanding the Basics: Is Pure Tea Gluten-Free?

At its core, pure tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant is completely gluten-free. This includes black, green, white, and oolong teas that consist solely of tea leaves. The tea plant is not related to wheat, barley, or rye, the primary sources of gluten. The potential problems arise not from the tea itself, but from what is added to it or how it is processed.

The Hidden Risks in Modern Teas

For individuals with celiac disease, vigilance is key. The following are potential sources of hidden gluten in tea products:

Flavored Tea Blends: Flavorings are a common source of hidden gluten. Some manufacturers may use barley malt or other gluten-containing additives to enhance or stabilize flavors. A tea labeled as "chai" could contain barley, for example. Always scrutinize the ingredient list of any flavored tea.
Herbal Teas: While many herbal teas (tisanes) are naturally gluten-free, their diverse range of ingredients—from roots and spices to flowers—means there's a risk. Some brands may include roasted barley or other gluten-containing grains.
Cross-Contamination: This is one of the most significant risks for celiacs. If a manufacturer processes gluten-containing products on the same equipment as their tea, cross-contamination can occur. Even tiny amounts of gluten, below the 20 parts per million (ppm) threshold, can trigger an autoimmune reaction in sensitive individuals. Some tea manufacturers have even issued warnings for this reason.
Added Fillers: Some lower-quality powdered teas, like certain matcha products, might have wheat-based fillers to increase volume. Always check labels, as a "pure" product is the safest bet.
Restaurants and Cafés: When ordering out, the risk of environmental cross-contamination is high. Staff using the same utensils or preparing your tea near gluten-containing items can be an issue. It is often safer to bring your own tea bags and ask for plain hot water.

How to Ensure Your Tea is Celiac-Safe

To navigate the world of tea safely, celiacs should follow a few best practices:

Seek Certification: Look for products with a certified gluten-free logo. This ensures the tea and its production facility have been tested and verified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, and sometimes even less, like the 10 ppm standard for The Republic of Tea.
Read Every Ingredient List: Never assume a tea is safe. Read the entire ingredient list, especially on flavored or herbal varieties. Pay attention to terms like "natural flavors" and be wary of anything with unlisted spices or additives.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you are unsure about a product's gluten-free status or processing methods, contact the company directly. Many brands offer dedicated gluten-free information on their websites or customer service lines.
Stick to Pure Varieties: For ultimate peace of mind, choose pure, loose-leaf teas from trusted sources known for their single-ingredient products.

Common Tea Varieties and Gluten Risks


Tea Type	Potential Gluten Source	Celiac-Safe Recommendation
Black Tea	Malt flavoring, cross-contamination, shared equipment	Pure, unflavored black tea leaves from a certified brand.
Green Tea	Cross-contamination, especially in powdered versions like matcha	Pure, certified gluten-free green tea or high-quality loose leaf.
Herbal Tea	Roasted barley, undisclosed additives, cross-contamination	Verify ingredients. Stick to single-ingredient herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile from a safe brand.
Malted Tea	Barley malt is a main ingredient.	Avoid completely. Contains gluten.
Barley Tea (Mugicha)	Made directly from roasted barley.	Avoid completely. Contains gluten.
Chai Tea	Flavored blends may contain barley or other grains.	Stick to certified gluten-free chai or create your own spice blend with pure tea.

Notable Brands Known for Gluten-Free Options

Several tea companies are transparent about their gluten-free status, making it easier for celiacs to choose with confidence:

The Republic of Tea: Many of their teas are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Stash Tea: States that all flavors are gluten-free and they do not use barley malt.
Celestial Seasonings: Labels their gluten-free teas explicitly on the box.
Numi Organic Tea: A reliable organic brand often cited as a safe choice by the gluten-free community.
Pique Tea: Known for their safe, clean, and often organic tea products.

Conclusion

For individuals with celiac disease, enjoying a cup of tea is possible, but it requires diligence. While pure tea from the Camellia sinensis plant is naturally gluten-free, flavored blends, herbal teas with mixed ingredients, and cross-contamination risks during processing mean careful label reading is essential. By opting for certified gluten-free brands or pure, loose-leaf teas from trusted sources, you can enjoy a safe and comforting tea experience. Always be aware of your preparation environment, especially in cafes, to prevent accidental gluten exposure. Staying informed and cautious is the best recipe for safe sipping.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant are naturally gluten-free. However, flavored varieties and the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing mean it's safest to choose certified gluten-free options or contact the manufacturer to be sure.

You can drink many herbal teas, but you must read the ingredient list carefully. Some herbal blends might include roasted barley or other grains containing gluten, while others are at risk for cross-contamination.

Cross-contamination is a significant risk. If a tea company processes gluten-containing products on the same equipment as their tea, trace amounts of gluten can get into the final product. Looking for a gluten-free certification can help mitigate this risk.

Celiacs should avoid teas with ingredients like barley, barley malt, and undisclosed 'natural flavorings' that could be derived from gluten grains. Always check the full ingredient list.

Since Mugicha is made from roasted barley, it is not safe for celiacs. A safe alternative would be a naturally gluten-free herbal tea or a pure green tea, depending on your flavor preference.

Some well-known brands offering certified gluten-free teas include The Republic of Tea, Stash Tea, and Celestial Seasonings (for labeled items). However, check for specific certification logos like GFCO on the package before purchasing.

It is best to be cautious, as cross-contamination is a high risk in cafes. To be safest, bring your own certified gluten-free tea bag and ask for plain hot water. For pre-made lattes, always inquire about all ingredients and preparation methods.