White Claw hard seltzer drinks have become immensely popular in recent years as a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to beer, wine, and traditional mixed drinks. One of the main reasons people choose White Claw is that the drinks are gluten-free. For those who need to avoid gluten for health reasons like celiac disease, this is an important factor.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any problems. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues and damage to the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause problems, so it must be avoided completely.
Some of the symptoms of gluten intolerance include:
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issues
- Fatigue and feeling tired
- Headaches and migraines
- Rashes or skin problems
Following a 100% gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This means reading labels carefully and avoiding any foods or drinks that contain gluten ingredients.
What Ingredients Are Used in White Claw Drinks?
White Claw hard seltzers are gluten-free because they do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The main ingredients in White Claw drinks are:
- Carbonated water – provides the bubbly, seltzer-like texture.
- Alcohol – White Claw has an alcohol content around 5% ABV, which comes from fermented sugars.
- Fruit juice or puree – provides the natural flavors in different White Claw varieties.
- Natural flavors – additional flavors to complement the fruit.
- Cane sugar – a gluten-free sweetener used in low quantities.
- Citric acid – provides some tartness to balance the sweetness.
None of these ingredients contains gluten. White Claw also does not use grain-based ingredients like malt or wheat that would contain gluten. This makes White Claw safe for those avoiding gluten.
Where Does the Alcohol in White Claw Come From?
Since there are no gluten-containing grains used in White Claw, you may wonder where the alcohol comes from. White Claw is considered a hard seltzer because the alcohol is derived from fermented sugar, not grains.
The alcohol in White Claw comes from a fermentation process using sugar derived from non-gluten sources like potatoes or rice. Through fermentation, the sugars are converted to alcohol. This gluten-free alcohol is then blended with the purified water, natural flavors, and lightly sweetened.
So while traditional beer is made from fermented gluten grains like barley or wheat, hard seltzers get their alcohol from gluten-free fermented sugars and do not contain malt or other gluten ingredients.
Are Any Shared Manufacturing Facilities or Processes Used?
A potential source of gluten contamination could come from shared manufacturing facilities or processes. If a facility produces gluten-containing beers or other beverages on shared lines or equipment, trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the gluten-free product.
According to White Claw, their hard seltzers are produced in facilities that do not manufacture any gluten-containing beverages. The equipment used is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between production runs. This separation helps protect the drinks from any cross-contamination.
White Claw also states their drinks undergo testing to verify that they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Foods under 20 ppm are considered “gluten-free” according to U.S. FDA regulations. This level of gluten is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease or sensitivities.
Does White Claw Have a “Gluten-Free” Label?
You may notice that White Claw does not advertise itself as a certified gluten-free product. The packaging and marketing materials do not include any “gluten-free” labeling claims.
This is likely because White Claw is produced in facilities that also process other allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, etc. To qualify for a certified “gluten-free” label in the U.S., products must meet regulations including being produced in dedicated allergen-free facilities.
So while White Claw contains no gluten ingredients, the lack of a “gluten-free” claim on the packaging is probably due to the shared facilities used during production and bottling. However, many people who need to follow a gluten-free diet still consider White Claw safe to consume.
What Do Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Organizations Say?
Several recognized organizations provide guidance on gluten-free product safety for those with celiac disease and gluten issues. Here are the recommendations on hard seltzers:
Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation states that most hard seltzers (like White Claw) are safe to drink since they are made from cane sugar and fruit rather than gluten-containing grains. They advise checking the packaging to ensure no gluten ingredients are listed.
Beyond Celiac
Beyond Celiac, a leading celiac disease advocacy group, lists hard seltzers like White Claw as a gluten-free option, noting they are “usually made from cane sugar and fruit.” They also remind people to verify no gluten grains are listed in the ingredients.
Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
GIG, a leader in gluten-free certification, includes White Claw and other hard seltzers on their list of gluten-free beverages. They note most brands test at less than 10-15ppm of gluten.
So the major celiac disease and gluten sensitivity organizations accept hard seltzers like White Claw as safe gluten-free options. However, it’s still smart to check the ingredients and nutrition labels for any gluten sources before consuming.
Does White Claw Have Gluten-Free Certification?
While organizations like GIG list White Claw as gluten-free based on the ingredients and manufacturing, White Claw does not carry any official gluten-free certifications on its packaging or marketing materials.
There are a few independent organizations that provide gluten-free certification in the U.S, including:
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
- National Celiac Association Recognition Seal
Products bearing these seals have passed audits for less than 10ppm of gluten through testing and safe manufacturing procedures. White Claw does not display any of these certification seals.
Again, this lack of formal certification is likely related to the shared manufacturing facilities and not necessarily because the drinks contain gluten.
What About Other Hard Seltzers Like Truly, Bon & Viv, etc?
The main considerations for any hard seltzer are the ingredients and manufacturing process, which should be free of gluten grains. Leading brands like Truly and Bon & Viv are made with similar gluten-free ingredients as White Claw:
- Carbonated water
- Gluten-free alcohol from fermented sugar
- Fruit juice
- Natural flavors
- Cane sugar
These other hard seltzer brands also do not make gluten-free labeling claims but are generally considered safe for gluten-free diets based on their recipes. However, always check the ingredients and nutrition facts of any new seltzer products when in doubt.
