Seagram’s Escapes are a popular line of flavored malt beverages produced by Seagram’s. With flavors like strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, and lime margarita, Seagram’s Escapes offer a taste of the tropics in a convenient, ready-to-drink package.
Many people who follow gluten-free diets wonder if Seagram’s Escapes contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye that some people cannot tolerate. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming even small amounts of gluten can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms.
So, are Seagram’s Escapes gluten-free? The short answer is: it depends. Keep reading to learn more about Seagram’s Escapes and gluten.
About Seagram’s Escapes
Seagram’s Escapes are flavored malt beverages made by blending malt base with natural and artificial flavors. The malt base is made from barley and water.
Barley contains gluten. However, Seagram’s uses a process to remove gluten from the malt base, reducing gluten content to less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
According to the FDA, foods containing less than 20 ppm of gluten can be labeled “gluten-free.” Therefore, Seagram’s Escapes containing less than 20 ppm of gluten can be considered gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Labeling
Currently, Seagram’s Escapes are not labeled as gluten-free. The reason is that Seagram’s produces the beverages in facilities that also process gluten-containing ingredients. There is a risk of cross-contamination.
For a product to bear a gluten-free label, it must be produced in a gluten-free facility or have processes in place to prevent cross-contamination. Seagram’s facilities are not guaranteed gluten-free, so the company cannot label Escapes as gluten-free.
However, many brands without gluten-free labels still contain very low levels of gluten and are well-tolerated by people with gluten sensitivities. Seagram’s adherence to less than 20 ppm of gluten makes their beverages safe for most gluten-free dieters.
Testing for Gluten
So how does Seagram’s ensure Escapes contain less than 20 ppm of gluten if their facilities are not gluten-free?
Seagram’s routinely tests Escapes products using the R5 Competitive ELISA test. This test is designed to detect gluten levels as low as 5 ppm. By consistently testing below 20 ppm of gluten, Seagram’s can confidently claim their beverages meet FDA standards for gluten-free labeling.
Seagram’s also notes that levels of gluten can vary slightly between production runs. So even if one batch tests below 5 ppm, another batch could potentially test slightly higher but still meet the less than 20 ppm cutoff. Their routine testing helps ensure consumers consistently receive products below 20 ppm.
3rd Party Testing
In addition to internal testing, Seagram’s Escapes have been tested by independent gluten-free certification organizations:
– Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG): Tested varieties contained less than 10 ppm of gluten.
– Celiac Support Association (CSA): Tested varieties contained less than 5 ppm of gluten.
These 3rd party test results provide added assurance that Seagram’s Escapes contain very low levels of gluten.
Individual Tolerances
While less than 20 ppm of gluten is considered safe for most gluten-free diet followers, there is no definitive “safe” level that works for everyone.
Sensitivity levels vary, and some celiacs and gluten-sensitive individuals react to even tiny gluten exposures. For these individuals, beverages not labeled gluten-free or produced in certified gluten-free facilities may not be well tolerated.
Anyone with concerns should check with their healthcare provider before consuming Seagram’s Escapes.
Cross-Contamination Risk
Even tiny amounts of gluten can sicken the most sensitive individuals. Since Seagram’s facilities are not gluten-free environments, there is some risk of gluten cross-contamination during production.
While this risk may be minimal, it is impossible for Seagram’s to guarantee zero exposure for the most gluten-sensitive. Only products made in dedicated gluten-free facilities can provide that level of assurance.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients in some popular Seagram’s Escapes flavors:
Strawberry Daiquiri
- Filtered carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Potassium citrate
- Potassium benzoate (preservative)
- Red 40
- Blue 1
Calypso Island Punch
- Filtered carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Citric acid
- Sodium citrate
- Modified food starch
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Red 40
As you can see, the main ingredients are filtered carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, and preservatives.
The ingredients do not contain any overt gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt. Combined with gluten testing procedures, this further supports that Seagram’s Escapes contain very low levels of gluten, if any.
Cross-Reactivity Concerns
Some individuals with gluten sensitivities also react to ingredients derived from corn. This is because the protein in corn can be similar to gluten on a molecular level.
So in addition to gluten, the corn-derived ingredients in Seagram’s Escapes could potentially trigger symptoms for these individuals:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Modified food starch
People with concerns about corn cross-reactivity should exercise caution with Seagram’s Escapes.
Other Allergen Considerations
In addition to gluten, Seagram’s Escapes contain other common allergens:
Sulfites: Many flavors contain sulfites as preservatives. Sulfites can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Seagram’s Escapes contain sulfites.
Food Dyes: Colorings like Red 40 and Blue 1 are made from petroleum and can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Seagram’s Escapes contain food dye colorings.
So in summary, Seagram’s Escapes may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to:
- Gluten
- Corn
- Sulfites
- Food dyes
Anyone with known food allergies or sensitivities should closely inspect packages and cross-check with customer service as needed.
Alternative Gluten-Free Beverages
If you require your beverages to be 100% gluten-free, several brands specialize in gluten-free malt beverages:
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Redbridge Beer | Lager, IPA, and other gluten-free styles |
| New Grist Beer | Pale ale and lager brewed from gluten-free sorghum |
| Ghostfish Brewing | IPAs, stouts, ales, and seasonal beers |
| Glutenberg Beer | IPA, blonde ale, red ale, stout |
These specialty brewers produce gluten-free beverages in dedicated gluten-free facilities, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination. They test finished products to guarantee less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Hard ciders are another refreshing gluten-free option. Brands certified gluten-free include:
- Ace Cider
- Angry Orchard
- Bold Rock Hard Cider
- Crispin Cider Co.
- Woodchuck Hard Cider
Wine and distilled liquors like rum, vodka, and gin are made from gluten-free bases. Look for brands that carry gluten-free labels for assurance.
Enjoying Seagram’s Escapes Gluten-Free
The bottom line: Seagram’s Escapes test below 20 ppm of gluten and are extremely low in gluten based on FDA standards. For individuals who tolerate trace amounts of gluten, Seagram’s Escape beverages are considered safe for gluten-free diets.
However, for those highly sensitive, specialty gluten-free brands remain the safest option. Anyone uncertain about their personal tolerance levels should exercise caution with Seagram’s Escapes.
As with any product that is not labeled gluten-free, it is smart to enjoy Seagram’s Escapes in moderation as part of a varied diet. Relying too heavily on one product line increases any potential risk. Consuming a diverse range of beverages, even if just occasional treats, is ideal for gluten-free living.
By understanding Seagram’s testing procedures, ingredients, and facility protocols, you can make an informed choice about including Escapes in your gluten-free lifestyle. Just be sure to consider personal sensitivity levels and other allergen concerns like corn, sulfites, and dyes.
With so many refreshing flavors to choose from, Seagram’s Escapes can be a tasty gluten-free treat that takes your palate on a tropics getaway. As always, moderation, variety and caution for high sensitivities are key for staying happy and healthy on the gluten-free journey.
Conclusion
Seagram’s Escapes contain less than 20 ppm of gluten according to the company’s routine testing procedures. This puts them below the FDA threshold for labeling items “gluten-free.” However, Seagram’s facilities are not gluten-free environments, so very sensitive individuals could react to potential cross-contamination. Escapes also contain common allergens like corn, sulfites, and food dyes that could be problematic. Overall, Seagram’s Escapes are extremely low in gluten and widely considered safe for gluten-free diets. But specialty beers, ciders, wines, and liquors brewed in dedicated gluten-free facilities remain the safest option for those highly sensitive or allergic.
