Which hard seltzer is gluten-free?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, up to 1 in 100 people worldwide has celiac disease, making gluten-free options a necessity for many. Thankfully, a growing number of brands are offering hard seltzers made without gluten-containing ingredients, but it's crucial to know which hard seltzer is gluten-free before you buy. Most brands achieve this by using a fermented cane sugar base rather than malted barley.

Quick Summary

Several top hard seltzer brands are naturally gluten-free by fermenting cane sugar or using a distilled alcohol base. Consumers should check product labels and brand websites for confirmation, as ingredients can vary. Popular, certified gluten-free options include White Claw, Truly, High Noon, and numerous others.

Key Points

Check for Certifications: Look for a "certified gluten-free" label to ensure the product meets strict standards and is safe for celiac disease.
Know the Alcohol Base: Most gluten-free hard seltzers use a fermented cane sugar base, while others, like High Noon, use a distilled spirit like vodka.
Avoid 'Gluten-Removed' Products: For those with celiac disease, beverages processed to remove gluten from gluten-containing grains may not be 100% safe.
Read All Labels: Since alcoholic beverage labeling can be complex, always check for specific gluten-containing allergen warnings on the packaging.
Consider Cross-Contamination: While less common, potential cross-contamination can occur. Stick to brands that are explicitly marketed and labeled as gluten-free.

Hard seltzer has exploded in popularity, and for many on a gluten-free diet, it has become a go-to alternative to beer. The good news is that most of the major hard seltzer brands on the market are indeed gluten-free. This is because, unlike traditional beer which is brewed from gluten-containing grains like barley and wheat, hard seltzers typically derive their alcohol from fermented cane sugar, a naturally gluten-free source.

Naturally Gluten-Free Hard Seltzer Brands

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, choosing a naturally gluten-free hard seltzer is the safest bet. These products are made from inherently gluten-free ingredients, minimizing any risk of cross-contamination from gluten sources. Always check the packaging for a "gluten-free" label or a certification mark for peace of mind.

White Claw Hard Seltzer

One of the most recognizable names in the hard seltzer space, White Claw explicitly states that its products are made with gluten-free ingredients. Their alcohol base is a proprietary blend, but the final product is consistently marketed as gluten-free and has been a staple for many on restricted diets.

Truly Hard Seltzer

Another industry giant, Truly Hard Seltzer, is also naturally gluten-free. Their official website confirms that Truly is crafted with simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients and contains alcohol made from fermented cane sugar. This makes it a reliable choice for consumers needing to avoid gluten.

High Noon Sun Sips

High Noon stands out by using a vodka-based alcohol instead of fermented cane sugar. Since distilled spirits like vodka are considered gluten-free even when made from gluten-containing grains (due to the distillation process), High Noon is a safe option. They are transparent about their use of real vodka and real fruit juice, and their packaging confirms their gluten-free status.

Other Reliable Gluten-Free Brands

Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer: A pioneer in the category, this brand is known for being gluten-free.
Crook & Marker: This brand uses a base of ancient grains and cassava root, ensuring its products are naturally gluten-free.
Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer: Backed by the reputation of Smirnoff vodka, their seltzers are also gluten-free.
Press Premium Hard Seltzer: Made with a gluten-free alcohol base, Press is another safe and delicious option.

Important Considerations for Hard Seltzer Drinkers

While many hard seltzers are gluten-free, it's essential to be a vigilant consumer. Here are some key points to remember:

Read the Label: The most important step is always reading the packaging. If a product is genuinely gluten-free, it will likely be prominently labeled as such. For beverages over 1.2% ABV, allergens (including gluten-containing cereals) must be declared on the packaging.
Distilled vs. Fermented: The source of the alcohol matters. Hard seltzers made with a base of fermented cane sugar are inherently gluten-free. Products made with a distilled liquor base, like vodka or tequila, are also safe, as the distillation process removes gluten proteins.
Avoid 'Gluten-Removed' Products: Some beverages are crafted using gluten-containing grains but are then processed to remove the gluten. While many with sensitivities tolerate these products, they may not be suitable for those with celiac disease, as testing cannot always guarantee the complete removal of gluten. Celiac.com recommends choosing a truly gluten-free product over a gluten-removed one.
Flavored Seltzers: For seltzers flavored after the fermentation or distillation process, it is possible for flavorings to reintroduce gluten. However, this is less common with large-scale hard seltzer production, but it is always wise to stick with established, transparent brands or contact the manufacturer if unsure.

