Is Grey Goose gluten-free vodka? A Deep Dive into Distilled Spirits

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, all pure, distilled liquor is considered gluten-free, regardless of the initial ingredients. For those on a gluten-free diet, this raises a crucial question about Grey Goose, a vodka distilled from wheat: is Grey Goose gluten-free vodka? The answer lies in the science of distillation, which removes gluten proteins from the final product.

Quick Summary

Despite being made from wheat, pure Grey Goose is gluten-free because distillation removes all gluten proteins. The original ingredient's gluten does not carry over into the finished spirit, though consumers should be cautious with flavored versions.

Key Points

Distillation removes gluten: The distillation process used to create Grey Goose effectively separates the alcohol from the heavier gluten proteins, making the final product gluten-free.
Made from wheat, but still safe: Despite its origin from single-origin Picardie wheat, pure, unflavored Grey Goose vodka is safe for individuals on a gluten-free diet.
Flavored vodkas require caution: While Grey Goose claims its flavored products are also gluten-free, any additional flavorings introduced after distillation carry a risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Naturally gluten-free alternatives exist: For those with extreme sensitivity, vodkas made from naturally gluten-free ingredients like corn (Tito's) or grapes (Cîroc) are a reliable alternative.
FDA regulations confirm safety: The U.S. FDA and TTB recognize that pure distilled spirits, even from gluten grains, are free of gluten.
Personal sensitivity is a factor: Some individuals with celiac disease may still prefer to avoid grain-based spirits, even if they are scientifically gluten-free, due to personal sensitivities.

The Surprising Science of Distillation and Gluten

For many on a gluten-free diet, the thought of consuming a product made from wheat, like Grey Goose vodka, can be concerning. However, the scientific process of distillation is what makes pure spirits, even those derived from gluten-containing grains, safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Distillation works on the principle that different components of a liquid have varying boiling points. When the fermented mash is heated, the ethanol (alcohol) vaporizes at a much lower temperature (173°F or 78°C) than the heavy gluten proteins. This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a pure, concentrated liquid spirit, leaving the non-volatile gluten proteins behind. This separation is so thorough that no detectable gluten residues remain in the final product. Both the U.S. FDA and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) acknowledge this, and many medical and celiac organizations, including Beyond Celiac and Coeliac Australia, consider pure distilled spirits safe.

The Grey Goose Production Process

Grey Goose is proudly made in France from two core ingredients: soft winter wheat sourced from the Picardy region and pure spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue. The wheat is fermented to create a mash, which is then distilled multiple times. The Grey Goose website explicitly states that its vodkas are crafted using a distillation process to produce a gluten-free spirit. While the original wheat mash does contain gluten, the company's meticulous process ensures the final product is a pure ethanol solution with no gluten content. This commitment to a rigorous and clean distillation process is why the finished, unflavored Grey Goose vodka is considered safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

A Note on Flavored Vodkas

The safety of flavored vodkas is a different matter. While the base spirit is gluten-free, additional flavorings are added after the distillation process. These additives, which can be sourced from external manufacturers, may contain hidden gluten or be processed in facilities with a risk of cross-contamination. For individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten, it is best to exercise caution with flavored spirits. The official Grey Goose site notes that its flavored vodkas, like the original, are gluten-free, but this hinges on the flavorings themselves being free of gluten. To ensure peace of mind, many people on a strict gluten-free diet prefer to stick to unflavored vodkas or create their own flavored infusions at home using fresh, whole ingredients.

Gluten-Free Vodka Comparison: Grey Goose vs. Naturally GF Alternatives


Feature	Grey Goose	Tito's Handmade Vodka	Cîroc Ultra-Premium Vodka
Base Ingredient	Soft Winter Wheat	Corn	Grapes
Gluten Status	Gluten-free after distillation	Naturally gluten-free; certified by GFCO	Naturally gluten-free
Distillation Method	Meticulous multi-step distillation	Handcrafted, pot still distillation	Distilled five times
Flavor Profile	Exceptionally clean and crisp with hints of almond and anise	Subtle, smooth, and slightly sweet	Crisp, clean, and smooth with a citrus finish
Suitable for High Sensitivity	Yes, for pure spirit, but some may prefer naturally GF options	Yes, certified naturally gluten-free	Yes, naturally gluten-free

When to Exercise Caution

While the science of distillation supports Grey Goose being gluten-free, some individuals with extreme gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may still experience symptoms when consuming spirits made from gluten grains. This phenomenon, while not scientifically explained by residual gluten, can be influenced by factors like personal sensitivity thresholds or psychological effects. For these individuals, opting for a vodka made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, such as corn (Tito's) or grapes (Cîroc), can provide an extra layer of comfort and security. It is always wise to consult with a medical professional regarding your specific dietary needs, especially if you have a known gluten-related medical condition.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to is Grey Goose gluten-free vodka? is yes, for the unflavored versions. The vodka’s wheat origin does not transfer gluten to the final product thanks to the rigorous distillation process. For most people on a gluten-free diet, this makes Grey Goose a perfectly safe choice. However, those with a very high sensitivity or personal preference may choose to consume vodkas derived from naturally gluten-free sources like corn or potatoes. For all consumers, being vigilant about potential hidden gluten in flavored versions or mixers is a best practice. Ultimately, understanding the science behind your spirits empowers you to make an informed decision for your nutrition and health.

External Link: Beyond Celiac - Gluten in Alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure, unflavored Grey Goose vodka is considered safe for people with Celiac disease. The distillation process removes the gluten protein from the final spirit, which is a fact confirmed by major celiac organizations.

The gluten protein is a large, heavy molecule that does not vaporize during distillation. As the alcohol is boiled off and collected, the gluten is left behind, resulting in a gluten-free spirit.

While Grey Goose states its flavored vodkas are also gluten-free, the additives used for flavor are introduced after distillation. For those with extreme sensitivity, it's safer to stick to the unflavored version or verify the flavorings used.

Naturally gluten-free vodkas are made from ingredients that never contained gluten. Popular brands include Tito's (corn), Cîroc (grapes), and Chopin Potato Vodka (potatoes).

The TTB requires spirits made from gluten-containing grains to clarify on their label that gluten was removed via distillation if they wish to carry a 'gluten-free' claim. This is to inform consumers of the origin ingredients.

Yes, you can generally trust the claim for their pure, unflavored vodka, as the distillation process is scientifically proven to remove gluten. For flavored products, a highly sensitive individual may still want to exercise greater caution.

To maintain a gluten-free drink, ensure all mixers and garnishes are also gluten-free. This includes juices, soda, and cocktail syrups, as hidden gluten can often be found in these products.