What Alcohol Is Not Made With Wheat? Your Comprehensive Guide

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Coeliac UK, all distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, including those made from wheat, because the distillation process removes gluten. This provides a wide range of options for what alcohol is not made with wheat, from agave-based tequila to fruit-distilled brandy and sugarcane-based rum.

Quick Summary

An exploration of alcoholic beverages suitable for those avoiding wheat, including naturally wheat-free options like tequila, rum, and wine, as well as distilled spirits like vodka and gin where distillation removes gluten proteins.

Key Points

Naturally Wheat-Free Options: Wine, hard cider, and rum are inherently wheat-free as they are derived from grapes, apples, and sugarcane, respectively.
Distillation Removes Gluten: The distillation process removes gluten proteins from spirits, meaning even some vodkas and whiskies made from grains are technically gluten-free according to regulations.
Safer Distilled Alternatives: For maximum certainty, choose spirits made from naturally gluten-free sources like potato vodka or 100% agave tequila.
Check for Additives: Flavored or spiced spirits, liqueurs, and mixers may contain gluten-based additives introduced after distillation, which should be avoided by those with sensitivities.
Look for 100% Agave: When buying tequila, ensure the bottle specifies “100% agave” to confirm it is not a mixto containing other added ingredients.
Certified Gluten-Free: For high sensitivity, products specifically labeled as 'Certified Gluten-Free' are the safest choice to avoid any cross-contamination risks.

Naturally Wheat-Free Fermented Beverages

Not all alcohol undergoes distillation. Some of the most popular naturally wheat-free beverages are fermented directly from fruits or other plants that do not contain gluten.

Wine

Wine is made from fermented grapes and is naturally gluten-free. This includes all varieties of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco. While wine is generally safe, it is wise to be cautious of certain additives or flavorings in wine coolers and similar products, which could introduce gluten. High-quality wines are almost always a safe and delicious option.

Cider

Hard cider is made from fermented fruit juice, most commonly apples. It is a popular and flavorful alternative to beer for those avoiding wheat. While most ciders are gluten-free by nature, some less common varieties may use brewer's yeast containing traces of gluten, so it is always important to check labels. Notable gluten-free brands include Angry Orchard and Woodchuck.

Distilled Spirits: The Case for Distillation

Many liquors are distilled from a variety of sources, including grains like wheat, rye, and barley. However, the rigorous distillation process is highly effective at removing gluten proteins, leaving the final product gluten-free. For those with extreme sensitivities, spirits derived from naturally gluten-free ingredients may offer greater peace of mind.

Rum

Rum is distilled from sugarcane derivatives, such as molasses or sugarcane juice, making it naturally wheat-free. Plain, unflavored rum is a very safe option. However, be cautious with spiced or flavored rums, as additives are sometimes introduced after distillation and could contain gluten.

Tequila

Authentic tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, a succulent native to Mexico. By law, tequila must be made from at least 51% blue agave. For those with gluten sensitivities, it is crucial to look for bottles that state "100% agave" to ensure no mixto (mixed) tequila containing added sugars or other potential gluten-containing ingredients was used.

Potato Vodka

While many vodkas are made from wheat, corn, or rye, several brands produce vodka from potatoes. Potato vodka is a naturally gluten-free choice and is highly sought after by those who prefer to avoid all grain-based spirits, even if they have been distilled. Brands like Chopin and Luksusowa are well-known for their potato-based vodkas.

Brandy and Cognac

Brandy is a spirit distilled from fermented fruit juice, most often grapes. This fruit-based origin means that brandy and its specific regional varieties, such as Cognac and Armagnac, are naturally wheat-free.

Other Non-Wheat Options

Beyond the most common spirits, there are many other alcohols not made with wheat:

Mezcal: Also distilled from agave, but can be from different species than tequila, often with a smoky flavor profile.
Soju: A Korean spirit that can be distilled from rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tapioca.
Ouzo: A Greek anise-flavored spirit derived from grapes.
Hard Seltzers: Most major hard seltzer brands are naturally gluten-free and often made with fermented cane sugar.

Comparison of Wheat-Free Alcohol Options


Alcohol Type	Primary Ingredient	Distilled or Fermented?	Naturally Wheat-Free?	Notes
Tequila	Blue Agave	Distilled	Yes (if 100% agave)	Check labels for "100% agave" to avoid mixtos.
Rum	Sugarcane/Molasses	Distilled	Yes	Cautious of flavored or spiced varieties.
Brandy	Grapes/Fruit	Distilled	Yes	Includes Cognac and Armagnac.
Potato Vodka	Potatoes	Distilled	Yes	Safe option for those avoiding grain-based spirits entirely.
Wine	Grapes	Fermented	Yes	Includes sparkling wines, generally safe.
Hard Cider	Apples/Fruit	Fermented	Yes	Check labels for gluten warnings, though most are safe.
Hard Seltzer	Cane Sugar	Fermented	Yes	Flavorings and additives are generally gluten-free.

Potential Cross-Contamination and Additives

While the distillation process is widely accepted as removing gluten, some individuals with Celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity may choose to be extra cautious. The primary risk factors for these individuals include:

Additives and Flavorings: Ingredients added after distillation, such as caramel coloring, flavorings, or sweeteners, could potentially contain gluten. It is always safest to stick to plain, unflavored spirits.
Cross-Contamination: While rare, cross-contamination could occur during the manufacturing or packaging process. The safest choice for highly sensitive individuals is to choose products explicitly certified and labeled as gluten-free.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of alcoholic beverages to find what alcohol is not made with wheat offers a surprising number of choices for consumers. From the classic elegance of wine and brandy to the vibrant flavors of tequila and rum, many naturally gluten-free options are available for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. For distilled spirits, while the distillation process is effective at removing gluten, choosing a product derived from a non-wheat base, such as potatoes for vodka or agave for tequila, provides the utmost certainty. By checking labels for additives and opting for pure, unflavored varieties, you can enjoy a wide array of wheat-free beverages with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while many vodkas are made from wheat, there are numerous popular brands that use other ingredients, such as potatoes, corn, or grapes.

Yes, rum is generally a safe option as it is made from sugarcane derivatives, which are naturally wheat-free. However, be cautious with flavored rums, as additives might be introduced after distillation.

Yes, regulatory bodies and coeliac organizations state that the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins from the final product, making distilled spirits gluten-free even if derived from wheat.

Wine is naturally gluten-free as it's made from grapes, and hard ciders are typically gluten-free since they are made from fruit. Always check for potential gluten-containing additives in flavored varieties.

Tequilas that are not 100% agave (known as mixtos) may contain added sugars and other ingredients, which could potentially contain gluten. A '100% agave' label ensures a naturally wheat-free product.

Even when made from wheat or other gluten-containing grains, whiskey is considered gluten-free due to the distillation process removing the gluten proteins. However, some highly sensitive individuals may prefer to avoid it.

Yes, most hard seltzers are made with fermented cane sugar or malted barley, but brands explicitly labeled as gluten-free or made with cane sugar are safe alternatives.