Fever-Tree is a popular brand of carbonated mixers like tonic water, ginger beer, and sodas. With the rise in gluten-free diets, many people want to know if Fever-Tree products are safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. Here’s a quick look at whether Fever-Tree drinks contain gluten or not.
Quick Answer
Yes, Fever-Tree drinks are gluten-free. The company states that all of their products are free from gluten containing ingredients. They are frequently recommended as mixers for gluten-free cocktails and drinks.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that causes damage to the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, and more. The only treatment for gluten-related disorders is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Sources of Gluten
There are many sources of gluten in foods and beverages:
- Wheat – bread, pasta, crackers, baked goods, etc
- Barley – some beers and malt vinegars
- Rye – rye bread, cereals
- Oats – often cross-contaminated with wheat
- Malt – derived from barley
- Brewer’s yeast – a byproduct of beer making
- Wheat starch – used as a thickener in sauces and gravies
- Soy sauce – contains wheat
- Flour or cereal products – used in batter coatings and binders
Reading ingredient lists carefully and looking for “gluten-free” labels can help identify foods and drinks that contain gluten.
Are Fever-Tree Drinks Gluten-Free?
On their website, Fever-Tree states:
“All Fever-Tree products are made from naturally sourced ingredients and do not contain any gluten sourced ingredients.”
They go on to explain that while their products do not contain gluten, they are produced in facilities that also process wheat and barley ingredients. Because of this, there is a possibility of cross-contamination.
For people with celiac disease or who are extremely sensitive, they recommend contacting them for the most up-to-date information on gluten-free status and brewery locations.
No Malt Barley Extract
Fever-Tree does not use malt barley extract in any of their products. Some brands use this barley-derived additive to enhance flavor. Since malt extract contains gluten, the avoidance of this ingredient is key for Fever-Tree to claim gluten-free status.
Facility Processes
While the brand states that all their drinks are free from gluten-containing ingredients, they also acknowledge shared facility use. Fever-Tree utilizes 3rd party manufacturers, bottlers, and packers that also handle wheat, barley, and gluten-containing products. They follow allergen control procedures, but cross-contamination is a possibility.
Fever-Tree Drink Options
Fever-Tree offers a wide variety of carbonated drinks that are gluten-free. Popular options include:
Tonic Waters
- Indian Tonic Water
- Naturally Light Tonic Water
- Mediterranean Tonic Water
- Elderflower Tonic Water
- Aromatic Tonic Water
Ginger Beer
- Original Ginger Beer
- Spiced Orange Ginger Beer
- Smoky Ginger Beer
- Ginger Ale
Sodas
- Lemonade
- Ginger Ale
- Cola
- Pink Grapefruit
- Clementine & Cinnamon
Spritzers
- Madagascan Cola
- Smoky Negroni
- Oriental Yuzu
Their mixers and sodas are made from ingredients like cane sugar, citrus fruits, herbs, spices, and carbonated water. None of their products contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains.
Are Fever-Tree Drinks Safe for Celiacs?
For people with celiac disease, consuming traces of gluten can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage. The amount considered tolerable is less than 10-20 ppm (parts per million).
Since Fever-Tree facilities also process barley and wheat, there is a small chance of cross-contamination. Amounts could potentially exceed the safe thresholds for more sensitive individuals.
The brand recommends contacting them directly to learn about the exact facilities used to produce particular products. People with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should verify gluten-free status and tolerable ppm levels by batch before consuming.
No Testing for Gluten
Fever-Tree states that while they avoid gluten-containing ingredients, they do not currently test finished products or production lines for the presence of gluten. Testing ensures negligible gluten ppm levels, providing added assurance for more sensitive gluten-free consumers.
Labeling
Fever-Tree products do not bear any “gluten-free” labeling on their bottles. This further indicates the chance of gluten cross-contamination compared to certified gluten-free products that display conspicuous labeling.
Are Fever-Tree Drinks Safe for Non-Celiacs?
For individuals who avoid gluten for reasons besides celiac disease, such as gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy, Fever-Tree products are generally considered safe.
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can typically tolerate trace amounts of cross-contamination. The quantities potentially found in Fever-Tree drinks would likely be well below thresholds causing issues.
