What Alcohol Has Wheat in It? A Guide to Grains in Your Glass

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Drinkaware, most traditional beers, lagers, and stouts contain gluten from grains like wheat or barley, while most distilled spirits are naturally gluten-free. This guide clarifies what alcohol has wheat in it, detailing the ingredients and production methods behind your favorite drinks.

Quick Summary

Investigate which alcoholic beverages use wheat in their production, distinguishing between fermented drinks and distilled spirits. Understand why most spirits are gluten-free, even when made from grains, and how to identify potential sources of gluten.

Key Points

Beer Contains Wheat: Most traditional ales, lagers, and stouts use wheat or barley and are therefore not gluten-free unless labeled as such.
Distillation Removes Gluten: Pure, unflavored distilled spirits, including those made from wheat, are considered gluten-free because distillation removes the large gluten proteins.
Wheat Whiskeys Use Wheat: By law, American wheat whiskeys must be made from a mash of at least 51% wheat, but the final product is gluten-free.
Flavored Spirits Can Be Risky: Flavored vodkas, gins, and liqueurs may contain gluten-based additives added after distillation; always check the label or manufacturer's website.
Naturally Gluten-Free Options: Ciders, wine, rum, and spirits made from potatoes, corn, or grapes are safe, naturally gluten-free alternatives,.
Check for Labeling: For sensitive individuals, look for explicit 'gluten-free' labeling on spirits, as regulations can vary and some manufacturers provide more detailed information.

Fermented Beverages: Where Wheat is Present

Fermented alcoholic beverages, most notably beer, are the most common drinks containing wheat. In these products, the brewing process ferments the grain, but does not remove the protein that constitutes gluten. Therefore, unless a product is specifically labeled as gluten-free, those with sensitivities should assume it contains wheat or other gluten-containing grains.

Traditional Beers, Ales, and Lagers

Many traditional beers rely on a grain bill that includes wheat, often alongside barley. For example, Bavarian hefeweizens, known for their hazy appearance and fruity flavors, typically contain a high proportion of wheat. Belgian witbiers also use raw, unmalted wheat to achieve their characteristic light color and creamy mouthfeel. The specific grain recipe can vary widely between styles, but if a beer is not explicitly marketed as gluten-free, it is highly likely to contain gluten from wheat, barley, or rye.

Malt Beverages

Some flavored malt beverages, like certain hard lemonades or iced teas, are made from a fermented malt base, which often includes barley malt. While not pure wheat products, they are not suitable for a gluten-free diet unless certified otherwise.

Distilled Spirits: Made from Wheat, but Gluten-Free

The world of distilled spirits presents a unique and often confusing situation for those avoiding wheat. Many popular liquors, including some vodkas, gins, and whiskeys, begin their life using a mash of gluten-containing grains like wheat. However, the key distinction lies in the distillation process.

Vodka

Vodka can be made from a wide variety of base materials, including potatoes, corn, grapes, and grains like wheat. Many wheat vodkas, such as Absolut and Grey Goose, highlight the use of premium winter wheat in their production,. But because pure distillation physically separates and removes the heavy gluten proteins, the final product is considered gluten-free. Consumers need only be cautious with flavored varieties, where additives containing gluten might be introduced after distillation.

Whiskey

Wheat whiskey is a distinct type of American whiskey where the mash bill must be at least 51% wheat. The use of wheat gives the spirit a softer, sweeter flavor profile compared to corn-heavy bourbon or spicy rye whiskey. Brands like Bernheim Original and Woodford Reserve have popularized this style. As with vodka, the distillation process purifies the liquid, leaving the gluten proteins behind.

Gin

Gin starts as a neutral spirit, which is then re-distilled with juniper berries and other botanicals. The base spirit is frequently made from grains, including wheat, which can impart a smooth, creamy character to the final product. The distillation process ensures the gin itself is gluten-free, but as always, flavored versions should be examined carefully.

The Science of Distillation: Why Spirits Are Different

The scientific principle behind why pure distilled spirits are gluten-free, even when made from wheat, is based on boiling points. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water and the large gluten protein molecules. During distillation, the fermented mash is heated, causing the alcohol to vaporize and rise, leaving the non-volatile gluten proteins behind. The alcohol vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a purified liquid spirit. This separation process is so effective that the final product contains no detectable gluten residue. For more information on the science of celiac disease and gluten-free choices, see the resources at Beyond Celiac.

Identifying and Avoiding Wheat in Alcohol

For those managing a gluten sensitivity, reading labels and understanding production methods is crucial. The following list provides a summary:

Beer: Always assume traditional beer contains gluten unless clearly labeled and certified as gluten-free.
Spirits (pure, unflavored): Pure vodka, whiskey, gin, and other spirits are considered gluten-free regardless of their grain source due to distillation.
Flavored Spirits & Liqueurs: Be cautious, as flavorings and other additives can be introduced after distillation and may contain gluten. Check labels and manufacturer websites.
Cocktails: Be mindful of mixers, garnishes, and other ingredients added to cocktails, as these can be a source of gluten.

Comparison of Wheat-Related Alcohol Categories


Feature	Traditional Wheat Beer	Wheat-Based Distilled Spirit (Pure)
Base Ingredient	Malted and unmalted wheat (50%+) and barley	Wheat, or a blend of grains
Production Method	Fermentation	Fermentation followed by distillation
Contains Gluten?	Yes, unless specified as gluten-removed or naturally gluten-free	No, distillation removes gluten proteins
Mouthfeel/Flavor	Creamy, hazy, with fruity or spicy notes	Clean, crisp, or smoother, with subtle grain character
Common Examples	Hefeweizen, Witbier, American Wheat Ale	Absolut Vodka, Bernheim Wheat Whiskey,

Conclusion

Understanding what alcohol has wheat in it is essential for making informed dietary choices. Fermented beverages like traditional beers are a direct source of gluten, while pure distilled spirits, even if originally made with wheat, are gluten-free due to the distillation process. Consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should always check labels on flavored products and be aware of mixers in cocktails. Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate the world of alcohol safely and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure distilled vodka, even when made from wheat, is considered gluten-free because the distillation process effectively removes the gluten proteins from the final liquid.

No, but most traditional beers, ales, lagers, and stouts do contain wheat or barley in their mash bill. Specific gluten-free beer options are available that use alternative grains,.

Wheat whiskey is an American whiskey with a mash bill composed of at least 51% wheat. Like other pure whiskeys, the final distilled product is gluten-free,.

The gluten protein is too large and heavy to vaporize and is left behind in the still during the distillation process. Alcohol vaporizes at a lower temperature, separating it from the gluten.

Naturally gluten-free choices include wine, cider, rum (from sugarcane), tequila (from agave), and spirits made from non-grain sources like potatoes or corn,.

Yes, they can typically drink pure distilled spirits made from wheat, as the gluten is removed. However, they must avoid most traditional beers and be cautious with flavored spirits and mixers,.

The risk comes from additives introduced after distillation. Check the product label or the manufacturer's website for 'gluten-free' claims and look for ingredient transparency. Some brands are certified gluten-free.