Which Alcoholic Beverages Are Safe For Celiacs
Alcohol that is brewed or distilled using no gluten ingredients and which is labeled gluten-free is the safest bet. That said, the actual answer is more complex. Celiac.com shares insights in Americas gluten-free alcohol labeling regulations.
- Jefferson Adams, celiac.com 1
According to the American Dietetic Association all distilled spirits are gluten-free, that is, there is no gluten in the final product of any distilled alcohol. ADA guidelines indicate that all 100% distilled spirits are safe, including whiskey, bourbon and gin.
Here are some helpful tips and some links to help you figure our which alcoholic beverages are gluten-free and gluten-safe for people with celiac disease.
Why Are Some Alcohols Labeled Gluten-Free and Others Not?
If all distilled spirits are gluten-free, then why do some have a gluten-free label and some do not? Whats the difference?
The main difference in the U.S. is that products labeled gluten-free must contain no gluten ingredients from start to finish. So, beer, wine, or distilled alcohol made from corn, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, rice, grapes, or anything else that doesnt contain wheat, barley or rye, can be labeled gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Alcohols
Gluten-Safe Distilled Alcohols
Unsafe Non-Gluten-Free Alcohols
Traditionally brewed Beers and Ales must be avoided, since nearly all traditional beers and ales are brewed with barley malt. Even many rice beers use malt, but there are a dozens of gluten-free beers on the market today.
How Many Calories Are In A Cup Of Smirnoff Vodka
As it stands, you can buy the exact same brand of vodka regardless of the calorie content. In the case of Kettle One, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Skyy, and Absolut vodkas, each contains 96 calories per 1 ounce of vodka, as do Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Skyy, and Absolut vodka. The calories in this shot are 69 per ounce, or 5 ounces.
Heres A List Of Popular Vodkas & What Theyre Distilled From:
- Wheat: Stolichnaya/Stoli , Grey Goose, Ketel One, Snow Queen, Pearl, Van Gogh , La Chance, Vox, Polar Ice, Absolut, Trump, X-Rated , Purity , Three Olives
- Barley: Finlandia, Koskenkorva
- Corn: Smirnoff, SF Vodka Baker Beach, Titos
- Potato: Chopin, Teton Glacier, Monopolowa, Vikingfjord, Luksosowa, Blue Ice
- Grape: Cîroc, Bombora, DiVine, SF Vodka China Beach
For the record, Im with P.Diddy. I drink Ciroc at home and where I can find it, and wine the rest of the time. Thats what I use to mix up my pomegranate martinis.
Bottoms up!
Learn more about gluten in alcohol here.
Wine is Gluten-Free, as are Cognac & Grappa. Theyre all made from grapes. If youre concerned about contamination from barrel paste then choose wines that are stainless-steel fermented or are not aged in new barrels.
Wine Coolers, Fruit Flavored Wines & other wine-based drinks that arent 100% wine can contain barley malt, colors & flavorings.
Recommended Reading: Wheat Germ Extract Gluten Free
Gluten Free Alcohol List
Last updated on by Adam Bryan. This post may contain affiliate links.
Finding a safe and delicious gluten free alcoholic beverage has become growingly difficult.
From the ongoing debate about distilled alcohol being gluten free or not to the accidental mix ups by the bartender, its a challenge to find a gluten free alcoholic beverage that works for you and your diet.
Dont Miss: Dove Strawberry Sorbet Bars
What Is Vodka Made From
Vodka is made from grains, primarily rye, which is a gluten-based grain. The grains used to make vodka are combined with water and then heated. Yeast is added to the pulpy mixture to promote the fermentation process, which converts the sugars in the grain into alcohol. Once fermentation is complete, the distillation process can begin.
If you react to vodka distilled from gluten grains , other types of vodka are made from potatoes, corn, and other gluten-free substances. Potato vodka, especially, is readily available in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants.
Also Check: Is Modelo Beer Gluten Free
Broken Shed Vodka Is Gluten
Vodka traditionally is made from grains . But theres a growing slate of specialty vodkas made from alternative materials such as corn, potatoes, and grapes and theres some evidence that these vodkas may fit into a gluten-free diet better than traditional vodka options.
