Can People with Celiac Disease Drink Almond Milk?

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, almonds are naturally gluten-free, which makes plain almond milk a safe and healthy option for many individuals with celiac disease. However, the key to safely including it in your diet lies in carefully reading labels to avoid hidden gluten in additives and understanding the potential for cross-contact during processing.

Quick Summary

This article explains that plain almond milk is naturally gluten-free and can be a suitable beverage for those with celiac disease. The guide covers how to choose certified gluten-free products, interpret ingredient labels for hidden gluten, and navigate the risks of cross-contamination in manufacturing and at home.

Key Points

Plain Almond Milk is Safe: Unsweetened almond milk made solely from almonds and water is naturally gluten-free and can be consumed by those with celiac disease.
Check for Hidden Gluten: Flavored almond milks may contain gluten from additives like malt flavoring or wheat-based thickeners, so reading the ingredient list is critical.
Choose Certified Gluten-Free: For maximum safety, opt for almond milk with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, which indicates it meets strict standards and minimizes cross-contact risk.
Be Aware of Cross-Contact: Even unflavored almond milk can be contaminated if processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. Reputable brands take steps to prevent this.
Consider Homemade: Making your own almond milk at home is a surefire way to control ingredients and eliminate all risk of gluten exposure from commercial processing.
Read All Labels Carefully: Always scrutinize the nutrition label for potential gluten sources, especially for processed foods where gluten might be used as a stabilizer or thickener.
Communicate Your Needs at Restaurants: When dining out, specify your need for a celiac-safe, dairy-free milk alternative to prevent cross-contamination in preparation.

Is Almond Milk Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Plain almond milk, made from just almonds and water, is naturally free from gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can trigger an autoimmune reaction in people with celiac disease. This makes it a popular dairy alternative for many following a gluten-free diet. However, for individuals with celiac disease, the process of selecting a safe almond milk is more nuanced than simply picking any carton off the shelf. The primary risks involve cross-contact during manufacturing and the inclusion of gluten-containing additives in flavored or fortified varieties.

The Importance of Certified Gluten-Free Products

For those with a confirmed celiac diagnosis, opting for products that carry a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label is the safest route. These certifications, from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), verify that a product contains less than 10-20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a level considered safe for most celiac patients. Manufacturers must follow strict protocols, including regular testing and dedicated production lines, to earn this label. While some products may be inherently gluten-free, a certification provides an extra layer of assurance against accidental exposure.

What to Look for on the Ingredient Label

Reading the ingredient list is crucial, especially for flavored or fortified almond milks. Hidden sources of gluten can appear in unexpected places. For example, malt extract, often derived from barley, may be used for flavoring in chocolate or vanilla versions and contains gluten. Similarly, modified food starch or other thickeners could be wheat-based unless specified otherwise, like corn or tapioca starch. Common vegetable gums and emulsifiers like xanthan gum are usually gluten-free, but ambiguous 'natural flavors' could also pose a risk if not sourced carefully. Sticking to simple, unsweetened almond milk with minimal ingredients reduces the chance of encountering these hidden sources.

Understanding Cross-Contamination Risks

Cross-contact is a significant concern during large-scale food production. Even if almond milk ingredients are naturally gluten-free, contamination can occur if the product is manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley. This can happen through shared equipment, airborne flour particles, or improper cleaning procedures. While regulations require companies to disclose potential allergens, it is important for individuals with celiac disease to be vigilant.

Can people with celiac disease drink almond milk? Comparison of Safety Levels


Factor	Certified Gluten-Free Almond Milk	Non-Certified Almond Milk	Homemade Almond Milk
Gluten Risk	Very Low (Tested < 20 ppm)	Variable (Depends on manufacturer)	None (If ingredients are handled properly)
Additive Risk	Low (Ingredients are carefully sourced)	Medium (Flavored versions increase risk)	None (You control the ingredients)
Cross-Contact	Very Low (Dedicated facilities)	High (Shared equipment possible)	Low (If kitchen is kept clean)
Convenience	High (Ready-to-drink)	High (Ready-to-drink)	Low (Requires preparation)
Cost	Can be higher due to certification	Varies	Can be cost-effective

The Benefits of Homemade Almond Milk

To eliminate all risks, some individuals prefer to make almond milk at home. The process is straightforward, requiring only almonds, water, and a blender. This approach guarantees complete control over the ingredients and preparation process, ensuring zero risk of hidden gluten or cross-contact. However, it is essential to ensure that any nuts or other additions are sourced from a gluten-free facility to avoid contamination. The primary drawback is the reduced convenience and storage life compared to commercial products.

Navigating the Market and Communicating Your Needs

When purchasing almond milk, the best practice is to seek out the Certified Gluten-Free label. Brands like Silk, Califia Farms, and Almond Breeze offer certified options that are safe for celiac patients. If a certification is not visible, check the ingredient list carefully and consider contacting the manufacturer directly to inquire about their production practices, especially regarding shared equipment. In restaurants or cafes, always specify your celiac disease and ask for unsweetened almond milk to minimize risks. It's crucial to be an advocate for your dietary needs and question preparation methods that might involve shared blenders or serving utensils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, people with celiac disease can confidently drink almond milk, but with one crucial caveat: vigilance. While almonds and water are naturally gluten-free, processed versions carry risks from added ingredients and cross-contact. Choosing products with a Certified Gluten-Free label is the safest option, providing third-party assurance of safety. Alternatively, making almond milk at home offers total control. By understanding the potential pitfalls and being proactive in your choices, almond milk can be a regular, safe, and delicious part of a celiac-safe diet..

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all almond milk is automatically gluten-free. While the core ingredients of almonds and water are naturally gluten-free, some flavored varieties or brands made in shared facilities can contain hidden gluten or be exposed to cross-contamination.

A person with celiac disease should choose plain, unsweetened almond milk. The safest choice is a product with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a reputable third-party organization, as this guarantees strict production standards.

Yes, cross-contact can occur with almond milk, particularly during the manufacturing process. If a facility also produces beverages containing gluten grains like oats or barley, trace amounts can contaminate the almond milk through shared equipment.

Flavored almond milks, such as chocolate or vanilla, are generally not as safe as plain versions. Some flavorings, especially malt extract derived from barley, contain gluten and should be avoided unless the product is specifically certified gluten-free.

Making your own almond milk gives you complete control over the ingredients and preparation, ensuring there is no gluten cross-contact. This is the safest option for those with severe celiac disease, although it is less convenient.

Yes, modified food starch can be a concern if its source isn't specified. It could be wheat-based, which contains gluten. Certified gluten-free products will use safe starches like those from corn or tapioca.

The most reliable method is to look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging. You can also visit the brand's website or contact their customer service to ask about their production practices and cross-contact prevention measures.