What drinks are certified gluten-free?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, products labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a safety standard for most with celiac disease. For those with gluten sensitivities, identifying what drinks are certified gluten-free is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Quick Summary

This guide covers certified gluten-free drinks, explaining which alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are safe. It clarifies the difference between naturally gluten-free and specially processed products, offering tips on label reading and identifying certified brands.

Key Points

Distilled Spirits Are Safe: The distillation process removes gluten proteins, making pure vodkas, rums, and tequilas safe, regardless of the original grain.
Wine and Cider are Naturally Gluten-Free: Made from grapes and apples, these are generally safe, but always verify for additives or cross-contamination.
Look for Certification Seals: Third-party seals like the GFCO mark (less than 10 ppm gluten) offer the highest assurance against cross-contamination.
Distinguish 'Certified GF' from 'Gluten-Removed': Certified products are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, while gluten-removed items may still cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
Beware of Additives and Flavorings: After distillation, flavors or other ingredients containing gluten can be added back in. Always read labels, especially for flavored liquors and mixed drinks.
Choose Non-Alcoholic Options Wisely: Most pure juices and sodas are safe, but check labels for additives like malt flavor or for cross-contamination risks.
When in Doubt, Leave it Out: If you are unsure about a product's gluten status, the safest practice is to avoid it.

Understanding 'Certified Gluten-Free'

Navigating the world of gluten-free beverages involves understanding different labels and certifications. A product with a third-party certification, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark, offers the highest level of assurance. This certification verifies that the product has been tested to contain 10 ppm of gluten or less. The FDA's 'gluten-free' claim requires a product to meet the less than 20 ppm standard. For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, third-party certification provides an extra layer of safety, confirming strict manufacturing standards and rigorous testing.

Why Certification Matters

Certification isn't just a label; it's a commitment from the manufacturer to protect consumers from cross-contamination. In a shared facility, ingredients can accidentally transfer from one product to another. Certified gluten-free producers implement strict protocols to avoid this, providing peace of mind to those with health-related dietary restrictions. This is especially crucial for alcoholic beverages, where fermentation and distillation processes can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Alcoholic Certified Gluten-Free Drinks

Most people assume that because spirits are distilled, they are automatically gluten-free. While the distillation process does remove gluten proteins, certain flavors or additives added post-distillation can reintroduce gluten. This makes certified gluten-free options a much safer bet. Similarly, not all ciders or wines are completely free of gluten due to fining agents or shared equipment.

Distilled Spirits

Vodka: Some brands, like Tito's, use corn as a base and are certified gluten-free. Vodka can also be made from potatoes or grapes.
Rum: Made from sugarcane or molasses, rum is naturally gluten-free. Safe brands include Malibu and Captain Morgan.
Tequila: As it is distilled from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila is always a gluten-free choice.

Wine and Cider

Wine (including Champagne and Prosecco): Made from grapes, wine is naturally gluten-free. However, check labels for potential gluten-containing fining agents.
Hard Cider: Most ciders are made from fermented apples and are naturally gluten-free, but it's best to confirm this on the label due to potential additives. Certified brands like Woodchuck and Angry Orchard are reliable.

Beers and Alternatives

Gluten-Free Beer: True gluten-free beers are brewed with naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, or millet. Popular certified brands include Redbridge and Ground Breaker Brewing.
Gluten-Removed Beer: These beers are made from traditional gluten grains and then treated with an enzyme to remove gluten. The final product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten but is not considered safe for those with celiac disease, as some protein fragments may remain.

Non-Alcoholic Certified Gluten-Free Drinks

For non-alcoholic options, the certification process offers the same assurance. Many soft drinks and fruit juices are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Certified brands ensure that from the ingredients to the bottling process, there is no gluten present.

Key Categories

Sodas and Juices: Most basic sodas and 100% fruit juices are gluten-free, but always check for ingredients like malt flavor. Brands with GFCO certification are the safest bet.
Kombucha: Purely brewed kombucha is generally gluten-free, though some flavorings could introduce gluten. Look for certified varieties.
Coffee and Tea: Unflavored coffee and tea are naturally gluten-free. Watch for flavored options or coffee blends with additives, which may contain gluten.

Certified vs. Gluten-Removed: What to Know


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free	Gluten-Removed/Reduced
Safety Standard	Must be tested below 10 ppm gluten (GFCO).	Tested below 20 ppm gluten (FDA).
Raw Ingredients	Made with naturally gluten-free grains or ingredients (e.g., sorghum, rice, grapes).	Made with gluten-containing grains (e.g., barley).
Process	Brewed using ingredients and processes free of gluten contamination.	Treated with enzymes to break down gluten proteins.
Risk for Celiacs	Generally considered the safest option.	Not safe for celiacs, as some sensitive individuals may react.
Labeling	Often displays a third-party seal (like GFCO).	May state “processed to remove gluten” or “gluten-reduced”.

Conclusion

Choosing certified gluten-free drinks offers the highest level of protection for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. From distilled spirits like rum and tequila to naturally gluten-free options like wine and pure fruit juices, a wide variety of safe choices are available. While distillation processes typically remove gluten, post-distillation additives can pose a risk. Therefore, paying close attention to labels and seeking out third-party certification is crucial. By knowing the difference between certified gluten-free and gluten-removed products, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your favorite beverages without worry. For specific dietary needs or health concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended.

Coeliac UK: The official site for Coeliac UK provides extensive information on living a gluten-free lifestyle, including a food and drink guide for safe choices.

How to Find Certified Gluten-Free Drinks

To confidently find certified gluten-free beverages, always check the label for clear indicators like the GFCO seal or the explicit “certified gluten-free” claim. When in doubt about a specific brand or product, contact the manufacturer for clarification on their ingredients and processes. Online resources and apps from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group can also help identify and verify certified products. For grain-based drinks that aren't certified, remember the distillation rule for pure spirits, but remain cautious of flavors or mixers. When consuming beverages that are not explicitly labeled, proceed with caution and, as always, prioritize confirmed gluten-free options to stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure distilled spirits, even those made from gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley, are considered gluten-free because the distillation process removes the gluten proteins. However, some people with high sensitivity report issues, and you should be cautious of flavored varieties or liqueurs that may add gluten after distillation.

Yes, most wines, including red, white, sparkling wine, and champagne, are safe for people with celiac disease as they are made from grapes, which are naturally gluten-free. You should be aware of potential gluten-containing fining agents, but these are rare in most modern winemaking.

Gluten-free beer is brewed using naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum or millet and is safe for those with celiac disease. Gluten-removed beer is made from gluten-containing grains but treated to break down the protein; while it meets the FDA's 20 ppm standard, it is not considered safe for celiacs.

To identify certified gluten-free drinks, look for explicit labeling or third-party certification logos, such as the GFCO mark, on the product packaging. These certifications ensure rigorous testing and quality control.

Most hard ciders are naturally gluten-free as they are made from fermented apples. However, it is essential to check the label for any added ingredients, flavorings, or potential barley malt, which could introduce gluten.

Many common non-alcoholic beverages are naturally gluten-free, including 100% fruit juices, basic sodas, pure coffee, and tea. Always review the ingredients for added flavorings or malt and be cautious of potential cross-contamination.

When reading labels, be vigilant for ingredients such as malt, malt extract, brewer's yeast, barley, or flavorings that are not specified as gluten-free. It's always safest to stick to certified or naturally gluten-free options.