Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. It causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal and malabsorption symptoms. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which eliminates wheat, barley, and rye. This can pose challenges when choosing commercial food and beverage products, like energy drinks, which may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Many people with celiac disease wonder if they can safely consume popular energy drink products. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of celiac disease and gluten, followed by an in-depth exploration of whether major energy drink brands are gluten-free and safe options for those following a gluten-free diet.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine in genetically predisposed individuals. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system launches an attack against the small intestine, causing damage to the villi lining the intestinal wall.
The villi are small, finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from food. When they are damaged by celiac disease, the intestine is no longer able to properly absorb nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and folate. This can lead to malnutrition and a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Celiac disease impacts each person differently. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:
– Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas
– Abdominal pain and cramping
– Fatigue, headaches, brain fog
– Joint pain
– Itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
– Mouth sores
– Anxiety, depression, irritability
– Weight loss or poor weight gain in children
– Nutrient deficiencies
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional complications like reduced bone density (osteoporosis), infertility, neurological issues, and certain cancers. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which allows the small intestine to heal and prevents further damage.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the main protein groups found in wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a glue to help foods maintain their shape and has viscoelastic properties that allow dough to rise. For most people, gluten is well-tolerated. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it triggers an abnormal immune response that causes widespread inflammation and damage.
There are two main protein groups that make up gluten:
1. Gliadins – Prolamins found in wheat. Gliadins contain high levels of the amino acids glutamine and proline, making them more difficult to digest.
2. Glutenins – Glutelins found in wheat. Glutenins have low levels of glutamine and proline.
In addition to the gluten found in wheat, barley contains hordeins and rye contains secalins. While the protein composition differs slightly, these proteins elicit similar reactions in those sensitive to gluten.
Aside from the grains themselves, gluten can be found in foods processed with wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. It can also contaminate foods during processing if facilities do not adequately clean equipment between gluten-containing and gluten-free production runs. This makes checking labels extremely important for celiacs.
The Gluten-Free Diet for Celiac Disease
The only treatment for celiac disease is adopting a strict gluten-free diet. This means eliminating all foods and beverages that contain wheat, barley, or rye. Some examples of foods that must be avoided include:
– Bread, pizza, baked goods
– Pasta, cereals, crackers
– Beer
– Soy sauce, salad dressings, sauces
– Processed lunch meats
– French fries or processed foods fried in contaminated oil
Instead, those with celiac disease rely on naturally gluten-free grains and staples like:
– Rice, corn, quinoa, millet
– Fresh meats, fish, poultry, eggs
– Fruits and vegetables
– Nuts, seeds
– Legumes
– Dairy
Gluten-free specialty products made without wheat, barley, or rye are also options, though care must be taken to check labels for any hidden sources of gluten from cross-contamination. Even tiny amounts can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage.
Following a gluten-free diet allows the small intestine to heal. Within a few weeks to months, most people with celiac disease see a significant improvement in symptoms and intestinal health. However, the diet must be maintained lifelong. Occasional accidental exposures or cheating can still cause issues.
Are Energy Drinks Gluten-Free?
When newly diagnosed with celiac disease, many people have questions around the safety of popular energy drink brands and products.
Unfortunately, energy drinks tend to contain a number of basic ingredients that could be problematic from a gluten perspective, including:
– Grain-based caffeine sources like guarana seed or yerba mate leaf
– Glucose or dextrose from wheat or barley
– Natural and artificial flavorings that may contain gluten
– Coloring derived from gluten-containing grains
– Contaminated water source
Many mainstream energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and 5-Hour contain some combination of these ingredients. Specific flavors may also contain glutenous add-ins like wheatgrass, barley grass, or maltodextrin derived from wheat or barley.
Below is a detailed analysis of some top-selling energy drink brands and whether celiacs need to avoid them:
Red Bull
Most Red Bull energy drinks are NOT gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease due to the presence of barley. The ingredient list includes both barley malt and yeast extract, which would contain gluten proteins.
There are a few Red Bull options that may be gluten-free, but ingredients can vary between flavors and countries. These include:
– Red Bull Sugarfree (in the United States)
– Red Bull Total Zero (in the United States)
– Red Bull Zero Calorie (in Canada)
However, gluten-free status cannot be guaranteed due to manufacturing processes. Those with celiac disease are better off choosing other brands.
Monster Energy
The main Monster Energy drinks are NOT gluten-free due to containing maltodextrin and sucralose that could potentially be derived from wheat or barley.
Some flavors also have additional sources of gluten like wheatgrass, barley grass or yeast extract.
However, Monster Energy does offer a gluten-free version called Monster Energy Absolute Zero. This is sweetened with sucralose and contains no maltodextrin or other suspicious ingredients. It is produced in a facility free of the major allergens, making cross-contamination unlikely.
So regular Monster should be avoided, but the Absolute Zero line is a gluten-free option.
Rockstar Energy
Like other major brands, Rockstar Energy drinks are NOT gluten-free due to containing maltodextrin and sucralose that could come from glutenous sources. They also use vague “natural flavors” that may contain hidden gluten.
Rockstar does offer a carb-free Pure Zero line sweetened with sucralose that may be gluten-free. But gluten-free status cannot be guaranteed due to potential cross-contamination in manufacturing and the lack of transparent sourcing for ingredients like sucralose.
Those with celiac should avoid regular Rockstar due to the maltodextrin and choose alternative brands instead. The Pure Zero drinks would be considered questionable at best.
