What Tequila is Grain Free? A Guide to 100% Agave Spirits

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The blue agave plant, from which tequila is distilled, is naturally gluten-free. This means pure tequila is inherently a grain-free spirit, unlike many other alcohols made from grains like corn, wheat, or barley. The question of what tequila is grain free boils down to whether the spirit contains any other sugars or additives beyond the agave.

Quick Summary

Pure, 100% agave tequila is naturally grain-free, as it is made solely from the blue agave plant. "Mixto" tequilas, however, may contain up to 49% non-agave sugars or additives, which could potentially contain grains. Always check the label for the "100% agave" guarantee.

Key Points

100% Agave is Grain-Free: Only tequila made with 100% blue agave is guaranteed to be grain-free, as its production does not involve grains.
Mixto Tequila is a Risk: Tequila labeled only as "tequila" (mixto) can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars, which may include grain-based ingredients.
Read the Label: The key to finding a grain-free tequila is to look for "100% agave" on the bottle.
Choose Unflavored Tequila: Avoid flavored varieties and pre-made mixes, as these often contain additives that may not be grain-free.
Many Brands Are Safe: Reputable brands like Patrón, Don Julio, and Fortaleza produce 100% agave spirits that are safe for a grain-free diet.

The Core Difference: 100% Agave vs. Mixto Tequila

The fundamental distinction for identifying grain-free tequila rests on its agave content, which is always clearly marked on the bottle. There are two main types of tequila on the market: 100% Agave and Mixto.

What is 100% Agave Tequila?

100% agave tequila, as the name suggests, is made exclusively from the sugars of the blue Weber agave plant. This is the purest form of tequila and the guaranteed grain-free option. Its production process ensures that no other sugars, especially those potentially derived from grains, are used in fermentation. This dedication to purity not only makes it a safer choice for those avoiding grains but also contributes to its smoother, more complex flavor profile.

The Problem with Mixto Tequila

Mixto tequila is a cheaper, blended spirit that only needs to contain a minimum of 51% agave sugars. The remaining 49% can come from other sources of sugar, such as cane sugar or corn syrup. While these alternative sugars don't always contain gluten, they introduce a significant risk of grain-based additives, flavorings, or potential cross-contamination. If you have a sensitivity or strict dietary restriction regarding grains, mixto tequila is best avoided as its secondary ingredients are not always explicitly defined.

How to Identify Grain-Free Tequila in the Store

Identifying a truly grain-free tequila is straightforward if you know what to look for. Here are the key steps:

Read the label carefully. The most crucial step is checking for the phrase "100% agave" or "100% puro de agave" on the label. If the label doesn't specify "100% agave," it's a mixto and should be considered potentially not grain-free.
Look for additive-free brands. Many tequila brands pride themselves on being additive-free, ensuring the final product contains only agave, water, and yeast. This provides an additional layer of assurance for purity. Resources like Tequila Matchmaker can help you find additive-free options.
Stick to classic tequilas. Flavored tequilas or pre-mixed cocktails carry a higher risk of containing grain-based sweeteners or flavorings. For the safest choice, opt for unflavored blanco, reposado, or añejo tequilas.
Beware of "Gold" tequila. Unless labeled "100% agave," most gold tequilas get their color from added caramel coloring, which can be part of a mixto blend. These are commonly used for shots or mixed drinks and are not recommended for a strict grain-free diet.

Comparison: 100% Agave vs. Mixto Tequila


Feature	100% Agave Tequila	Mixto Tequila
Base Ingredients	100% blue Weber agave sugars.	Minimum 51% blue Weber agave, up to 49% other sugars.
Grain-Free Status	Guaranteed grain-free by process.	Not guaranteed; may contain grain-based sugars or additives.
Flavor Profile	Clean, crisp, and complex; true agave flavor.	Harsher, less authentic, and can taste sweeter due to additives.
Labeling	Clearly states "100% Agave" or similar.	Does not contain the "100% Agave" designation.
Price Point	Generally a higher price due to production cost.	Lower cost due to using cheaper, added sugars.

The Grain-Free Tequila Production Process

The reason 100% agave tequila is a safe grain-free option is rooted in its traditional production method.

Agave Harvesting

First, the blue agave plant is harvested after maturing for 7 to 10 years. The core of the plant, known as the piña, is the only part used.

Cooking and Extraction

The piñas are cooked, traditionally in brick ovens or modern autoclaves, to convert their complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. After cooking, the soft piñas are crushed to extract the sweet agave juice.

Fermentation and Distillation

The agave juice is fermented with yeast, which consumes the natural sugars to create alcohol. The resulting liquid, called mosto, is then distilled at least twice to concentrate the alcohol and remove impurities. No grains are introduced at any stage of this pure process.

Popular 100% Agave Tequila Brands

For those seeking a trusted grain-free tequila, many reputable brands produce exclusively from 100% blue agave. Some examples include:

Patrón: Offers a range of 100% agave tequilas, from silver to extra añejo.
Don Julio: Renowned for high-quality, 100% blue Weber agave tequilas.
Fortaleza: Celebrated for its traditional, additive-free production methods.
Casamigos: Widely popular for its smooth, 100% agave spirits.
Tequila Ocho: A brand focused on expressing the terroir of the agave fields.
Herradura: Another well-established brand committed to 100% agave.
Tres Agaves: Known for producing 100% agave organic tequila.

Conclusion: Grain-Free Tequila is All About Purity

Finding a grain-free tequila is simple once you understand the difference between 100% agave and mixto. By always selecting a bottle that explicitly states "100% agave," you can be confident that you are consuming a pure spirit free from grain-based additives. For the purest experience, opt for unflavored and additive-free options, which celebrate the authentic taste of the agave plant itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all tequila is automatically grain-free. Only tequila that is labeled "100% agave" is guaranteed to be grain-free. Cheaper tequilas, known as mixtos, can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars that may be derived from grains.

Yes, people with celiac disease can generally drink 100% agave tequila. The distillation process effectively removes any potential gluten proteins, and since the base ingredient is naturally gluten-free, it is considered safe.

100% agave tequila is made purely from the blue agave plant's sugars. Mixto tequila contains a minimum of 51% agave sugars, with up to 49% coming from other, potentially grain-based, sources.

To check if your tequila is 100% agave, look for the phrase "100% puro de agave" or "100% blue agave" printed clearly on the bottle's label. If this statement is missing, it is a mixto.

Flavored tequilas are a risk for those on a strict grain-free diet. The flavorings and additives used can contain grain-based ingredients or sugars, even if the base tequila was 100% agave.

Several brands consistently produce 100% agave tequila, including Don Julio, Patrón, Casamigos, Fortaleza, Tequila Ocho, and Herradura. Always double-check the specific product label to be certain.

For spirits made from grains, like whiskey, the distillation process is said to remove gluten proteins. However, those with severe sensitivities or Celiac disease may prefer spirits like 100% agave tequila, which are naturally grain-free from the start.