Gluten-Free Hard Seltzer Comparison Table


Brand	Gluten-Free	Alcohol Base	Key Differentiator
White Claw	Yes	Fermented cane sugar	Market leader with a wide flavor variety.
Truly	Yes	Fermented cane sugar	Extensive flavor portfolio and newer products like Iced Tea.
High Noon	Yes	Real vodka and real fruit juice	Bold, fruit-forward flavor profile with no added sugar.
Bud Light Seltzer (US)	Yes	Fermented rice or cane sugar	Widely available, but Canadian version contains malt.
Crook & Marker	Yes	Ancient grains and cassava	Naturally fermented and organic ingredients.
Smirnoff Seltzer	Yes	Smirnoff vodka	Another distilled spirit-based seltzer, with tropical flavors.
Press Seltzer	Yes	Fermented cane sugar	Premium, lower-calorie option with unique flavor combinations.
Corona Hard Seltzer	Yes	Fermented sugar	Refreshing, fruit-flavored seltzer from a trusted name.

The Rise of Gluten-Free Drinking

The market for gluten-free alcoholic beverages has grown significantly, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more inclusive options. Hard seltzers fit perfectly into this trend, offering a light, low-calorie, and low-carb option that is also naturally gluten-free. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, this is more than just a trend—it's a critical dietary consideration.

Celiac Safety and Alcohol

While most hard seltzers are safe, it's worth noting that other popular alcoholic beverages like beer, lager, and certain ales are not suitable for a gluten-free diet unless specifically labeled as such. In contrast, spirits, wine, and hard cider are generally considered gluten-free, though flavorings and potential cross-contamination are factors to consider with any product. Hard seltzers, when sourced from a reputable, clearly-labeled brand, offer a reliable and safe choice. For anyone with a serious gluten allergy, prioritizing brands with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label is the ultimate way to ensure safety. For more information on gluten-free alcohol, Coeliac UK provides excellent resources.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of hard seltzers on a gluten-free diet is straightforward, thanks to the ingredient choices of most major brands. Brands like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon are all safe bets, and many others, such as Crook & Marker and Smirnoff Seltzer, are transparent about their naturally gluten-free ingredients. By understanding the base alcohol (fermented cane sugar or distilled spirits) and checking for official gluten-free labeling, you can confidently enjoy a hard seltzer without compromising your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all hard seltzers are gluten-free. While many are, particularly those made from fermented cane sugar, some brands may use a malted grain base. Always check the label to confirm, especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Yes, White Claw Hard Seltzer is gluten-free. The company explicitly states that its products are made with gluten-free ingredients, with a base of fermented cane sugar.

Yes, Truly Hard Seltzer is gluten-free. It is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients and contains alcohol derived from fermented cane sugar.

Yes, High Noon Hard Seltzer is gluten-free. It is made with real vodka, which is a distilled spirit and therefore gluten-free. It also contains real fruit juice and sparkling water.

Some hard seltzers may contain gluten if they use a malted grain base for their alcohol, similar to beer, or if gluten-containing additives are used. However, the majority of popular brands now use fermented cane sugar or distilled liquor to ensure they are gluten-free.

Gluten-free products are made from ingredients that are naturally free of gluten. 'Gluten-removed' products start with gluten-containing ingredients but are processed to remove the gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, 'gluten-removed' products are not considered safe due to potential residual gluten.

For those with celiac disease, the safest approach is to look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label on the product. You can also visit the brand's official website or consult reliable resources like Celiac.com for confirmation on specific brands.