What Sodas Are Not Gluten-Free? A Guide to Identifying Risky Beverages

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

While most major soda brands in North America are considered gluten-free, a small number of specialty and craft sodas are not gluten-free, posing a risk to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Understanding where hidden gluten can lurk is essential for maintaining a safe diet.

Quick Summary

Most mainstream sodas are generally free of gluten, but caution is warranted with craft and specialty beverages, particularly some root beers, which may be brewed with barley malt. Ingredient variations, potential cross-contamination, and inconsistent labeling require careful review.

Key Points

Barley Malt is a Key Indicator: Some craft and specialty sodas, particularly root beers, use barley malt for flavoring, which contains gluten.
Mainstream Sodas Are Generally Safe: Large brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper are considered gluten-free in North America.
Caramel Coloring is Usually Gluten-Free: For major brands in the U.S., caramel coloring is safe and not derived from gluten-containing grains.
Cross-Contamination is a Real Risk: For highly sensitive individuals, manufacturing processes with shared equipment, like those used for brewing beer, can lead to contamination.
Certified Labels Offer Peace of Mind: A 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a trusted organization like GFCO is the most reliable way to ensure a soda is safe.
Read Labels and Call Manufacturers: When in doubt about a specific brand, carefully inspect the ingredient list for malt or contact the company directly for confirmation.

The Primary Concern: Barley Malt in Craft Sodas

For individuals following a strict gluten-free diet, the most significant risk comes from specialty and craft soft drinks, particularly certain root beers. The primary culprit is barley malt, an ingredient that, like wheat and rye, contains gluten. While major manufacturers have generally moved away from using gluten-containing ingredients, smaller, independent, or imported brands may still use traditional methods that incorporate malt for flavoring.

Best Damn Root Beer, for example, is a known example of a beverage explicitly brewed with barley malt, making it unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities. This highlights the importance of not assuming a drink is safe based solely on its category. Always read the ingredient list to confirm the presence of malt.

Why Malt is a Red Flag

Malt is produced by germinating cereal grains, and barley is the most common grain used in this process. When listed on an ingredient label, it is almost always derived from barley unless specifically stated otherwise. Because barley is not considered a major allergen by the FDA, a manufacturer isn't required to specify the grain source, adding to the confusion.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Caramel Coloring and Modified Starch

Two ingredients frequently questioned for their gluten content are caramel coloring and modified food starch. Thankfully, in the United States and Canada, these ingredients are typically safe for consumption by those with celiac disease.

Caramel Coloring: Despite common misinformation, caramel coloring used by major soda brands is almost always gluten-free and derived from corn or cane sugar. The manufacturing process effectively removes any residual protein, even if derived from wheat glucose syrup in Europe.
Modified Food Starch: This ingredient is also usually derived from corn or potatoes in North America, not wheat. If a product contains wheat-based starch, it would be declared as a major allergen on the label under U.S. law.

The Overlooked Risk of Cross-Contamination

For those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, cross-contamination poses a serious, often hidden risk. This can occur when a manufacturer uses the same equipment to produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free products without adequate cleaning protocols. For example, a company producing a craft soda might share a bottling line with a beer company. Unless a product bears a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a reputable third party like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), this risk is a genuine concern.

How to Find Truly Gluten-Free Sodas

Navigating the soda aisle requires vigilance, but a few simple steps can help you stay safe:

Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free' Labels: This is the gold standard. A third-party certification means the product has been rigorously tested to contain less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten, and in many cases, even less.
Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: For any product without a certification, scan the label for ingredients like "barley malt," "malt flavoring," "wheat," or "rye." The Celiac Disease Foundation also offers comprehensive food lists and brand guides on their website.
Contact the Manufacturer: When in doubt, contact the company directly. Many large corporations, like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, provide detailed information on their websites regarding the gluten-free status of their beverages.

Comparison of Common Sodas


Feature	Common Mainstream Sodas (e.g., Coke, Pepsi, Sprite)	Craft/Specialty Sodas (Potential Risk)
Gluten Status	Generally considered gluten-free in the U.S. and Canada.	Variable; can contain gluten ingredients.
Key Ingredients	Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, artificial/natural flavors.	May use traditional methods with barley malt for flavor.
Labeling	May not have a 'gluten-free' label, relying on standard ingredient lists.	May or may not explicitly label the presence of gluten.
Cross-Contamination	Less likely from large-scale manufacturers with dedicated lines.	Higher risk due to shared equipment with other products, like beer.
Example	Coca-Cola Classic, Sprite	Best Damn Root Beer (contains barley malt)

Conclusion: Your Checklist for Safe Choices

While the vast majority of mainstream sodas are safe for a gluten-free diet, a small subset of specialty and imported products are not gluten-free. The primary ingredients to watch out for are those containing barley malt or other grain-derived flavorings. Always check for third-party certifications like GFCO, as they provide the highest level of assurance against both intentional ingredients and cross-contamination. When faced with a product lacking clear labeling, contacting the manufacturer is the safest course of action. Vigilance and informed choices will ensure you can enjoy a refreshing beverage without compromising your health.

For more information on certification standards, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of gluten in soda is most often barley malt, which is sometimes used as a flavoring agent in craft and specialty beverages, such as some root beers.

Yes, major brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper are widely considered gluten-free in North America.

In North America, caramel coloring is typically derived from corn and is considered gluten-free. The manufacturing process of caramel coloring, even when derived from wheat in Europe, makes it safe for most people with celiac disease.

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a risk with craft sodas, especially if they are produced on shared equipment with beverages containing gluten, such as beer.

Yes, if the label includes a third-party certification seal like GFCO, it indicates that the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards. Otherwise, it's best to check with the manufacturer for confirmation.

Yes, diet sodas from major manufacturers are also generally considered gluten-free, following the same guidelines as their regular counterparts.

No, according to the National Celiac Association, maltodextrin is gluten-free and is not a source of gluten in sodas.