Which Iced Tea Is Gluten-Free? Your Guide to Safe Sipping

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

A survey showed that over 6% of tested tea and flavored tea products had undeclared gluten due to cross-contamination. Checking for gluten is important when choosing iced tea. This article explains which iced teas are gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This article helps find gluten-free iced tea by explaining sources of gluten, certification labels, and brand comparisons. It also details cross-contamination risks and provides information for informed choices, whether homemade or store-bought.

Key Points

Pure Tea Is Gluten-Free: Traditional black, green, and white teas are naturally gluten-free.
Hidden Gluten Sources: Watch for added ingredients like barley malt and 'natural flavors'.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Manufacturing facilities can introduce gluten to safe products.
Check for Certification Seals: Look for logos like the GFCO mark, which guarantees the product meets gluten-free standards.
Verify with Brands: Check packaging or contact the manufacturer, as recipes and production can change.
Homemade is Safest: Making iced tea from certified gluten-free tea bags at home is the most reliable option.

Understanding the Basics: Is All Tea Gluten-Free?

Pure, unflavored tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is naturally gluten-free. This includes black, green, white, and oolong teas. The tea leaves do not contain gluten proteins like wheat, barley, or rye. The issue arises when manufacturers add flavorings, sweeteners, or other ingredients. Those on a gluten-free diet must examine what's added to their beverage, especially with bottled or powdered iced tea mixes.

Hidden Gluten in Iced Teas

Gluten can be hidden in iced tea in several forms. Common sources include:

Barley Malt: Used as a sweetener or flavoring agent, barley malt is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. It is a frequent source of gluten in flavored teas. Examples often found include malted tea or certain caramel-flavored varieties.
Natural Flavors: While many natural flavors are gluten-free, some can come from gluten sources like barley. The FDA requires wheat to be declared as an allergen, but not barley, so manufacturers may not specify the source on the ingredient list.
Additives and Extracts: Some teas, particularly herbal blends, may contain ingredients with gluten, such as roasted barley. It's essential to scrutinize the full ingredient list.
Cross-Contamination: The most subtle and dangerous risk is cross-contamination. This can happen during processing in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products. Checking for certifications like the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) logo is a best practice for maximum safety.

Making a Safe Choice: What to Look For

For those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, assumptions are not an option. Here’s what to do:

Look for Certification Seals: This is the most reliable method. A certification logo, such as the GFCO mark, indicates that the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards and contains less than 10-20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Read the Ingredient List: Always read the full ingredient list. Actively search for gluten-containing ingredients like barley, malt, malted barley, and even wheat.
Contact the Manufacturer: If the label is unclear or there is no certification, the best course of action is to contact the manufacturer directly. Ask about their gluten-free status, production facilities, and whether cross-contamination is a risk.
Consider Homemade: Making your own iced tea from scratch using certified gluten-free loose-leaf tea or tea bags is the safest and most reliable option. You have full control over all ingredients, including any additional sweeteners or flavorings.

Brand Spotlight: A Comparison of Popular Iced Teas

This table provides a quick guide to the gluten-free status of several popular iced tea brands based on available information. Always double-check the latest product packaging and manufacturer information for the most up-to-date and accurate details.


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Notes	Source
Lipton (Ready-to-Drink)	Not Certified, but ingredients are not derived from gluten sources	While not officially certified, Lipton states their RTD teas do not contain gluten-derived ingredients. Cross-contamination risk is not explicitly addressed for all products.	PepsiCo
Snapple	Declared Gluten-Free (for most flavors)	Snapple products are generally considered gluten-free and have been confirmed by the company in the past. However, they are not certified, so checking labels is still prudent.	The GFB
Nestea (Bottled)	Check the Label	Nestea has products listed as gluten-free in some markets. However, it's essential to verify the specific product's label and consult the manufacturer, as recipes can vary by region and time.	Amazon.in
Bigelow Teas	Declared Gluten-Free	Bigelow states that its entire selection of teas is gluten-free, with no special labeling required.	Verywell Fit
Republic of Tea	Certified Gluten-Free	Many of their teas carry the GFCO certification mark, making them a reliable choice for severe sensitivities. Always look for the GF circle logo on the package.	Verywell Fit
Stash Teas	Considered Gluten-Free	Stash maintains that all ingredients are gluten-free, and they do not use barley malt. They also claim no gluten ingredients are processed in their facility.	Verywell Fit

Navigating Restaurant and Cafe Orders

Enjoying an iced tea when dining out requires extra vigilance. The risk of cross-contamination is significantly higher in commercial settings. To ensure a safe order:

Ask for Details: Inquire about the source of the tea (bag, loose leaf, or mix) and if the establishment uses dedicated, gluten-free equipment and procedures.
Opt for Simplicity: Order a simple, unsweetened iced tea. Sweeteners or flavorings added by staff are a potential source of hidden gluten.
DIY is Safest: If you have concerns, consider bringing your own certified gluten-free tea bag and requesting a cup of ice and water. This eliminates almost all risk of restaurant-based cross-contamination.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for Refreshing Relief

Following a strict gluten-free diet requires proactive label reading and research. Pure, unflavored tea is gluten-free. The added ingredients and manufacturing processes of commercial products introduce risks. The safest options are to make your own from certified gluten-free tea bags or to choose brands with official certification seals. By understanding what to look for and asking the right questions, you can confidently enjoy iced tea without health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lipton states that none of the ingredients in their ready-to-drink iced teas are derived from gluten-containing grains. However, the products are not officially certified gluten-free, so those with severe sensitivities should verify with the manufacturer.

Most Snapple flavors are considered gluten-free and the company has previously indicated all their products are gluten-free. Nevertheless, as they are not certified, checking the label and manufacturer's website for specific flavors is always a good practice.

Yes, cross-contamination is a risk with iced tea. It can occur during processing if tea is manufactured on shared equipment with gluten-containing products, or in cafes where staff use the same tongs for various tea bags.

Unfortunately, manufacturers are not required to disclose if natural flavors are derived from sources like barley, only wheat. If a product isn't certified gluten-free, the safest approach is to contact the company or avoid products with generic 'natural flavors' listed.

No. While many herbal ingredients are naturally gluten-free, some herbal teas include additions like roasted barley for flavor, making them unsafe. Always read the ingredient list carefully.

A 'gluten-free' label indicates the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. 'Processed to remove gluten' is a claim used on beverages made from gluten-containing grains, but the FDA warns that the gluten content cannot be determined. Always choose certified 'gluten-free' products.

It can be risky due to cross-contamination from shared tools or mixing with concentrates. For absolute safety, bring your own certified gluten-free tea bag and ask for a cup of hot water and ice.