Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, finding tasty, gluten-free alcoholic beverages can be a challenge. Hard seltzers have exploded in popularity over the last few years, providing a refreshing, low-calorie drink option. But are there any gluten-free hard seltzer options available?
What is Hard Seltzer?
Hard seltzer is a type of carbonated alcoholic beverage made with water, alcohol, carbon dioxide, and natural flavors. It has a similar taste profile to sparkling water with a hint of fruit flavor. The alcohol content usually ranges from around 4-6% ABV, which is lower than most beers and wines. Hard seltzers are gluten-free by nature since they do not contain malt, barley, rye, or wheat – the grains that contain gluten.
The hard seltzer craze began around 2013 when brands like SpikedSeltzer, White Claw, and Truly first launched. Since then, the popularity of these fizzy, flavored malt beverages has skyrocketed. Hard seltzers are appreciated for their light, refreshing taste, lower calorie count, and variety of flavors. Nearly all hard seltzer brands are gluten-free, which makes them a delicious option for gluten-free lifestyles.
Are Hard Seltzers Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, hard seltzers are naturally gluten-free. Since they are made from water, alcohol, carbon dioxide, and natural flavors, hard seltzers do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The primary sources of gluten – wheat, barley, rye, and malt – are not present in hard seltzers.
Here are some of the reasons why hard seltzers are gluten-free by nature:
- Made from fermented cane sugar or fruit – Hard seltzers are fermented from cane sugar or fruit bases, not grains like barley or wheat that contain gluten.
- Do not contain malt – Malt is made from barley, which contains gluten. Hard seltzers do not use malt as an ingredient.
- Flavored with fruit essences – Any flavors are derived from fruit essences, rather than grain-based ingredients.
- No gluten-containing ingredients – The ingredient labels confirm no gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt are present.
So unlike beers, ciders, and some flavored malt beverages, hard seltzers are brewed differently specifically to avoid gluten-containing ingredients. This makes them a suitable choice for those following a strict gluten-free diet.
Do Any Hard Seltzer Brands Contain Gluten?
The vast majority of hard seltzer brands and flavors are gluten-free. As their ingredients do not inherently contain gluten, most hard seltzer companies are able to produce gluten-free beverages.
However, there are a few exceptions to be aware of:
- Malt-based hard seltzers – Some seltzers are made with malt rather than a base of cane sugar or fruit. Malt contains gluten, so these would not be gluten-free.
- Flavored malt beverages – Some “spiked seltzer” type beverages contain gluten ingredients like malt or barley.
- Risk of cross-contamination – Even if a seltzer is gluten-free, cross-contamination during production in a shared facility could introduce traces of gluten.
So it is important to thoroughly read the ingredients label and look for a gluten-free certification symbol before consuming any particular hard seltzer brand or flavor. Reputable gluten-free brands will clearly label their products as gluten-free.
What are some examples of gluten-free hard seltzer brands?
Here is an overview of some of the most popular hard seltzer brands in the US that produce gluten-free options:
White Claw
One of the most popular hard seltzer brands, White Claw offers a variety of gluten-free flavors including mango, black cherry, raspberry, and lime. Their hard seltzers are made from a gluten-free alcohol base and contain no malt or barley.
Truly
Truly Hard Seltzer is another leading brand with gluten-free flavors like lemonade, wild berry, citrus, and tropical punch. Their seltzers are brewed with cane sugar, fruit flavors, and sparkling water with no gluten-containing ingredients.
Bon & Viv
Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer offers unique flavors like prickly pear and cranberry lime in a gluten-free formula. They use a malt-free process and all their ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Nauti Seltzer
Nauti Seltzer is specially formulated to be gluten-free and vegan, using all-natural ingredients. Their fruit flavored seltzers contain no malt, gluten or gmo ingredients.
Smirnoff Seltzer
Smirnoff Seltzer Adopt a Gluten-Free Lifestylehas a range of gluten-free flavors including cranberry lime, peach mango, and watermelon. Smirnoff sells their seltzers as certified gluten-free products.
High Noon
High Noon is a newer brand producing gluten-free hard seltzers in flavors like pineapple and clementine. They use a five-step brewing process with no gluten-containing ingredients.
These are just a few examples of the many gluten-free hard seltzer options on the market today. With new brands and flavors constantly emerging, there are plenty of delicious, fizzy gluten-free seltzers to explore.
What about hard kombuchas and hard teas?
In addition to hard seltzers, there are some other alcoholic beverage options in the ‘hard’ category that are gluten-free. These include:
Hard Kombuchas
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that contains live cultures. Hard kombuchas simply have added alcohol, usually around 5% ABV. Major brands like Health-Ade and GT’s offer gluten-free hard kombucha options flavored with juices and botanicals.
Hard Teas
These are brewed teas with alcohol added, similar to hard seltzers. Brands like Twisted Tea, Jekyll & Hyde, and Bon & Viv make packaged hard iced teas that are gluten-free.
Both hard kombuchas and hard teas are naturally gluten-free alternatives to beer, cider, and cocktails. They can provide flavorful, fizzy alcoholic options for gluten-free lifestyles.
What about spiked seltzers like Mike’s Hard Lemonade?
Some ready-to-drink beverage brands like Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Four Loko have started producing their own “spiked seltzer” type drinks. However, these are quite different from most true hard seltzers:
- Often made with malt, barley or wheat
- Higher sugar content
- Added flavors and preservatives
So it’s important to read the ingredients lists closely. Some spiked seltzer brands or flavors do contain gluten or wheat-based ingredients, while others may be gluten-free. Check the bottle label carefully before consuming.
What about hard seltzer cocktail mixes?
