Does Amaretto Have Sulphites? What You Need to Know

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

While sulphites are commonly associated with wine, many consumers wonder if other alcoholic beverages, such as amaretto, contain them. The answer depends heavily on the specific brand and its production method, as some ingredients and processes can introduce sulphites into the final product.

Quick Summary

The presence of sulphites in amaretto varies by brand and production process. Some producers, like Lazzaroni, do not add sulphites, while other brands and those using certain fruit ingredients may contain them. Checking individual product labels and manufacturer websites is crucial for those with sensitivities.

Key Points

Sulphite Presence Varies by Brand: Not all amarettos contain sulphites; check the specific manufacturer's information.
Disaronno's Content is Vague: The popular brand Disaronno has a proprietary recipe, and reliable information on its sulphite content is conflicting, requiring label checks.
Lazzaroni is Sulphite-Free: The Lazzaroni brand explicitly states that its amaretto does not contain sulphur dioxide or sulphites.
Sulphites are Not Always Added: While sulphites are naturally produced in small amounts during fermentation, their presence in amaretto often depends on whether they were added as a preservative.
Dried Fruit is a Potential Source: If amaretto is made using dried fruits, which are often treated with sulphites, traces of the preservative could make their way into the final product.
Always Read the Label: For those with sensitivities, the bottle's label or direct contact with the manufacturer is the most reliable way to confirm sulphite content.

Does amaretto have sulphites? The brand-by-brand breakdown

Unlike wine, where sulphites are a natural byproduct of fermentation and often added as a preservative, the presence of sulphites in amaretto is not universal. The ingredients and manufacturing process used by each specific distiller determine if sulphites are present. For individuals with a sensitivity or allergy, investigating the specific brand is the only reliable method for confirmation.

Disaronno: The most famous amaretto

As one of the most popular and widely sold amaretto liqueurs, many people ask specifically about Disaronno Originale. According to the manufacturer, Disaronno's secret recipe is an infusion of apricot kernel oil with "absolute alcohol, burnt sugar, and the pure essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits". Crucially, the company states that the product does not contain any almonds or other nuts. While Disaronno's ingredients list does not explicitly detail sulphites, some product listings online do indicate the presence of sulphites, suggesting that while not a primary ingredient, they might be present in trace amounts or derived from other components. However, it's worth noting a Reddit discussion from 2012 suggests no artificial sulphates were added at the time. This highlights the importance of checking the latest labeling.

Lazzaroni: A transparent ingredient list

In contrast to Disaronno's proprietary formula, the Italian liqueur producer Lazzaroni provides a more transparent look into its ingredients. Their amaretto is made by infusing Amaretti biscuits (made from sugar, apricot kernels, and egg whites) into alcohol. The ingredients list is publicly available on their product sheets and allergen information is detailed. Specifically, Lazzaroni's product information explicitly states "NO" for sulphur dioxide and sulphites in its allergen table, providing clear guidance for consumers with sensitivities. This demonstrates that it is entirely possible to produce amaretto without the addition of sulphites.

Potential sources of sulphites in alcohol

Sulphites can find their way into alcoholic beverages through several pathways:

Natural Fermentation: Yeast naturally produces a small amount of sulphites during the fermentation process. While this amount is usually very low, it is never zero. The distillation process, however, is very effective at removing sulphites.
Preservative Additives: Some manufacturers add sulphites (often as potassium metabisulphite) to prevent oxidation, kill unwanted bacteria, and preserve the product's flavor. This is more common in wine production but can occur with other spirits.
Ingredient Contamination: Ingredients like dried fruit, which is sometimes used for flavor, are often treated with sulphites as a preservative. While distillation may remove most of this, traces could remain depending on the process.
Grape Brandy Base: If an amaretto uses a grape-based spirit, some natural sulphites from the grapes and fermentation process could be present, though typically in low concentrations.

Comparison: Major amaretto brands and sulphite content


Feature	Disaronno Originale	Lazzaroni Amaretto 1851
Sulphite Content	Varies; some reports indicate 'contains sulphites', while older info suggests none are added. Checking the latest label is advised.	Explicitly states 'NO' to sulphites in allergen info.
Key Ingredients	Infusion of apricot kernel oil with herbs and fruits. Does not contain almonds.	Infusion of Amaretti biscuits made from apricot kernels and egg whites.
Production Method	Proprietary process involving maceration and distillation.	Infusion of actual crushed amaretti cookies into alcohol.
Label Transparency	Ingredients are proprietary and not fully disclosed.	All key ingredients and allergens are clearly listed.
Allergen Information	Specifically states 'nut-free' regarding almonds.	Contains egg whites due to Amaretti cookies.

How to determine if a brand of amaretto has sulphites

For anyone with a sulphite sensitivity, relying on general information about amaretto is insufficient. Here's a multi-step approach for due diligence:

Check the bottle label: The most reliable source is the label of the specific product in your hand. Look for an allergen declaration or specific warnings about sulphites or sulphur dioxide.
Contact the manufacturer: For maximum assurance, contact the brand's customer service directly and inquire about their use of sulphites in the production of their amaretto.
Consult online resources: Search the brand's official website for product information, FAQs, or allergen guides. Some brands, like Lazzaroni, make this information readily available.

Conclusion: The complexity behind a simple question

The question "does amaretto have sulphites?" has a complex answer because it depends on the individual brand's recipe and production techniques. The most crucial takeaway is that while some distillers, like Lazzaroni, confirm their amaretto is sulphite-free, others might not be. With proprietary recipes like Disaronno's, the exact content can be ambiguous or vary over time. For those with a sensitivity, the best practice is to always read the label, or for complete peace of mind, reach out directly to the manufacturer. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your amaretto without worry.

Key points to remember

Variable by Brand: Sulphite content is not uniform across all amaretto brands; it varies significantly based on the producer's recipe and methods.
Natural vs. Added Sulphites: Small, natural amounts of sulphites can occur during fermentation, though distillation typically removes most. Added sulphites are a matter of brand choice.
Disaronno's Ambiguity: Disaronno uses a secret formula, and while it's nut-free, there are conflicting reports about its sulphite content, necessitating label checks.
Lazzaroni's Transparency: Lazzaroni is a notable brand that explicitly states it does not add sulphites, making it a safer option for those with sensitivities.
Check the Label: The most reliable method for determining sulphite presence is to check the specific bottle's label or contact the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, amaretto is not always sulphite-free. The presence of sulphites depends on the specific brand, its ingredients, and its production process. Some manufacturers, like Lazzaroni, explicitly state they do not contain sulphites.

It is not definitively clear if Disaronno contains sulphites. The brand uses a proprietary, secret formula, and while some product information mentions sulphites, others do not. The best approach is to check the specific bottle's label.

Sulphites can be introduced into liqueurs through several means. They can be naturally produced during fermentation, added as a preservative, or trace amounts can come from ingredients like dried fruit.

To check if your amaretto has sulphites, first read the bottle's label for any allergen warnings. If it's not listed, the safest method is to contact the manufacturer directly for confirmation.

The prevalence of sulphites in amaretto is not as high or universal as it is in wine. Many producers, particularly those who do not use wine-based spirits or dried fruit additives, may produce amaretto without intentionally adding sulphites.

In alcoholic beverages, sulphites act as a preservative, preventing oxidation and inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria and yeast. They are very common in wine production but are not always necessary for liqueurs like amaretto.

Yes, based on publicly available allergen information, Lazzaroni Amaretto is sulphite-free. Their product sheets explicitly list 'NO' for sulphur dioxide and sulphites.