Is Mayer Bros Lemonade Gluten-Free? A Guide for Conscious Consumers

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Mayer Brothers' official website, their lemonade is naturally gluten-free and preservative-free. This is great news for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but it's important to understand the ingredients and potential for cross-contamination to be fully informed.

Quick Summary

Yes, Mayer Bros Lemonade is naturally gluten-free according to the manufacturer's website. However, individuals with severe gluten allergies should verify this information by checking the product label for ingredients and potential cross-contamination warnings.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Mayer Brothers states on their website that their lemonade is naturally gluten-free and preservative-free.
Read All Labels: Despite the general gluten-free claim, always check the label of the specific Mayer Bros lemonade variety, as ingredients can differ.
Low Cross-Contamination Risk: The simple, fruit-based ingredients typically found in their lemonade mean a lower risk of accidental gluten exposure.
The "Natural Flavors" Factor: The vague term "natural flavors" is not a concern here, as the company explicitly markets the product as gluten-free, requiring any component to meet the FDA's standard.
Trust Certifications for Extra Security: For those with severe celiac disease, seeking products with a third-party gluten-free certification logo provides an extra layer of assurance.

Is Mayer Bros Lemonade Gluten-Free? The Verdict and Details

For anyone following a gluten-free diet, whether due to celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or personal preference, checking the gluten status of a new product is a top priority. Beverages, in particular, can be tricky, as gluten-containing ingredients or processes can be hidden behind generic terms like "natural flavors." When it comes to Mayer Bros Lemonade, the answer is positive for most consumers, but the details are what truly matter for safe consumption. The good news, confirmed by the manufacturer's website, is that Mayer Bros Lemonade is considered naturally gluten-free.

The All-Clear from the Manufacturer

The primary source for determining a product's gluten status is always the manufacturer itself. Mayer Brothers' official website states unequivocally that their lemonade is "naturally gluten free". The typical ingredient list for their classic lemonade includes filtered water, cane sugar, lemon juice concentrate, natural lemon flavor, and citric acid. None of these ingredients are derived from the gluten-containing grains wheat, barley, or rye. This transparency and a clear statement from the company offer a high degree of confidence for most consumers.

Diving Deeper into the Ingredients

To better understand why Mayer Bros Lemonade is considered gluten-free, let's examine the common components found in many of their lemonade varieties. The ingredients are fairly simple and straightforward, which reduces the risk of hidden gluten sources.

Filtered Water & Cane Sugar: These are naturally gluten-free ingredients and the foundation of any simple lemonade. There is no gluten risk here.
Lemon Juice Concentrate: This is derived from fruit and is gluten-free.
Citric Acid: A common food additive used for flavor and preservation. It is typically manufactured from corn and is universally considered gluten-free.
Natural Flavors: This is where caution is sometimes required, as "natural flavors" can sometimes contain hidden gluten sources like barley malt. However, the FDA requires any ingredient derived from wheat to be listed, and if a product is explicitly labeled "gluten-free," any flavorings must comply with that standard. Given Mayer Brothers' direct claim, their natural flavors are not a concern.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): This is a synthetic or natural nutrient added for preservation and is gluten-free.

Comparing Mayer Bros to Other Beverages


Feature	Mayer Bros Lemonade	Standard Craft Beer	Unlabeled "Natural Flavored" Drink
Gluten Status	Naturally Gluten-Free	Contains Gluten (Barley)	Unknown (Must Investigate)
Ingredients	Simple, fruit-based	Grains (Barley), Hops, Water, Yeast	Varied, potentially includes hidden gluten
Certifications	Stated on website, may vary by product	Some "gluten-removed" available	None specified, rely on careful label reading
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Low, based on simple process and claim	High, standard manufacturing process	Possible, depending on facility practices
Best for Celiacs?	Yes, but always check label for latest info	No, requires certified "gluten-free" option	No, requires confirmation from manufacturer

The Importance of Label Reading and Certification

For individuals with celiac disease, relying solely on a general claim can be risky. While the official statement from Mayer Brothers is reassuring, it's always best practice to check the label on the specific bottle you are purchasing. A certified gluten-free product, marked by symbols like the GFCO logo, offers the highest level of assurance. While Mayer Bros may not display such a certification on all its lemonade varieties, its transparent ingredient list and direct claim provide strong support. The FDA defines a "gluten-free" product as containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, and a company's self-declaration, like Mayer Brothers', must meet this standard.

Conclusion

To summarize, Mayer Bros Lemonade is a reliable and safe choice for those avoiding gluten, based on the manufacturer's own statements and the typically simple, grain-free ingredients. Their original and pink lemonade variants, as described in product listings, do not contain gluten. However, due to the occasional variability of ingredients across different product lines, such as the cucumber lemonade which Instacart previously listed as containing gluten, it is paramount to read the label of the exact product in your hands. This diligence ensures that your beverage is truly aligned with your dietary needs. For the highest confidence, looking for third-party certifications is always the gold standard, but for Mayer Bros, their clear labeling provides a solid foundation of trust for gluten-conscious consumers. [https://mayerbrothers.com/lemonade/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Mayer Bros official website explicitly states that their lemonade is naturally gluten-free. The ingredients are simple and fruit-based, without any common gluten-containing additives.

Typical ingredients for Mayer Bros Lemonade include filtered water, cane sugar, lemon juice concentrate, natural lemon flavor, and citric acid. The pink lemonade version also includes fruit and vegetable juice for color.

Yes, like the original version, Mayer Bros Pink Lemonade is also considered naturally gluten-free, based on the ingredient list and the company's official claims.

For most people with a gluten sensitivity, the low risk is acceptable. However, those with severe celiac disease should always be cautious. While the product is stated as gluten-free, a third-party certification offers the highest confidence against potential cross-contamination in manufacturing.

Always check the ingredient list for explicit mention of wheat. For ingredients like "natural flavors" or "starch" in products not labeled gluten-free, you may need to contact the manufacturer to verify the source, as barley and rye are not always disclosed.

According to retailers like Mackenthun's, the Mayer Bros Zero Sugar Original Lemonade is also confirmed to be gluten-free. As with all products, a quick check of the label is recommended.

Yes. When a manufacturer explicitly labels a product as "gluten-free," any components, including natural flavors, must comply with the FDA's standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. If a natural flavor was derived from wheat, it would have to be declared on the label.