Is Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur Gluten-Free? Your Complete Guide

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Tia Maria website, the brand’s Cold Brew coffee liqueur is indeed gluten-free. This is great news for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities who enjoy coffee liqueurs and are looking for a safe option.

Quick Summary

Tia Maria Cold Brew coffee liqueur is explicitly labeled as gluten-free and vegan, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The liqueur is made with 100% Arabica coffee, Jamaican rum, vanilla, and sugar, and contains no gluten-based ingredients.

Key Points

Officially Certified: Tia Maria is officially labelled as a gluten-free product by the manufacturer.
Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients: The liqueur is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, including 100% Arabica coffee, Jamaican rum, and vanilla.
Safe for Celiacs: Due to its composition and production, Tia Maria is safe for consumption by individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Distillation Factor: The primary alcohol base, Jamaican rum, is a distilled spirit, a process that removes gluten proteins even if grain is used.
Low Cross-Contamination Risk: The production process is designed to prevent gluten contamination, ensuring a pure, gluten-free product from the start.
Versatile and Safe: It is a reliable and safe choice for making cocktails like the Espresso Martini or enjoying on its own, provided mixers are also gluten-free.

Is Tia Maria safe for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, Tia Maria Cold Brew coffee liqueur is safe for those following a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer, Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A., explicitly confirms its gluten-free status on its official website and other promotional materials. Unlike some alcoholic beverages that use gluten-containing grains, Tia Maria's production process and ingredients ensure a gluten-free final product. This assurance is vital for individuals with celiac disease, for whom even trace amounts of gluten can be harmful.

The ingredients that make Tia Maria gluten-free

The composition of Tia Maria is naturally free of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. The key ingredients include:

100% Arabica Coffee Beans: Sourced from Brazil and selected for their rich, full-bodied flavour.
Jamaican Rum: A distillate made from sugarcane molasses, which is naturally gluten-free.
Madagascar Vanilla: Provides the delicate, velvety back notes.
Sugar: Used for sweetening and flavor balance.

These ingredients are combined using a specialized cold brew extraction process, which is a key factor in its naturally gluten-free status.

A detailed look at the production process

The production of Tia Maria involves several meticulous steps that help maintain its gluten-free integrity. First, the 100% Arabica coffee beans are medium-roasted using a patented method to preserve their aromatic intensity. The roasted beans are then coarsely ground and steeped in a water and alcohol solution for 6 to 12 hours. This cold brew process ensures a smooth extraction with low acidity. The addition of the naturally gluten-free Jamaican rum, Madagascar vanilla extract, and sugar follows, creating the final liqueur. The final product undergoes a double filtration before bottling, further ensuring its purity.

Comparison of coffee liqueurs: Tia Maria vs. Kahlúa

When choosing a coffee liqueur for a gluten-free diet, it's helpful to compare Tia Maria with other popular brands like Kahlúa. While both are generally considered safe, their formulations and official certifications differ.

Other gluten-free considerations

While Tia Maria itself is gluten-free, it's crucial to be mindful of how it's mixed or served, particularly in a bar or restaurant setting. Cross-contamination can occur if the liqueur is mixed with other ingredients or uses shared equipment like shakers that have previously handled gluten-containing products. At home, preparing an Espresso Martini with gluten-free ingredients like naturally gluten-free vodka (e.g., potato-based) and fresh espresso is the safest option.

Tips for enjoying Tia Maria safely

At Home: Ensure all mixers and garnishes are gluten-free. For example, use a dedicated shaker if you have others in your household who consume gluten.
At a Bar: When ordering cocktails like an Espresso Martini, inform the bartender of your dietary restrictions. Ask them to use clean equipment to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Check the Label: Always double-check the label for any changes in ingredients or certifications. While Tia Maria is consistently produced as gluten-free, manufacturer processes can occasionally change.

Conclusion: A safe choice for coffee liqueur lovers

For individuals seeking a delicious and safe coffee liqueur on a gluten-free diet, Tia Maria is an excellent choice. The manufacturer explicitly guarantees its gluten-free status, supported by its simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients of 100% Arabica coffee, Jamaican rum, vanilla, and sugar. This makes it a reliable and enjoyable option for a wide range of cocktails and beverages, particularly the popular Espresso Martini. By understanding the ingredients and taking precautions against cross-contamination, you can confidently enjoy Tia Maria without compromising your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredients in Tia Maria are 100% Arabica coffee beans, Jamaican rum, Madagascar vanilla, and sugar.

Yes, according to the manufacturer and based on its ingredients, Tia Maria is safe for people with celiac disease as it is gluten-free.

Kahlúa is generally considered gluten-free as it is made with distilled rum, but it does not carry an official gluten-free certification like Tia Maria does.

While the product itself is gluten-free, there is a risk of cross-contamination when used in cocktails at a bar. Ensure the bartender uses clean equipment.

Yes, in addition to being gluten-free, Tia Maria is also suitable for vegans.

Tia Maria uses a patented cold brew extraction process, which involves steeping medium-roasted coffee beans in a water and alcohol solution.

The main difference is Tia Maria's explicit gluten-free certification, providing a higher level of assurance compared to other brands that may only be considered safe due to their ingredients and distillation process.

Yes, you can use Tia Maria to make a gluten-free Espresso Martini, but you should pair it with a naturally gluten-free vodka (e.g., corn, potato, or grape-based) to ensure the entire drink is safe.