Which alcoholic spirits are gluten-free?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, pure distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, even if made from gluten-containing grains. This guide will explain why this is the case and help you navigate which alcoholic spirits are gluten-free, empowering you to make informed choices.

Quick Summary

Pure, distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila are considered safe for those with celiac disease due to the distillation process removing gluten proteins. However, caution is advised with flavored spirits, liqueurs, and any products with additives post-distillation.

Key Points

Distillation Purifies Spirits: The distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins from spirits, making most pure, unflavored liquors technically gluten-free, regardless of the original grain.
Grain-Based Spirits are Generally Safe: Spirits made from gluten grains like wheat and barley, including many vodkas and whiskeys, are considered safe for most people with celiac disease after distillation.
Caution with Additives: Flavored spirits, liqueurs, and mixers can contain gluten that is added after the distillation process, requiring careful label reading.
Choose Naturally Gluten-Free for Certainty: For ultimate safety, select spirits made from naturally gluten-free sources like agave (tequila), sugarcane (rum), or potatoes (potato vodka).
Certified Products Provide Assurance: Look for a Certified Gluten-Free label on products for extra reassurance, as this confirms they meet strict regulatory standards for gluten content.
Trust Your Body's Reaction: While experts agree distilled spirits are safe, some individuals report sensitivity. Trusting your body's response is a valid approach, and non-grain alternatives are always available.

Understanding Distillation and Its Role in Gluten Removal

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is not a volatile substance. This means it does not vaporize during the distillation process, a purification method involving heating and cooling liquids. When alcohol is distilled, the volatile alcohol and water vapor rise, leaving the non-volatile gluten proteins behind. The resulting purified liquid, or distillate, is therefore free of gluten. This principle applies regardless of whether the original fermented mash contained gluten grains, a fact often confusing to consumers.

The Surprising Truth About Grain-Based Spirits

It is a common misconception that all spirits made from gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley are unsafe for those with celiac disease. However, because of distillation, spirits such as whiskey and grain-based vodka are technically gluten-free. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has even allowed 'gluten-free' claims on distilled products from gluten-containing grains, provided certain manufacturing practices are followed. Despite this, some individuals with extreme sensitivities may prefer to avoid them, or might react to them due to potential cross-contamination or post-distillation additives.

Naturally Gluten-Free Spirits

For those seeking spirits made from inherently gluten-free ingredients, there are many excellent options available. These products are often certified gluten-free, providing an extra layer of assurance against contamination.

Commonly Found Naturally Gluten-Free Spirits:

Tequila: Made from the blue agave plant.
Rum: Made from sugarcane or molasses.
Vodka: Look for vodkas distilled from potatoes, grapes, or corn.
Brandy and Cognac: Distilled from fermented fruit, usually grapes.
Sake: Traditional sake, a rice wine, is typically gluten-free, though some brands may add barley malt.
Mezcal: Also made from the agave plant.

The Hidden Dangers: Flavored Spirits and Additives

The gluten-free status of a spirit becomes questionable when flavorings, colorings, or other ingredients are added after distillation. These additives can sometimes contain gluten, introducing it back into the final product. Common culprits include spiced rums, flavored vodkas, and certain liqueurs. For example, a vanilla-flavored vodka may use a flavoring agent derived from gluten. Always read the label carefully and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the source of their additives.

Choosing Safely: A Comparison

This table highlights the differences between spirits that are naturally gluten-free and those that become gluten-free through distillation.


Feature	Naturally Gluten-Free Spirits	Distilled Grain-Based Spirits
Starting Ingredient	Agave, sugarcane, potatoes, grapes	Wheat, barley, rye, corn
Gluten-Containing Mash	No	Yes
Distillation Process	Removes non-volatile elements, but no gluten to begin with	Purifies the spirit, separating alcohol from gluten proteins
Post-Distillation Additives	Can introduce gluten; check label	Can introduce gluten; check label
Safe for Celiacs	Considered safest option	Generally safe, but some extremely sensitive individuals may react
Example	Tequila (100% agave), potato vodka	Wheat vodka, most whiskeys

The Role of Certified Gluten-Free Labels

For ultimate peace of mind, seek out products with a Certified Gluten-Free label. This certification indicates that the product has been verified to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, adhering to strict standards set by organizations like the FDA and TTB. Some brands may not be officially certified, even if their product is gluten-free, due to the cost or effort involved. However, certified brands remove all doubt. You can find excellent, certified options in vodka, whiskey, and other spirit categories.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Options

For those on a gluten-free diet, the world of alcoholic spirits offers many safe choices. The key distinction is between naturally gluten-free options and distilled products derived from gluten grains. While distillation effectively removes gluten from the final product, always exercise caution with flavored or mixed spirits. Checking labels and researching brands for potential additives is crucial. By understanding the science behind distillation and paying attention to product details, you can confidently enjoy a wide variety of delicious, gluten-free spirits.

For more in-depth information and up-to-date lists of verified gluten-free products, visit the Beyond Celiac website.

Frequently Asked Questions

All pure, unflavored vodka is considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, which removes gluten proteins. However, flavored vodkas may contain gluten-based additives introduced after distillation. For absolute certainty, choose vodkas made from potatoes, corn, or grapes, or check for a gluten-free certification.

Yes, pure, distilled whiskey, even if made from gluten-containing grains like barley, is safe for most people with celiac disease. Distillation removes the gluten proteins. However, if you are extremely sensitive, you may opt for corn-based bourbon or whiskey made from sorghum to be cautious.

Yes, rum, made from sugarcane or molasses, and tequila, made from the agave plant, are both naturally gluten-free spirits. This makes them safe choices for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

With flavored spirits, such as spiced rums or flavored vodkas, it is crucial to check for potential gluten-containing additives that may have been added after distillation. If the label or manufacturer's website does not specify the source of flavorings, it is best to proceed with caution or contact the brand directly.

A 'gluten-free' label on a spirit indicates it is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. A 'processed to remove gluten' label means the product was made from a gluten-containing grain but treated to remove gluten. Some highly sensitive individuals still react to these products, and their gluten content is less certain.

No, not all liqueurs are gluten-free. Some may contain gluten through additives, flavorings, or colorings. Always check the label or contact the manufacturer to confirm. Many are safe, but it's important to verify for each specific brand and flavor.

While the distillation process is very effective at removing gluten, some highly sensitive individuals or celiacs worry about potential cross-contact in facilities that also process gluten grains. For most people, this risk is considered extremely low, but choosing certified gluten-free brands or naturally gluten-free options can provide extra assurance.