Navigating the Bar: Which Drinks Are Not Gluten-Free?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, making the knowledge of which drinks are not gluten-free critical for many. Navigating beverages on a gluten-free diet can be challenging, as gluten can be present in obvious sources like beer or hidden in less-apparent ingredients and production processes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the various types of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that contain gluten. It examines common sources like beer and malted drinks, and reveals hidden gluten in flavored spirits, mixers, and other specialty beverages. The guide also addresses the risks of cross-contamination in shared facilities and bar settings, providing essential information for anyone following a strict gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Traditional Beers: Beers, ales, and stouts made from malted barley or wheat are not gluten-free due to the fermentation process.
Malt Beverages: Any drink containing malt, a flavoring agent derived from barley, contains gluten and should be avoided.
Flavored Spirits: While pure distilled spirits are gluten-free, flavored vodkas, liqueurs, and other mixers can contain gluten additives.
Cross-Contamination Risks: Be aware of gluten contamination from shared equipment in production facilities, aging barrels, and especially in bars with shared shakers and taps.
Non-Alcoholic Sources: Hidden gluten can be found in specialty coffee creamers, coffee substitutes (made from barley), and some flavored syrups.
Read Labels: Always read ingredient lists carefully, as hidden gluten can appear under less obvious names. Look for 'malt,' 'barley,' or 'wheat'.
Choose Certified: For guaranteed safety, seek out products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, which ensures the gluten content is below 20 ppm.
Opt for Plain Versions: Unflavored, simple beverages like pure wine, unflavored spirits, and natural fruit juices carry the lowest risk of hidden gluten.

Common Alcoholic Drinks That Contain Gluten

When a person adopts a gluten-free diet, the most obvious beverages to avoid are those made from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. The primary culprits in this category are beers, ales, and stouts. The brewing process for these traditional beverages relies on malted barley, which is a significant source of gluten.

Beer, Lagers, and Ales

Most standard beer, whether it's a light lager or a dark stout, is made from malted barley and/or wheat. The fermentation process of these grains results in a finished product that contains varying amounts of gluten. Even gluten-removed beers, which are processed to reduce gluten content, are not considered safe for those with celiac disease because the gluten content cannot be reliably verified and they may still contain residual traces. For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, the safest approach is to avoid traditional beers entirely and opt for certified gluten-free alternatives.

Malt Beverages

Malt is a key ingredient in many drinks, and any product labeled as containing "malt" should be treated as non-gluten-free unless specifically certified otherwise. Malt is made from grains like barley, and it is used as a sweetener and flavoring agent. This includes a wide range of beverages, from traditional malt liquors to some flavored wine coolers and hard lemonades that are malt-based. Reading the ingredient list is essential to identify malt-based products.

Unsuspecting Sources of Gluten in Beverages

Beyond the obvious, gluten can be lurking in drinks that seem safe at first glance. This is particularly true for flavored and pre-mixed options where additives and processing methods introduce gluten.

Flavored Spirits and Liqueurs

While pure, distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, and gin are generally considered gluten-free because the distillation process removes gluten proteins, flavored versions are not. Ingredients added after distillation, such as flavorings, colors, and syrups, can introduce gluten. For example, some flavored vodkas or liqueurs may use barley malt or other gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels or contact the manufacturer, especially for unfamiliar brands.

Specialty and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Gluten can also be found in certain non-alcoholic drinks. Some coffee creamers and coffee substitutes contain gluten, as do some probiotic drinks made with barley malt. Flavored syrups used in specialty coffee drinks or mocktails can also be a hidden source. Even some tea blends might have ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains. Always read the fine print on any processed drink you consume.

Comparison of Gluten-Containing vs. Gluten-Free Drinks

This table provides a quick reference for common drinks and their gluten status.