Recently, companies have started producing pre-made cocktail mixes designed to be added to hard seltzers. Some examples are Boozy Shark seltzer cocktails and Crook & Marker spiked and sparkling mixes.
Again, it’s vital to vet the ingredients on these cocktail mixes, as some contain gluten while others may be gluten-free. The seltzer itself may be gluten-free, but mixes with ingredients like wheat-based vodkas or malt additives would introduce gluten.
Are there any risks of cross-contamination?
Even when a hard seltzer or alcoholic beverage is made without gluten-containing ingredients, there can still be a risk of cross-contamination occurring during the production process. Some key things to consider:
- Shared equipment – Hard seltzers produced on shared lines or equipment also used for gluten-containing beers may pick up traces of gluten.
- Shared facilities – Made in facilities that also handle wheat/malt-based ingredients.
- Bottling – Could pick up traces of gluten during bottling or canning.
Reputable gluten-free brands will implement careful quality control and sanitation protocols during production. Many also specify if their products are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Looking for brands that are certified gluten-free, like those bearing the GFP Verification Program seal, can help identify products that are tested to ensure no cross-contamination.
Should you rely on gluten-free labeling?
When shopping for gluten-free hard seltzers and alcoholic drinks, don’t assume that a product is gluten-free based only on the company’s marketing claims. Always thoroughly check the ingredient list yourself.
Some key points on product labeling:
- “Gluten-free” on a label is not regulated. Any company can make this claim without verification.
- Look for validated GF certification symbols like the GFP, GFCO or Crossed Grain label for added assurance.
- Beverages labeled “no gluten-containing ingredients” could still have risk of cross-contamination.
- Call or email the company if you have any questions or concerns.
Relying solely on the company’s gluten-free claims is not enough. The best practice is to always confirm the ingredient list yourself or look for respected 3rd party certification.
What about hard ciders and beers?
While most hard seltzers are gluten-free, some similar alcoholic beverage types like beers, ales and ciders are NOT gluten-free unless clearly labeled:
Hard ciders
Most ciders contain gluten since they are made from apples fermented with barley malt. Only ciders made from 100% apples or other fruit, without gluten-grain adjuncts, can be gluten-free.
Beers
Nearly all conventional beers contain gluten, as they are brewed from gluten-grains like barley, wheat, rye or malt. Gluten-removed beers still can contain traces of gluten.
Gluten-free beers
There are some specialty gluten-free beers made from grains like sorghum, rice or buckwheat. Brands include Ghostfish, Glutenberg, Ground Breaker and Holidaily Brewing Co.
So anyone following a gluten-free diet needs to be extremely cautious with products like hard ciders and beers, and only consume certified gluten-free options.
What about adding hard alcohol (liquor) to seltzer?
Many people like to experiment by making their own customized spiked seltzers at home. This just involves adding a shot of plain hard liquor, like vodka, tequila or rum, to a glass of plain seltzer water.
In this case, the seltzer itself brings no gluten risk. However, the type of liquor used does matter:
- Gluten-free: Brandy, rum, tequila, vodka
- Not gluten-free: Gin, whiskey, bourbon, rye, malt-based liqueurs
Distilled liquors made from gluten grains undergo a purification process that removes the gluten protein. But liqueurs and whiskies often contain added flavors that may introduce gluten.
Those preparing mixed seltzer drinks at home should choose plain, unflavored gluten-free liquor options to stay safe.
What about wine, champagne and gluten-free beers?
In addition to hard seltzers, there are a few other alcoholic beverage categories that offer gluten-free options:
Wines
Wines are typically gluten-free, as they are produced from fermented grapes or other fruit. But some wine coolers or flavored wines may contain added gluten.
Champagne/Sparkling Wines
Most champagne and other sparkling wines are gluten-free, again being made from fruit. But the seasoning on the cork could be a gluten cross-contamination risk.
Gluten-Free Beers
Specially brewed gluten-free beers provide another option, though note they are often made with sorghum, buckwheat or quinoa so those allergies need to be considered.
Are hard seltzers safe on a gluten-free diet?
Hard seltzers made without gluten-containing ingredients, in facilities with proper protocols to avoid cross-contamination, are generally considered safe for those on a medically necessary gluten-free diet. However, there are a few precautions those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should take when consuming hard seltzers:
- Consume in moderation – Excessive intake may damage the intestinal lining and provoke symptoms.
- Ensure proper nutrition – Alcohol has reduced nutrients so intake alongside a healthy GF diet is advised.
- Avoid if sensitive – Those with chronic symptoms may react even to very small traces of gluten.
- Check labeling carefully – Don’t just rely on a “gluten-free” claim, vet the ingredients.
Overall, most mainstream hard seltzer brands are a gluten-free friendly option that, when enjoyed responsibly, can be part of an enjoyable gluten-free lifestyle.
What’s the bottom line on gluten-free hard seltzers?
Here’s a quick summary of key facts on whether hard seltzers are gluten-free:
- Most major hard seltzer brands are formulated to be gluten-free by using fermented cane sugar and fruit bases rather than gluten-grains.
- Look for reputable brands with transparent gluten-free labeling and certification for assurance.
- Flavored malt beverages and spiked seltzers claiming “gluten-free” may still contain sources – always vet ingredients.
- There can be risk of cross-contamination even in brands using gluten-free ingredients – look for products made in dedicated GF facilities.
- Other gluten-free options include hard kombuchas, hard teas, wines, ciders, and specialty gluten-free beers.
- Mixing seltzer with gluten-free liquors like rum, vodka and tequila can be a homemade option.
With so many refreshing flavors and options, from mainstream brands to small craft producers, there are now plenty of gluten-free friendly hard seltzers to explore and enjoy.