Many people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity find they cant drink vodka thats been distilled from gluten grains. However, these people frequently find that they can tolerate non-gluten-grain-based vodka just fine.
Recommended Reading: Jim Beam Honey Mixed Drinks
Whiskeys Distilled From Cereal Grains
- BourbonBenjamin Prichards, Bookers, Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, Early Times, Ezra Brooks, Jeffersons Bourbon, Knob Creek, Makers Mark, Old Crow, Old Forester, Old Grand-Dad
- Canadian WhiskeyAlberta Premium, Black Velvet, Canadian Club, Crown Royal,
- Tenesse WhiskeyJack Daniels, George Dickel.
- Irish WhiskeyBushmills, Jameson, Kilbeggan, Redbreast, Tullamore Dew
- Japanese Blended WhiskeyHibiki, Kakubin, Nikka,
- Japanese Single Malt WhiskeyHakushu, Yamazaki, Yoichi
- Rye WhiskeyAlberta Premium, Bulleitt
- Scotch Whiskey BlendsBallentines, Bells, Black Grouse, Chivas Regal, Cutty Sark, Dewars, Famous Grouse, Johnnie Walker, Teachers, Whitehorse
- Scotch Whiskey Single MaltsBowmore, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Knockando, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Macallan, Monkey Shoulder, Singleton, Talisker
- Taiwanese WhiskeyKavalan Classic
Also Check: Is Quaker Simply Granola Gluten Free
The Difference Between Potato And Grain Vodka
Experts believe that grain vodka winds up with less of a flavor than potato vodka, which tends to have a distinctive taste to it. Therefore, if youre looking for a vodka with a little more character, youd be better off looking for one made with potatoes. If youre looking for one to blend in cocktails without imparting a taste of its own, grain vodkas are the better choice. Popular grain vodkas include big names like Grey Goose, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya, and Ketel One. While many people think that Russian vodka is often potato-based, this is actually incorrect as the number of Russian potato vodkas on the market is close to zero. Potato vodka brands include Boyd & Blair and Woody Creek.
While there isnt any gluten in potato vodka, it might be surprising to find out that vodkas made from grains even wheat are gluten-free as well . This is because the distillation process removes the gluten from the finished product.
Read Also: Ciroc Reviews
Which Vodka Is Made With Potatoes
Popular Potato Vodka
You May Like: Mccormick Gluten Free Gravy Mix
How To Choose A Gluten
If youre wanting a safe bet and need to avoid gluten vodkas like Grey Goose entirely, then follow these simple steps:
Make sure that the fermentation ingredient contains no gluten .
Ensure the spirit is distilled a number of times.
Avoid any flavorings or colorings which contain gluten and are added after distillation.
Ask the vodka maker or check their advertising claims. If they say its gluten-free, you should be safe.
To be extra careful, find out if the vodka has been certified safe by the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Now that weve answered the question is all vodka gluten-free? we want to hear from you! What are your experiences drinking gluten-free vodka? Which ones would you recommend?
What Is & Who Owns Grey Goose
Grey Goose is a type of vodka consisting of many variations. The vodka boasts of fruit infusions such as Le Citron, La Poire, among others. Sidney Frank created the Grey Goose brand in the 1990s. Francois Thibault then composed the recipe. In the year 2004, Frank sold the brand to Bacardi after its success in the American market .
Don’t Miss: Easy Gluten Free Dinners For Family
Celebrate Memorial Day With American
Memorial Day and other summer holidays are creeping up on us, and that means entertaining! And with entertaining, comes cocktails. There are several gluten free options for alcohol, from wine to tequila to rum and more. My favorite to serve at a summer party or get together is vodka. It mixes well with a variety of juices, tonic or club soda and citrus, or in a more complex drink or communal punch bowl. Its a well-liked alcohol so I find it best to serve to people whose drinking preferences I might not know.Its a common misconception that vodka is always made of potatoes. In fact, many vodkas are made with corn or other grains and few brands use potatoes. For those who want to avoid grains and who want a more pure-tasting vodka, potato vodka is the way to go. Blue Ice Vodka is a brand Ive long enjoyed. They make their vodka from Idaho Russet Burbank Potatoes and water from the Grand Teton Mountains that gets naturally filtered through 200 feet of volcanic rock. The mixture is carefully distilled and then filtered five times to ensure clarity. Blue Ice Vodka tastes as clear and pure as it sounds.If youre looking for a cocktail to serve at your next summer gathering or if you could just really use a stiff drink to unwind, I not only suggest Blue Ice Vodka, but also their delicious Bluehound cocktail recipe below. Its simple, tart and oh-so tasty!Check out their store locator to see where you can buy Blue Ice Vodka near you.
