What sparkling water is celiac safe? A guide to safe hydration

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with celiac disease, maintaining a strict gluten-free diet is essential for health, a fact underscored by the estimated 1 in 100 people affected worldwide. This can make finding safe beverages tricky, but the good news is that most sparkling water is celiac safe, provided you know what to look for on the label.

Quick Summary

Discover which sparkling water brands are safe for celiacs, the importance of reading labels, and the potential risks of hidden gluten in flavored varieties. Find out how to ensure your favorite bubbly drink fits your gluten-free lifestyle.

Key Points

Pure is safe: Unflavored sparkling water is inherently gluten-free, containing only water and carbon dioxide.
Labels are crucial: For flavored options, always check the product label for specific gluten-free certifications, such as the GFCO mark.
Beware of flavorings: Additives like malt flavoring from barley or other questionable extracts pose a risk and should be avoided by those with celiac disease.
Cross-contamination risk: Be mindful of products from facilities that also handle gluten, making certified products the safest choice against cross-contamination.
Many certified brands exist: Popular brands like LaCroix, Perrier, and Waterloo are confirmed to be gluten-free, offering a wide range of safe options.
Make your own: For ultimate control and zero risk, use a home carbonation system to create your own celiac-safe sparkling water with fresh fruit or safe extracts.
Look for other safe beverages: Distilled spirits, pure fruit ciders, coffee, and tea are typically safe, but always verify ingredients for flavored or mixed varieties.

Pure, unflavored sparkling water is naturally free of gluten and therefore safe for those with celiac disease. It contains just two ingredients: water and carbon dioxide. The potential for gluten contamination arises with flavored varieties, where additives or cross-contamination during manufacturing can introduce risk. For this reason, a diligent approach to label reading is the best practice for a celiac-safe diet.

Decoding Labels: Certifications and Ingredients

To confidently choose a celiac-safe sparkling water, understanding product labels is paramount. Looking for official certifications is the most straightforward method to ensure safety. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo is a reliable sign that a product has been tested to meet strict standards of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Some brands may also self-declare as gluten-free, but a third-party certification offers the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination.

Beyond certifications, scrutinizing the ingredient list is critical, especially for flavored options. While many sparkling waters use natural, gluten-free fruit essences for flavor, some manufacturers might use questionable additives. Ingredients like malt flavoring or barley extracts are potential hidden gluten sources and should be avoided. Thankfully, major brands are transparent about their ingredients, and many use naturally derived flavors.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even with naturally gluten-free ingredients, cross-contamination is a risk to consider. If a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, trace amounts of gluten could find their way into the sparkling water. For this reason, brands with dedicated gluten-free facilities or certified products offer the safest options. Always check with the manufacturer directly if you have concerns about shared equipment.

Celiac-Safe Sparkling Water Brands

Many popular and widely available sparkling water brands are explicitly marketed as gluten-free and are safe for individuals with celiac disease. These brands typically list their gluten-free status on their packaging or website.

LaCroix: All flavors of LaCroix sparkling water are gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. The brand uses natural fruit essences for flavoring.
Perrier: A classic choice, Perrier's plain and flavored sparkling waters are gluten-free.
Waterloo: This brand's fruit-flavored sparkling waters are naturally gluten-free.
Spindrift: Made with real squeezed fruit, Spindrift sparkling water is confirmed to be gluten-free.
AHA: Coca-Cola's AHA sparkling water line is gluten-free.
San Pellegrino: The plain and flavored versions of San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water are naturally gluten-free.
Polar: Polar brand seltzers and sparkling waters are free of gluten.
Topo Chico: Both plain and flavored Topo Chico sparkling waters are naturally gluten-free.

Making a Celiac-Safe Choice: Comparison Table

Making an informed decision is easier when you compare the options. This table outlines the key considerations for different types of sparkling water.


Feature	Plain Sparkling Water	Flavored Sparkling Water	Home Carbonation Systems
Gluten Risk	Minimal to non-existent; only contains water and CO2.	Low, but depends on flavor additives and manufacturing process.	Non-existent; you control the ingredients completely.
Best for Celiacs?	Always a safe bet for hydration.	Generally safe, but requires careful label checking or certification verification.	Ideal for those who want absolute control over ingredients and zero risk of cross-contamination.
Flavor Control	None.	Wide variety of flavors available, but limited to manufacturer's options.	Full control to add safe, natural flavorings like fresh fruit slices or approved extracts.
Ingredient Scrutiny	Minimal; typically just water and carbonation.	High; must read labels for certifications and hidden gluten, such as malt.	None needed for the base water; only scrutinize any flavorings you add yourself.

Beyond Sparkling Water: Other Gluten-Free Beverages

While sparkling water is a fantastic choice, other beverages can also fit into a gluten-free diet. Many spirits, such as vodka and tequila, are considered gluten-free due to the distillation process. However, some individuals with high sensitivity may still react, and flavored spirits should always be checked. Hard ciders made from fruit are also typically gluten-free, but always confirm with the brand. Plain coffee, tea, and fruit juices are naturally gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pure, unflavored sparkling water is inherently celiac-safe and requires no special checks. For flavored sparkling waters, being a savvy consumer is key. By prioritizing certified gluten-free products, carefully reading ingredient lists for potential hidden gluten like malt, and being aware of cross-contamination risks, you can safely enjoy a wide variety of refreshing bubbly beverages. Opting for brands like LaCroix, Perrier, and Waterloo, which are confirmed to be gluten-free, can provide extra peace of mind. For the ultimate assurance, home carbonation systems offer full control over ingredients. Remember to stay vigilant with labels to ensure your diet remains consistently safe and delicious. For more authoritative guidance on living with celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain sparkling water is inherently gluten-free and safe for a celiac diet, as it is made only from water and carbon dioxide.

Yes, you should be cautious with flavored sparkling water. While many are safe, the risk of hidden gluten from additives like malt flavoring or cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities exists, so always check the label.

The safest way is to look for a product that is certified gluten-free by a third party, such as the GFCO. This provides assurance that the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards.

Yes, major brands such as LaCroix and Perrier have been confirmed as gluten-free and are considered safe for those with celiac disease.

Yes, cross-contamination is a possibility, especially if a product is made in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients. Choosing certified products minimizes this risk.

The carbonation itself is not a gluten risk. However, some individuals, including those with celiac disease, may find that the carbonation can cause gastrointestinal irritation or bloating, which is a personal sensitivity issue unrelated to gluten.

Celiacs should primarily watch for gluten-containing ingredients like malt flavoring or extracts derived from barley. While most fruit flavors are safe, it is best to check labels for any questionable or hidden sources of gluten.

Many hard seltzers are explicitly labeled gluten-free and are safe for celiacs. However, unlike pure sparkling water, some hard seltzers or malt beverages are made from fermented grains that contain gluten, so checking the label is essential.