Is White Claw Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
For people diagnosed with celiac disease, following a strictly gluten-free diet is crucial to manage symptoms and avoid complications. In general, most people with celiac disease can safely drink White Claw and other similar hard seltzers.
However, it’s a good idea to check with your gastroenterologist or celiac specialist when adding any new product like White Claw to your diet. People with celiac disease must be very careful about cross-contamination risks.
While the levels of gluten in White Claw test below 20ppm based on the ingredients and production, there is a small risk of trace amounts from manufacturing equipment. Your doctor can help you determine if hard seltzers will fit into your celiac disease diet and management plan.
Can You Drink White Claw on a Gluten-Free Diet?
For those following a gluten-free diet by choice or for mild gluten sensitivity, White Claw is generally considered a safe option. The ingredients contain no gluten sources, and independent organizations classify it as gluten-free.
That said, there is a slight chance of minimal cross-contamination from shared equipment that could affect extremely sensitive individuals. But for most gluten-free followers, White Claw can fit into a well-managed gluten-free lifestyle.
If you do choose to drink White Claw or other hard seltzers on a gluten-free diet, be sure to look out for potential reactions. Discontinue use if you notice any worrisome symptoms. As with any product, it comes down to individual factors and how your body reacts.
What About Drinking White Claw for an Allergy-Friendly Diet?
Beyond gluten, White Claw is also considered allergy-friendly for diets like dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, etc. White Claw contains no major food allergens.
However, those with severe allergies should note the “manufactured in a facility that processes…” warning for potential cross-contamination. This would also make White Claw unsuitable for a total allergen-free facility diet.
But for less life-threatening allergies or intolerances, White Claw is a good lower-calorie swap for allergy-friendly diets. Just verify the ingredients and nutrition facts before consuming.
Does White Claw Have Celiac-Friendly Nutrition Facts?
Here is a sample nutrition facts label for White Claw Black Cherry flavor:
| Serving Size | 1 can (12 fl oz / 355 ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Carbohydrates | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
With only 100 calories and 2 to 4 grams of carbs per can, White Claw is a light, refreshing gluten-free drink option. It fits into a celiac-friendly diet that is often lower in carbs. The lack of protein also minimizes exposure to peptides that could potentially cause immune reactions similar to gluten.
So based on the nutrition profile, White Claw can align well with nutritional needs for managing celiac disease. The convenience and variety of flavors makes it an appealing option when dining out or at social gatherings.
Is White Claw Safe During Pregnancy with Celiac Disease?
Pregnancy places higher nutritional demands on women with celiac disease. Consuming adequate calories and nutrients is crucial but so is avoiding gluten exposure for mom and baby.
Many doctors advise pregnant women with celiac disease to avoid alcohol altogether since potential risks are unknown. However, occasional light drinking of gluten-free seltzers like White Claw may be permitted. It’s smart to check with your OB-GYN about their recommendations on moderate alcohol intake.
If your doctor says a gluten-free hard seltzer like White Claw in moderation is okay, the lack of gluten-containing ingredients makes it a safe choice over beer or blended drinks with unknown gluten risks.
Does White Claw Have Other Intolerance-Friendly Options?
Beyond gluten, White Claw may fit into some other special diets because of the simple, low-ingredient recipe:
- Keto – The low 2-4g carbs work for ketogenic dieters.
- Paleo – Ingredients like carbonated water, fruit juice and cane sugar fit into the Paleo philosophy.
- FODMAP – The drinks are low FODMAP at 1g of fructose per serving.
- Vegan – There are no animal products used.
However, it’s wise to verify ingredients and nutrition as formulations can vary across White Claw products and flavors. Overall, the simplicity of the drinks makes White Claw one of the most intolerance-friendly spiked seltzer options.
Is White Claw Gluten-Free in Canada and Other Countries?
White Claw is currently made and sold primarily in the United States, where it meets domestic regulations for being gluten-free.
White Claw is also starting to be sold in Canada as of 2020. The Canadian formulations are made at separate facilities using a similar gluten-free recipe of seltzer water, alcohol from fermented sugar, fruit juice and natural flavors. These drinks would be safe for a gluten-free diet.
In other international markets, availability of White Claw is currently fairly limited. If you see White Claw sold abroad, check that the packaging does not list any gluten grain ingredients and the drinks are being produced locally rather than imported from the U.S. to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
The Bottom Line on White Claw and Gluten
Here is a summary of key points on whether White Claw hard seltzers are gluten-free and celiac-safe:
- White Claw contains no gluten ingredients like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- The alcohol comes from fermented sugar, not gluten grains.
- Independent health groups list it as a gluten-free beverage option.
- Facilities are shared, so there is a minimal risk of cross-contamination.
- There is no official “gluten-free” certification on the packaging.
- Most people on gluten-free diets can safely drink White Claw.
- Those with celiac disease should exercise caution and check with a doctor.
While not certified gluten-free, leading brands like White Claw are considered safe by most people who need to avoid gluten. But it’s always smart to verify ingredients and apply your own judgment based on your health needs and experience.