Liquid IV is a popular electrolyte drink mix that aims to help people hydrate quickly. It contains essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12. While Liquid IV can be helpful for hydration, an important question for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is – does Liquid IV contain gluten?
The Short Answer
The short answer is that standard Liquid IV products are labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer. However, their facilities are not guaranteed gluten-free, so there is a small chance of cross-contamination.
About Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can be problematic.
According to the FDA, foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For context, one slice of bread can contain anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 ppm of gluten. Therefore, 20 ppm is considered a negligible amount.
Liquid IV’s Gluten-Free Label
On Liquid IV’s website, their products are labeled “gluten-free.” This means Liquid IV has been tested to verify it meets the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten.
However, those who are highly sensitive should note that the label states their facilities are not guaranteed gluten-free. There is a chance of cross-contamination from other products made in the facility that do contain gluten.
Ingredients in Liquid IV
The main ingredients in Liquid IV’s original formula are:
- Water
- Dextrose
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Dextrose is derived from corn. The vitamins are likely synthetic or fermented, rather than wheat-derived.
Testing for Gluten Content
Liquid IV states that all their products undergo testing to verify gluten levels are below 20 ppm, in compliance with FDA standards:
“All Liquid I.V. products are tested for gluten to meet the FDA requirements for gluten-free certification. Every batch is third-party tested to ensure it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten before leaving our facilities.”
While testing can help provide assurance of the gluten content, it’s not a guarantee due to potential cross-contamination. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use their own judgment when deciding whether to consume the product.
Cross-Contamination Risk
While Liquid IV tests their products to ensure gluten levels are under 20 ppm, their facilities are not guaranteed gluten-free. Here is the statement on their website:
“Although our products are tested to be below 20ppm, our facilities are not certified gluten free and cross-contamination is possible.”
Liquid IV produces a variety of drink mixes, including some that do contain gluten. For example, their Immune Support Lemon Ginger and Beauty Liquid Collagen products both contain wheat grass juice powder.
Because of this, there is a chance of trace gluten being introduced through shared machinery, storage tanks, or packaging lines. The risk may be very low, but not zero.
Precautions for Gluten-Free Consumers
Here are some precautions those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can take with Liquid IV products:
- Check the label each time you purchase, as formulations can change. Ensure it is labeled gluten-free.
- Carefully inspect packaging for any signs of damage or potential contamination.
- Consider contacting the company directly to ask about testing and policies if highly sensitive.
- Start with a small serving to see how your body reacts before consuming larger amounts.
- Have gluten detection kits on hand to test servings if desired.
Third Party Testing
Some sources report that Liquid IV’s products have been third-party tested for gluten by organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group. However, I could not find details on specific testing protocols or results.
One consumer did receive an email from Liquid IV stating their products are tested to below 5 ppm gluten rather than 20 ppm. But this lower threshold has not been publicly verified.
Comparison to Other Hydration Drinks
Liquid IV is not the only electrolyte drink mix on the market. How does it compare to other options for those avoiding gluten?
Pedialyte
Pedialyte is labeled gluten-free to under 20 ppm. However, their facilities also have the risk of cross-contamination. So Pedialyte would be considered similar to Liquid IV in terms of gluten content.
Gatorade
Gatorade’s facilities are not gluten-free either. Products are tested to ensure gluten levels are below 20 ppm. Risk of exposure would be low but not zero.
Ultima Replenisher
Ultima states their products are manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility and independently lab tested to under 5 ppm gluten. So risk of cross-contamination with Ultima would be even lower than Liquid IV.
DripDrop ORS
DripDrop ORS products are certified gluten-free to under 20 ppm by GFCO. Their facilities also appear to be entirely gluten-free based on label statements. So DripDrop would likely be the safest choice for avoiding cross-contamination.
Contacting the Company
For those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive, it may be best to contact Liquid IV directly to understand their testing procedures and policies. Speaking to a customer service representative could help provide more transparency on the risk of cross-contamination.
You can reach their customer service by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-210-6453.
Should You Consume Liquid IV?
Whether or not to consume Liquid IV is a personal decision that depends on your sensitivity level and risk comfort. Here are some factors to consider:
- Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can likely tolerate the small risk of cross-contamination. Starting with a low dose is recommended.
- People with celiac disease need to be very strict about gluten exposure. The potential for cross-contamination may make Liquid IV too risky in this case.
- If you have reacted to other products labeled gluten-free but produced in facilities at risk for cross-contamination, it’s best to avoid Liquid IV as well.
- If you are highly sensitive, you may want to opt for a drink mix made in a dedicated gluten-free facility instead.
As with any product, it’s ultimately up to each individual to determine their level of comfort with potential gluten exposure from cross-contamination.
The Bottom Line
In summary, here are the key points on gluten in Liquid IV:
- Liquid IV products are labeled gluten-free and tested to under 20 ppm gluten.
- However, their facilities are not guaranteed gluten-free, so cross-contamination is possible.
- Ingredients do not contain gluten, but other products made in the facility do.
- Risk is likely low but not zero if you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive.
- Checking with the company directly can help provide more transparency.
- Those with celiac disease may prefer a drink mix made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
While the bulk of the evidence suggests Liquid IV products contain very little gluten, there are safer options for those who are highly sensitive or have celiac disease. Speaking to your doctor can help weigh the potential risks and benefits if you are considering using Liquid IV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liquid IV certified gluten-free?
No, Liquid IV products are labeled gluten-free but the facilities are not certified gluten-free. There is a chance of cross-contamination.
What ingredients contain gluten?
Based on the ingredient labels, none of the ingredients in Liquid IV’s original formula contain gluten. However, cross-contamination could potentially occur.
Is Liquid IV safe for celiacs?
Liquid IV is likely safe for most with non-celiac gluten sensitivity if consumed in moderation. But for those with celiac disease, even small amounts of cross-contamination can trigger symptoms and damage. There are safer options made in dedicated facilities.
Does Liquid IV test for gluten?
Yes, Liquid IV states that all products undergo third-party testing to verify gluten content below 20 ppm in compliance with FDA standards. However, testing cannot guarantee zero contamination.
Is Liquid IV hypoallergenic?
Liquid IV is not certified hypoallergenic. While major allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy are not ingredients, the risk of trace contamination exists.
Does Liquid IV have vitamin D?
No, Liquid IV’s original formula does not contain vitamin D. Some of their other product lines do include vitamin D, such as the Immunity and Energy Multi-Vitamin mixes.
Conclusion
Liquid IV aims to provide gluten-free products to those who need them. However, the risk of trace gluten exposure from cross-contamination means it may not be suitable for all.
Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive to gluten likely have safer options to choose from. But for many with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Liquid IV can be tolerated in moderation when following basic precautions.
As with any product, it’s best to assess your individual risk factors and comfort level when making a decision. Speaking with a doctor and contacting the manufacturer directly can provide helpful guidance.