Gluten Free Vodka Brands
Vodka is a very tricky alcohol for gluten free drinkers. You see, technically, during the distillation process of the vodka, the gluten proteins from wheat based vodkas is supposed to be removed. However, many people have claimed that these vodkas still contain gluten, thus leaving them feeling sick and nauseous. So to be safe, stay away from all wheat based vodkas if you have Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
However, you can still opt for a non-wheat, potato, corn, or grape based vodka which are typically cleared for gluten free consumption.
Here are all the safe gluten free vodka brands that you can purchase and enjoy:
Don’t Miss: Gluten Free Banana Bread Recipe
Is Egg Nog Gluten
And what about egg nog, that holiday party staple? The egg nog itself is very likely to be gluten-free. You just need to verify the liquor that has been added to it. Most bourbon is fine, but stay away from egg nog spiked with cinnamon-flavored whiskey, for example, which is most likely not gluten free.
Gluten In Distilled Spirits
Remember the undistilled spirit we talked about earlier? Thats the fermented alcohol-containing liquid which is first produced by the yeast as it feeds on sugar or starch-rich foods. Every vodka requires this liquid. But if you read most vodka reviews or labels, youll see that vodkas are distilled, not undistilled.
- Undistilled: The spirit produced immediately after fermentation.
- Distilled: The spirit after fermentation and a distillation process.
Whats the Distillation Process?
An undistilled spirit tends to have a lower percentage of alcohol. As low as 16%. Most vodkas, however, have a percentage in the late thirties and up.
So, how do they increase the alcohol content?
They distill the spirit. That means they heat the undistilled spirit. Alcohol has a much lower boiling temperature than water, so, the alcohol becomes a gas which is then collected and cooled. When its cooled, it becomes a liquid again. However, the water content and other impurities have been left behind.
The distilled spirit now contains a higher percentage of alcohol. Its purer.
Also Check: Katz Gluten Free Glazed Donuts
Regional Gluten Free Beers
Other regional beers are worth looking for. Aurochs Brewing Company is one of my personal favorites. Brewed out of the Pittsburgh area, but its fans are growing, so expect a wider distribution soon!
A Maryland brew with a taproom and dedicated Gluten Free Brewhouse is BCBrewery. They currently ship within the state of Maryland and also to PA and VA. Sour, Blonde, IPA, Stout and Pale Ales made from millet, buckwheat, quinoa, and rice all naturally gluten free. Something else cool about BC Brewery? They also offer a selection of ciders, seltzers, and a NEW Beer/Wine Hybrid that are also naturally gluten free and are available on tap and in cans, crowlers or growlers.
Bierly Brewing Company out of Oregon makes IPA, Dubbel, Pilsner and Porter varieties, as well as seasonal flavors. Super delish and of course, naturally gluten free. Made from gluten free grains like sorghum, millet and rice.
Alt Brew naturally gluten free, distributed in the Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin areas. Taproom in Madison.
NEFF Brewing Company Tulsa, Oklahoma. Naturally gluten free craft beers made from artisan malts of millet, buckwheat, rice and quinoa. Their motto is delicious beers Brewed For Everyone. Dedicated gluten free facility with tap room and food menu.
Burning Brothers St. Paul, Minnesota. Tap room and available in St. Paul and Minneapolis area. Their motto is Gluten Free From Grain to Glass.
What are your favorite local Gluten Free brews?
Is Ketel One Vodka Good Quality
While there are many vodkas to explore, a few vodka brands have risen to the top. They are reliable, reasonably priced, and appear on nearly every liquor store shelf and back bar across the globe. Names like Absolut, Ketel One, Van Gogh, and Titos are among the most popular premium vodkas on the market.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Gluten Free Beer
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol On The Gluten
Printed/copied with permission of the Celiac Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, September 2018. Revised by NCA October 2020.