Drink Category	Gluten-Containing Examples	Safe (Typically) Gluten-Free Examples	Potential Hidden Gluten Risk?
Beer/Malt Beverages	Standard beer, ale, stout, malt liquor, malt-based hard soda	Certified gluten-free beer (made from sorghum or other gluten-free grains)	Cross-contamination for gluten-reduced versions
Wine/Cider	Flavored wine coolers, wine aged in wheat-paste-sealed barrels	Most unflavored wine (red, white, sparkling), traditional hard cider	Some flavoring additives or barrel aging
Spirits	Flavored vodka, flavored liqueurs with gluten additives	Pure distilled spirits (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey), regardless of source grain	Additives after distillation
Non-Alcoholic	Some coffee substitutes (Pero, Roma), some probiotic drinks	Fruit juices, regular sodas, pure coffee/tea, most sports drinks	Flavored syrups, malt powder, cross-contamination

The Problem with Cross-Contamination

Even if a drink's ingredients are naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease. This can occur in several ways:

Shared Production Lines: Drinks produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products can be cross-contaminated. This is a particular risk for certified gluten-free products that are not produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Brewery Practices: Some traditional practices, such as sealing aging barrels with a wheat flour paste, can introduce small amounts of gluten into otherwise gluten-free products like wine.
Restaurant and Bar Environments: In bars, cross-contamination is a significant risk. Shared equipment, such as shakers, blenders, and even ice scoops, can transfer gluten from beer or other mixers into a supposedly gluten-free cocktail. Servers' hands and tap lines are also potential sources of contamination.

How to Avoid Gluten in Beverages

To navigate the world of beverages safely, follow these tips:

Read Labels Diligently: Always scrutinize the ingredients list. Look for wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Words like 'flavoring' or 'natural coloring' can sometimes hide gluten-based ingredients.
Choose Plain and Simple: Opt for pure, unflavored beverages. When in doubt, a simple glass of pure wine, plain distilled spirits, or fruit juice is a safer bet than a complex mixed drink or flavored option.
Look for Certification: For products like beer or spirits, look for an official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo. This indicates the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Avoid products labeled 'gluten-reduced'.
Ask Questions: In restaurants or bars, don't be afraid to ask about ingredients and preparation methods. Inquire about shared equipment and request a clean shaker and tools for your drink.
Stick to Canned/Bottled Options: When ordering mixed drinks at a bar, consider requesting a simple mix of a gluten-free spirit and a canned mixer to minimize the risk of cross-contamination from bar equipment.

Conclusion

Understanding which drinks are not gluten-free is essential for maintaining a safe diet, whether for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While traditional beer and malt beverages are obvious sources, hidden gluten can appear in surprising places, including flavored spirits, wine coolers, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks. By carefully reading labels, choosing plain versions, and being mindful of cross-contamination risks, you can enjoy a wide range of beverages without compromising your health. For those with high sensitivity, always prioritize certified gluten-free products and be cautious in bar and restaurant environments.

Outbound Link for Further Reading: For more information on celiac disease and a gluten-free lifestyle, consult the resources at the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most regular beers, lagers, and ales are made with malted barley or wheat, which are sources of gluten. There are, however, certified gluten-free beers available made from safe ingredients like sorghum.

Yes, pure distilled spirits are considered safe, even if made from gluten-containing grains. The distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein.

Flavored spirits can be a risk because gluten-containing ingredients might be added after the distillation process. Always check the label for any added flavorings or ingredients.

While most wines are naturally gluten-free, some winemakers may use a fining agent containing gluten or seal oak barrels with a wheat paste. This is uncommon, but highly sensitive individuals should be aware.

Most traditional hard cider, made from apples or pears, is naturally gluten-free. However, some flavored or spiced ciders may contain gluten additives, so it's always best to check the label.

No, it is a misconception that all non-alcoholic beverages are gluten-free. Some specialty coffees, coffee substitutes (like Pero and Roma made with barley), and probiotic drinks containing barley malt are not safe.

Malt is a grain product, typically barley, that has undergone a malting process. Since barley contains gluten, any beverage with 'malt' or 'malted' in the ingredients is not gluten-free.

At a bar, be mindful of cross-contamination from shared equipment like cocktail shakers, blenders, and garnishes. It's often safer to order simple drinks with ingredients from sealed containers.