What hard seltzers are gluten-free? A guide for a safe nutrition diet

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The hard seltzer market has exploded in popularity, driven by a consumer desire for lower-calorie, lighter alcoholic beverages. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to know what hard seltzers are gluten-free before making a purchase.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the difference between naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed hard seltzers, highlighting key brands safe for a gluten-free diet and providing tips for reading labels to ensure your beverage is free from gluten.

Key Points

Check the alcohol base: Hard seltzers made from fermented cane sugar or distilled spirits are naturally gluten-free and the safest option.
Avoid malt-based products: Seltzers derived from malted barley are not safe for a strict gluten-free diet, even if labeled 'gluten-removed'.
Look for certifications: Explicitly certified 'gluten-free' labels provide the most reliable assurance of safety for celiac disease.
Read the ingredient list: Carefully review product labels for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients, especially in lesser-known brands.
Popular safe brands: Many major brands like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon are confirmed gluten-free and clearly state this on their packaging.

Understanding the Hard Seltzer Alcohol Base

Not all hard seltzers are created equal, and the primary factor in determining if a seltzer is gluten-free is its alcohol base. The two main types are fermented from either cane sugar or malted barley.

Fermented Cane Sugar or Spirit-Based Seltzers

Many of the most popular hard seltzer brands use a fermentation process involving cane sugar. This method creates a clean, neutral alcohol base that is naturally gluten-free from the start, as cane sugar does not contain gluten. Similarly, seltzers made with a distilled gluten-free spirit, such as vodka or tequila, are also inherently gluten-free. For individuals with celiac disease, products made with these bases are generally the safest choice.

Malt-Based Seltzers (Proceed with Caution)

Some brewers, especially those with existing beer production lines, create hard seltzers using a malted barley base. Because barley contains gluten, these seltzers are not naturally gluten-free. While manufacturers may use enzymes to break down and remove the gluten, these products are labeled "gluten-removed" rather than "gluten-free". According to organizations like the National Celiac Association, this process does not guarantee the complete removal of gluten proteins, making them potentially unsafe for those with celiac disease. Always check the label for specific warnings about how the product was processed.

Leading Hard Seltzer Brands That Are Gluten-Free

Here is a list of popular hard seltzer brands that are confirmed to be gluten-free. It's always best practice to check the packaging, especially with newer flavor variants.

White Claw: A market leader, White Claw uses a gluten-free alcohol base made from fermented cane sugar. All of their standard hard seltzers are confirmed gluten-free.
Truly Hard Seltzer: Made with a naturally gluten-free alcohol base from cane sugar, all Truly flavors are certified gluten-free.
High Noon: These seltzers are made with real vodka and real fruit juice, ensuring they are gluten-free.
Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzers: As a USDA-organic certified product, Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzers are also certified gluten-free.
Corona Hard Seltzer: This brand is another reliable option, clearly labeling its hard seltzer products as gluten-free.
NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer: Made with real vodka and real fruit juice, NÜTRL is a clean and simple gluten-free option.
Vizzy Hard Seltzer: Vizzy is known for including antioxidant vitamin C and clearly labels its hard seltzers as gluten-free.

How to Read Labels for a Gluten-Free Diet

Navigating the beverage aisle requires careful attention to labeling, particularly for those with celiac disease. Here's what to look for:

Seek explicit "Gluten-Free" Certification: The most reliable indicator is a certified gluten-free label. For products regulated by the FDA (like sugar-brewed seltzers), this means they must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Check the Alcohol Base: Look for phrases like "fermented from cane sugar" or references to a spirit base (e.g., "made with real vodka"). This is a strong sign that the product is naturally gluten-free.
Avoid "Gluten-Removed" or Malt-Based Products: If the label mentions being "processed to remove gluten" or lists a malt base, it is not safe for a strict gluten-free diet.
Ingredient Lists: Scan the full ingredient list for any potential sources of gluten, such as barley malt or other gluten-containing grains.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Hard Seltzers


Brand	Alcohol Base	Features	Calorie/Sugar Content	Celiac Safety	Certified GF	Citations
White Claw	Fermented Cane Sugar	Wide flavor variety	~100 calories, 2g carbs, 2g sugar per 12oz	Safe (Gluten-Free Base)	Yes	,
Truly	Fermented Cane Sugar	Wide flavor variety, real fruit juice	~100 calories, 3g carbs, 1g sugar per 12oz	Safe (Gluten-Free Base)	Yes	,
High Noon	Real Vodka	Made with real fruit juice, no added sugar	~100 calories, no added sugar per 12oz	Safe (Distilled Spirit Base)	Yes
Michelob ULTRA Organic	Cane Sugar	Organic certified	90 calories, 2g carbs, 0g sugar per 12oz	Safe (Gluten-Free Base)	Yes	,
Nutrl	Real Vodka	Simple ingredients, real fruit juice	Calories and carbs vary slightly by flavor	Safe (Distilled Spirit Base)	Yes

Conclusion: Choosing Wisely on a Gluten-Free Diet

For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, hard seltzers can be a refreshing and safe beverage option, but vigilance is key. Always prioritize hard seltzers that are explicitly labeled gluten-free and derive their alcohol from naturally gluten-free sources like fermented cane sugar or spirits. By understanding the distinction between gluten-free and gluten-removed products and carefully reading labels, you can confidently enjoy hard seltzers without compromising your dietary needs. The abundance of brands like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon ensures there are plenty of safe and delicious choices available. For more detailed information on living a gluten-free life, visit a trusted resource like the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all hard seltzers are gluten-free. While many popular brands use naturally gluten-free ingredients like fermented cane sugar or vodka, some are made with a malted barley base, which contains gluten.

For individuals with celiac disease, 'gluten-removed' hard seltzers are not considered safe. The process does not guarantee the complete removal of all gluten proteins, and these products must carry a disclaimer that they may contain gluten.

White Claw Hard Seltzer is made with a gluten-free alcohol base derived from fermented cane sugar, along with seltzer water and natural flavors.

Yes, Truly Hard Seltzer is certified gluten-free. It is crafted with simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients, including an alcohol base made from cane sugar.

Yes, seltzers like High Noon, which are made with a distilled spirit like vodka, are gluten-free. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, making them safe even if the original grain contained gluten.

Look for explicit 'gluten-free' labels or certification marks on the packaging. Check the ingredients list for fermented cane sugar or distilled spirits and avoid any seltzers that mention malted barley.

Reputable brands that market themselves as gluten-free take precautions to prevent cross-contamination. However, if you have severe sensitivity, looking for a certified gluten-free product offers the highest level of assurance.