Is Ketel One or Grey Goose Gluten-Free? A Guide to Distilled Spirits

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA and TTB, all pure, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, regardless of their starting ingredients. This means when asking, 'Is Ketel One or Grey Goose gluten-free?' the scientific answer is yes for their unflavored varieties, a finding that is crucial for those managing gluten-sensitive diets.

Quick Summary

Pure Ketel One and Grey Goose vodkas are both gluten-free because the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins from the final product. Caution is advised with flavored vodkas, as additives introduced after distillation could potentially contain gluten.

Key Points

Both Are Gluten-Free: Pure, unflavored Ketel One and Grey Goose vodkas are scientifically gluten-free, despite being distilled from wheat.
Distillation Process is Key: The distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein from the final spirit, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Caution with Flavored Vodkas: Flavorings and additives are introduced after distillation and can potentially contain hidden gluten, especially for highly sensitive individuals.
Choose Naturally Gluten-Free Options: For extra caution, vodkas made from corn, potatoes, or grapes are naturally gluten-free from the start, like Ketel One's botanical line (made from grapes).
Check Labels: Always verify labels and manufacturer websites for explicit 'gluten-free' statements, especially for flavored varieties.
Personal Sensitivity Varies: Some highly sensitive celiac individuals have reported reactions to grain-based vodkas, even after distillation, highlighting the importance of listening to one's own body.

The Science of Distillation: How Grain Becomes a Gluten-Free Spirit

Many people on a gluten-free diet, whether for celiac disease or a sensitivity, approach grain-based spirits like vodka with a healthy dose of skepticism. The confusion is understandable; after all, both Ketel One and Grey Goose are distilled from wheat. The key to understanding their safety lies in the science of distillation, a purification process that physically separates alcohol from other compounds.

During fermentation, yeast converts sugars from the base ingredient (like wheat, potatoes, or corn) into alcohol. If the base contains gluten, the protein is present in this initial liquid mash. However, alcohol has a lower boiling point than water and, crucially, a much lower one than the large gluten proteins. When the fermented liquid is heated in a still, the alcohol vaporizes and rises, leaving the non-volatile gluten proteins behind. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a purified, gluten-free liquid.

This process is so effective that both the U.S. FDA and TTB agree that pure, distilled spirits are gluten-free, even if derived from gluten-containing grains. However, the TTB does require vodkas made from gluten-containing grains to state that gluten was removed by distillation to be labeled gluten-free.

Ketel One: Is This Wheat-Based Vodka Gluten-Free?

Ketel One is famously crafted in the Netherlands using 100% non-GMO European winter wheat. Despite its wheat origin, the company's meticulous distillation process ensures the final product is pure and free of gluten. On its website and in responses to consumer inquiries, Ketel One confirms that its unflavored vodka is safe for a gluten-free diet.

For those who prefer a non-grain base for complete peace of mind, Ketel One offers its popular Botanical line, which is made from grapes and infused with natural essences. These botanical varieties, including Grapefruit & Rose, Cucumber & Mint, and Peach & Orange Blossom, are also clearly labeled gluten-free.

Grey Goose: The Story of a Wheat-Derived, Gluten-Free Spirit

Grey Goose is a premium French vodka, made from soft winter wheat sourced from the Picardy region of France. The company also utilizes a natural limestone-filtered spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue, in the Cognac region. Like Ketel One, the distillation process is the key to removing the gluten content. Grey Goose explicitly states on its website that its vodka is gluten-free, with the distillation process eliminating any potential gluten contamination. This applies to both the original vodka and its flavored essences, though some sensitive individuals may still be cautious about additives.

Navigating Flavored Vodkas and Celiac Sensitivity

While the science of distillation provides a clear answer for pure vodkas, the situation can get more complex with flavored varieties and for individuals with high sensitivity. Flavored vodkas typically involve the addition of flavorings, sweeteners, and other ingredients after the distillation process. These additives are the most common source of potential gluten contamination. For example, some brands cannot guarantee their flavored versions are 100% allergen-free due to supplier processes.

For those with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it is safest to:

Stick to pure, unflavored vodkas from transparent brands.
Choose vodkas made from naturally gluten-free sources like grapes, potatoes, or corn.
Read all labels carefully, especially on flavored products, and check the manufacturer's website for specific allergen information.
For cocktails, be mindful of all ingredients, including mixes, juices, and garnishes, which can be a hidden source of gluten.

Comparison: Ketel One vs. Grey Goose (Unflavored)


Feature	Ketel One Vodka	Grey Goose Vodka
Base Ingredient	Non-GMO European Winter Wheat	Single-Origin Picardie Wheat
Country of Origin	Netherlands	France
Gluten Status (Pure)	Gluten-Free (due to distillation)	Gluten-Free (due to distillation)
Flavored Option	Botanical line (grape-based, gluten-free)	Flavored Essences (wheat-based, gluten-free, but caution advised)
Distillation Process	Combination of modern and traditional techniques	Single distillation to allow ingredients to shine

Conclusion

For those on a gluten-free diet, the question of whether Ketel One or Grey Goose is safe to drink has a straightforward, science-backed answer: Yes, their pure, unflavored vodkas are gluten-free due to the distillation process. Both companies are transparent about their ingredients and process, which is a key factor for confident consumption. However, the responsible consumer, especially one with a high sensitivity, should exercise caution with flavored products and always check for certification or manufacturer statements. For the most discerning, choosing a vodka made from naturally gluten-free ingredients like corn, potato, or grapes remains a viable and completely risk-free alternative. For more information on celiac disease and alcohol, an excellent resource is Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure Ketel One vodka is gluten-free. While it is made from wheat, the distillation process removes the gluten protein, making the final product safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

Yes, Grey Goose vodka is considered gluten-free. It is distilled from French winter wheat, but the distillation process eliminates the gluten protein.

Distillation separates alcohol from other ingredients based on boiling points. The gluten protein is too large and heavy to vaporize with the alcohol, so it is left behind in the still, resulting in a gluten-free spirit.

Not necessarily. Flavored varieties are where caution is needed, as flavorings are often added after distillation and can potentially introduce gluten. Always check the manufacturer's website or the product label for confirmation.

For most individuals with celiac disease, pure, distilled grain-based vodkas are safe. However, some with high sensitivity prefer to choose vodkas made from naturally gluten-free sources like potatoes, corn, or grapes for extra peace of mind.

Some vodkas are made from ingredients that are naturally gluten-free from the start. Examples include vodkas made from potatoes (like Chopin), corn (like Tito's), or grapes (like Cîroc).

For vodkas distilled from gluten-containing grains, a label might state 'distilled from wheat, gluten removed.' For naturally gluten-free sources, it may simply say 'gluten-free.' When in doubt, check the brand's website for clarity on their production process.