How to Tell if a Drink is Gluten-Free: A Complete Guide

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, up to 1% of the global population has Celiac disease, making label-reading critical for many people who need to know how to tell if a drink is gluten-free. This guide provides the essential knowledge to confidently choose safe beverages.

Quick Summary

Learn how to identify safe beverages for a gluten-free diet by reading labels for common ingredients like malt, understanding hidden gluten, and knowing which alcohols are truly gluten-free.

Key Points

Check the Label First: The most reliable way to know if a drink is gluten-free is to look for a certified gluten-free label, which guarantees less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Beware of Malt: The word 'malt,' including malt extract and malt flavoring, almost always indicates the presence of barley and gluten.
Distilled Spirits Are Safe: Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum are gluten-free due to the distillation process, which removes all gluten proteins.
Gluten-Removed Beer Isn't for Everyone: Gluten-removed beer may still contain trace amounts of gluten, so those with high sensitivity or celiac disease should choose naturally gluten-free beer instead.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Shared equipment can introduce gluten into naturally gluten-free drinks. Read labels for "may contain" warnings and inquire at restaurants.
Naturally Safe Choices: Water, pure fruit juices, wine, cider, and most pure dairy products are naturally gluten-free options.

The First Rule: Look for a "Gluten-Free" Label

For packaged drinks, a clear "gluten-free" label is the most reliable indicator, regulated by bodies like the FDA in the U.S. to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Similar regulations exist in the UK and EU. While helpful, understanding ingredients is important, especially for those with high sensitivity or when a product isn't certified. Certified gluten-free products offer the highest assurance for individuals with Celiac disease.

Understanding Certification Symbols

Third-party certifications, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) with stricter standards (e.g., 10 ppm or less), provide additional verification through independent testing. Symbols like the GFCO mark or the Crossed Grain logo indicate these higher standards.

Decoding the Ingredients List

When a "gluten-free" label is absent, examining the ingredients list is crucial. Gluten-containing cereals are often highlighted on labels in many regions. Awareness of various potential sources is key.

Common Gluten-Containing Ingredients to Avoid

Wheat, Rye, Barley: Primary gluten sources, though allergen labeling varies by region.
Malt: Ingredients containing "malt" (extract, flavoring, vinegar) are typically derived from barley and contain gluten.
Brewer's Yeast: Can contain gluten traces unless certified otherwise.
Other Grains: Spelt, triticale, and kamut also contain gluten.

Ingredients that are Generally Safe

Some ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains are safe due to processing that removes gluten. These include:

Caramel Color: Usually corn-based, and safe even if from wheat due to processing.
Maltodextrin and Maltose: Often corn-based, and gluten is removed during processing.
Dextrose and Glucose Syrup: Safe even if from wheat because distillation removes gluten.
Distilled Vinegar: Gluten-free due to the distillation process.

Navigating the World of Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverage labeling can differ from food, requiring careful attention, especially for drinks over 1.2% ABV.

Are Distilled Spirits Safe?

Pure, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free by celiac organizations, regardless of the source grain, because distillation removes the gluten protein. Examples include vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and brandy. However, flavored spirits or those with post-distillation additives can reintroduce gluten, so checking labels is necessary.

Beer: A Special Case

Traditional beer contains gluten from barley. Alternatives include naturally gluten-free beer made from grains like rice or sorghum, and gluten-removed beer. While gluten-removed beer meets legal "gluten-free" standards, highly sensitive individuals may still react. These may still list "contains barley" due to allergen laws.

Avoiding Hidden Gluten and Cross-Contamination

Gluten can be present in drinks from shared equipment or flavorings. Check for barley malt or yeast extract in ciders or coffee drinks. Be cautious with mixed drinks and ask about ingredients and preparation methods at restaurants.

Naturally Gluten-Free Drink Options

Many beverages are naturally gluten-free:

Water (all types)
100% fruit and vegetable juices
Pure coffee and tea
Wine (all types)
Pure cider
Pure, unflavored spirits
Plain dairy milk
Some plant-based milks (verify ingredients)

How to Tell if a Drink is Gluten-Free: A Comparison Table


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Beer	Gluten-Removed Beer	Traditional Beer	Distilled Spirits	Wine & Cider
Ingredients	Rice, sorghum, millet, etc.	Barley, wheat	Barley, wheat	Varies (corn, potato, wheat)	Grapes, apples, etc.
Processing	Brewed in a dedicated GF facility	Enzyme added to reduce gluten	Standard fermentation	Distillation removes all gluten	Natural fermentation
Gluten Level	< 20 ppm	< 20 ppm (but starts higher)	High	Undetectable	Undetectable
Safety for Celiacs	Yes	Often, but some may react	No	Yes (unflavored)	Yes
Labeling	Clearly marked GF	Marked GF, but may say 'contains barley'	Not marked GF	May not be labeled GF, but is safe	Not marked GF, but is safe

Conclusion: Confidence in Every Sip

Knowing how to tell if a drink is gluten-free is manageable by prioritizing certified labels and naturally gluten-free options. Always read ingredients, be aware of hidden gluten like malt, and consider cross-contamination risks. Contacting manufacturers when in doubt is always a good practice. This knowledge helps maintain a worry-free gluten-free diet. For more on label-reading, consult the Celiac Disease Foundation's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley, because the distillation process removes gluten proteins.

Naturally gluten-free beer is made from ingredients that never contained gluten (e.g., rice or sorghum). Gluten-removed beer is made from traditional grains like barley but is treated with an enzyme to reduce gluten levels to below 20 ppm.

No, a 'wheat-free' label does not guarantee a product is gluten-free. It may still contain other gluten-containing grains like barley or rye, so you must check the full ingredients list.

Not necessarily. While the base spirit may be gluten-free, flavorings and other ingredients added after distillation can contain gluten. Always check the label or contact the manufacturer.

Always inform your server about your gluten-free needs. Stick to simple, naturally gluten-free drinks like pure wine, cider, or spirits with safe mixers, and ask about potential cross-contamination.

Most hard seltzers are made from fermented cane sugar and are gluten-free, but some are malt-based and contain gluten. Always read the packaging to confirm their gluten-free status.

Yes, standard oats can contain gluten due to cross-contamination during farming and processing. Only consume oat-based drinks if they are specifically labeled "gluten-free".