5-Hour Energy
The maker of 5-Hour Energy, Living Essentials LLC, states that all 5-Hour Energy products do not contain gluten ingredients. However, the source of the sucralose is not disclosed. Trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination are also possible.
So while 5-Hour Energy drinks are likely gluten-free, there is some remaining uncertainty. Those with celiac may want to exercise some caution or look for alternative brands.
NOS Energy
NOS energy drinks contain maltodextrin and natural flavors that may be derived from gluten-containing grains. They also use yeast extract that contains gluten outright.
For these reasons, NOS energy drinks are NOT gluten-free and should be avoided with celiac disease.
Celsius Energy
Celsius heat-activated energy drinks are labeled gluten-free and do not contain any obvious sources of gluten in the ingredients. The company also notes that their drinks are produced in a facility free of the major allergens.
So Celsius appears to be a safe gluten-free option for those with celiac disease.
VPX Redline Energy
Redline Energy cannot confirm that their products are gluten-free. While the classic Redline power does not contain maltodextrin or other suspicious ingredients, cross-contamination is possible during manufacturing.
Some Redline products also contain wheatgrass and barley grass, which would contain gluten outright.
Given the lack of clarity around gluten-free status, those with celiac should use caution or avoid Redline Energy drinks altogether.
GFuel Energy Formula
GFuel Energy Formula is labeled gluten-free and free of wheat, barley, and rye. The company uses corn-based maltodextrin. The sucralose and natural flavors are also purportedly derived from gluten-free sources.
GFuel is made in a facility free of wheat, dairy, and other allergens. So it stands as one of the only mainstream energy drink brands considered gluten-free.
Zipfizz Energy
Zipfizz Energy comes in powdered drink mix packets. The brand claims to be gluten-free and devoid of all major allergens. They use potato maltodextrin and natural flavors made without gluten.
The Zipfizz manufacturing facility does handle wheat, soy, and dairy products, though keeps ingredients and processing separated. So while a very low risk of cross-contamination exists, it is unlikely.
Overall, Zipfizz can be considered gluten-free, making it a good option for celiacs seeking an energy boost.
AdvoCare Spark Energy
AdvoCare Spark Energy does not make any gluten-free claims. The vitamin-enhanced drink mix contains maltodextrin without a clear source. AdvoCare products are also made in facilities that process wheat and barley ingredients.
Given the lack of clarity around ingredients and manufacturing, those with celiac disease should avoid AdvoCare Spark.
Other Factors that Impact Gluten-Free Status
When assessing commercial beverages and energy drinks for gluten content, there are additional factors to consider beyond the actual ingredients listed:
Intended Market
Some brands tailor recipes and manufacturing protocols based on the intended target market for a product due to differences in labeling laws. A drink sold in the United States, Canada, Europe or Australia may have varying ingredients or gluten-free status. Check country-specific information whenever possible.
Advisory Warnings
Some brands without gluten ingredients still put “May contain wheat/gluten” warnings on their labels due to potential cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. Heed any such advisories and avoid those drinks to stay strictly gluten-free.
Processing Aids
Certain processing aids used in beverage manufacturing may contain gluten or be derived from gluten-containing grains, like wheat starch used for filtration. If used, they may leach traces of gluten protein into the final product.
Flavorings
Added flavorings, both natural and artificial, can be a hidden source of gluten. Unless the flavoring supplier and gluten-free status is expressly verified, it remains a question mark.
| Energy Drink Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Red Bull | Not gluten-free due to barley |
| Monster | Not gluten-free except Absolute Zero line |
| Rockstar | Not gluten-free |
| 5-Hour Energy | Likely gluten-free |
| NOS | Not gluten-free |
| Celsius | Gluten-free |
| Redline | Questionable, not confirmed gluten-free |
| GFuel | Gluten-free |
| Zipfizz | Gluten-free |
| AdvoCare Spark | Not gluten-free |
Finding Other Gluten-Free Beverages
While some major energy drink brands are clearly off-limits for celiacs, there are still plenty of gluten-free options to help boost energy levels, including:
– Coffee and pure coffee drinks without questionable flavorings
– 100% fruit juices without added ingredients
– Organic tea drinks sweetened with cane sugar
– Coconut water and coconut-based sports drinks
– Protein shakes made with plant-based proteins like pea protein or collagen
– Bottled water with added vitamins and electrolytes
– Natural soda brands sweetened with cane sugar and free of maltodextrin
– Nut-based plant milks enriched with vitamins and minerals
Those with celiac disease need to remain extra diligent about checking labels and sources when selecting commercially processed beverages. But with care, there are still healthy, gluten-free options to stay energized while following a strict gluten-free diet.
The Bottom Line
Celiac disease requires removing all sources of gluten from the diet through strict avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye. Unfortunately, many mainstream energy drink products contain ingredients derived from gluten grains, or have potential for cross-contamination.
Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, NOS and other top brands cannot reliably be considered gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease, with a few exceptions.
Some niche energy drink products from GFuel, Celsius, and Zipfizz are formulated to be gluten-free. But care should still be taken to evaluate ingredients, advisory warnings, and manufacturing processes when determining if an energy drink is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
The safest approach for celiacs is to choose natural beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and coconut water for an energy boost, and avoid major manufactured energy drink brands unless they are expressly labeled gluten-free. While it takes more diligence, those with celiac disease can still stay energized while adhering to their necessary gluten-free diet.