Alcoholic beverages are either fermented or distilled. If an alcohol is fermented, it may contain protein from the starting materials that provided the starch or sugar. Whether a fermented alcohol is considered free of gluten protein depends upon the starting material.
If the alcohol is a distilled product, proteins from the starting materials that provided the starch or sugar are removed.
Distilled spirits are considered to be free of gluten protein even if the starting material for the alcohol is wheat, barley, or rye.
Distilled alcohols include:
Recommended Reading: Patron Tequila Alcohol Proof
Is Deep Eddy Vodka Gluten
The vodka known as Deep Eddy has an alcohol by volume content of 40 percent, and the company manufactures using maize, water, and natural flavors. It is created utilizing local, natural ingredients from the local Austin region and is naturally gluten-free.
Since Deep Eddy makes vodka without any gluten ingredients, it is considered a clean vodka that is an excellent choice for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Also Check: How To Build Glute Muscles
Heres A Little More Info From Folks Who Know
The U.S. FDA and TTB have ruled that distilled spirits with no additives are 100% safe, because the gluten protein is left behind in the distillation process.
The European Food Safety Authority considers distilled alcohol unlikely to cause a severe reaction in those with grain allergies and the Canadian Celiac Association allows distilled alcoholic beverages for people with Celiac even if theyre made with wheat, rye, or barley, since the distillation process should remove the reaction-causing proteins.
Beyond Celiac says: pure, distilled liquor, even if made from wheat, barley, or rye, is considered gluten-free. Most liquors are safe for people with celiac disease because of the distillation process. However, the Celiac Sprue Foundation previously recommended no hard liquor from grains containing gluten, at least during the early phases of a gluten-free diet.
So, most of the experts say your Vodka Collins is fine no matter what, some advise waiting a few months after going gluten-free. I say: check the Collins mix to make sure its gluten-free too.
Is New Amsterdam Vodka Gluten
The New Amsterdam recipe uses maize to make up 95% of the total vodka, with the remaining 5% consisting of various unspecified cereal grains. Certain cereals may contain gluten.
Even though 5% of grains containing gluten is a small quantity and the procedure of five-fold distillation is guaranteed to remove a significant proportion, there may still be pollutants that you should avoid. On none of its brands does New Amsterdam provide any indication that they are gluten-free.
You should also approach the use of flavorings. For example, on its website, New Amsterdam lists a total of eight of its flavored vodka. Unfortunately, we cannot verify what these flavorings comprise or whether or not they include any substances containing gluten. However, we are unaware since the FDA, which mandates labeling for food products, does not have authority over alcoholic beverages.
The company officials often guard ingredients and manufacturing processes as trade secrets. As a result, New Amsterdam produces gluten-free vodkas using only the highest quality, natural, gluten-free American maize.
Don’t Miss: Nature’s Bakery Gluten Free Fig Bar
Which Vodka Does Not Include Gluten
Along with being one of the well-liked vodka manufacturers within the beverage business, Ciroc has been gluten-free licensed as a result of its created from grapes. Even supposing Gray Goose vodka is distilled from wheat, its mentioned that the vodka is gluten-free as a result of it has been distilled to take away all traces of wheat protein.
Recommended Reading: Are Blue Diamond Almonds Gluten Free
Ketel One Botanical: Real Botanicals Fresh Taste
Introducing new Ketel One Botanical, vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences. Like you, we care about whats in the bottle, so we use real ingredients with no sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors. We invite you to pick your Botanical and add soda for a deliciously fresh taste experience with only 73 calories and 0 carbs per serving.
Don’t Miss: Gluten And Dairy Free Fast Food
Is Hangar 1 Vodka Gluten
This water is then blended with vodka crafted solely from the distilled wine of Californias Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier. This revolutionary experiment yields an extraordinarily crisp, pure, and gluten-free sipping vodka that represents a culmination of our passions for California ingredients and sustainability.
You May Like: What Can You Mix With Titos Vodka