However, it’s still advisable for those with gluten issues besides celiac to verify gluten-free status before consuming. Individual sensitivity levels can vary.
No Reaction
The majority of people following a gluten-free diet for non-medical reasons like weight loss or athletic performance can tolerate trace cross-contamination. They would likely be able to drink Fever-Tree products without any reaction.
Exercise Caution
In those with diagnosed non-celiac gluten sensitivity, symptoms may flare with small gluten exposures. Exercising caution and verifying gluten levels directly with the manufacturer is recommended.
Are Fever-Tree Products Certified Gluten-Free?
No, Fever-Tree drinks are not certified gluten-free. They do not undergo third-party testing as required by certification programs like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Products certified gluten-free must contain less than 10-20 ppm of gluten. Facilities and production lines also undergo rigorous audits and inspections to prevent cross-contamination.
No Independent Testing
Without GFCO or other certification, Fever-Tree has not demonstrated through independent lab analysis that finished products contain acceptably low levels of gluten.
No Third-Party Audits
The facilities that manufacture Fever-Tree drinks have likely not been vetted by external programs to ensure sufficient protocols that prevent cross-contamination.
Should You Drink Fever-Tree Products?
Whether Fever-Tree beverages are appropriate for your gluten-free diet depends on your sensitivity level and motivation for avoiding gluten:
Celiac Disease
Use extreme caution. Verify gluten ppm for specific products and batches, as any contamination could trigger an autoimmune reaction. Consider opting for a beverage with official gluten-free certification instead.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Most can tolerate low-level cross-contamination, but verify gluten status directly with the company to be safe. Opt for certified gluten-free if you are highly reactive.
No Medical Reason
You can most likely safely enjoy Fever-Tree drinks that state they are made without gluten-containing ingredients. But you may still want the assurance of third-party certification.
Gluten Allergy
Avoid unless you can confirm through testing that beverages contain less than 20 ppm gluten. Even small exposures can provoke potentially serious allergic reactions.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Fever-Tree
If you require stricter gluten-free assurance, many brands offer certified gluten-free carbonated mixers and sodas. Popular alternatives include:
Q Tonic Water
- GFCO certified
- Tonic water and light tonic
- Made with quinine, sugar, and lime
Hal’s Tonic
- Tested at less than 5 ppm gluten
- Tonic, diet tonic, club soda
- Sweetened with cane sugar
Polar Seltzer
- GFCO certified
- Flavored sparkling waters
- No artificial sweeteners or sodium
Spindrift
- Tests at less than 5 ppm gluten
- Sparking water with squeezed fruit
- No added sweeteners
Blue Ice Vodka
- GFCO certified
- Distilled from potatoes
- Verified less than 5 ppm gluten
Opting for certified gluten-free brands provides added assurance that drinks test below safety thresholds for gluten and have undergone facility audits. Various gluten-free alternatives are widely available.
Is Fever-Tree Gluten-Free: The Bottom Line
While Fever-Tree states their mixers and sodas are made without gluten-containing ingredients, the brand does not guarantee drinks are 100% gluten-free or safe for celiacs due to the potential for cross-contamination.
They do not currently test finished products or production lines for gluten. Their facilities also process wheat and barley products, increasing the risk of traces ending up in drinks.
Celiacs and those highly sensitive must exercise extreme caution with Fever-Tree beverages or opt for certified gluten-free brands. But most people avoiding gluten for reasons other than celiac disease can likely safely enjoy these drinks in moderation.
Those adhering to a gluten-free diet should contact the company directly to verify up-to-date gluten information and procedures for particular products. Under certain intolerance thresholds and conditions, Fever-Tree drinks made without gluten ingredients may be tolerable.
The Takeaway on Fever-Tree and Gluten
- Fever-Tree carbonated drinks state they are made without gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, malt, etc.
- However, the risk of cross-contamination exists since facilities also process beers and cereals.
- Products are not certified gluten-free, tested to verify low ppm, or labeled gluten-free.
- Celiacs must exercise caution and verify gluten levels by batch.
- Most gluten-free consumers should be able to enjoy Fever-Tree in moderation.
- Certified gluten-free brands offer added assurance and are suggested for highly sensitive individuals.
