Quick Answer
Yes, all Downeast Cider products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Downeast Cider uses apples as the base for all their ciders and does not add any gluten-containing ingredients. The cider production facilities are also certified gluten-free environments. So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely consume Downeast Ciders.
What is Downeast Cider?
Downeast Cider is a cider company founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2011. They use fresh-pressed apples from New England orchards to make their ciders.
Downeast Cider aims to “reinvigorate America’s cider heritage” by producing high-quality, craft ciders. Their ciders are unfiltered and contain no concentrate. They use a slow fermentation process and avoid adding sulfites. This results in ciders that are flavorful with apple aromas and notes.
Downeast produces a variety of cider styles and flavors. Their core ciders include:
- Original Blend – A semi-dry cider.
- Cranberry Blend – The original cider blended with cranberry juice.
- Pineapple Blend – The original cider with pineapple.
- Hard Honey Cider – Cider blended with honey for added sweetness.
- Hard Ginger Cider – The original cider with ginger.
They also produce limited small batch and seasonal ciders. Some examples are Blueberry Blend, Pumpkin Blend, Maple Blend, and Winter Blend.
In addition to cider, Downeast produces hard iced teas, hard lemonades, and hard seltzers. Their products are distributed to over 15 states, primarily in New England and the mid-Atlantic regions.
Are Apples and Apple Cider Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, apples and apple cider made solely from apples contain no gluten.
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a “glue” to help foods maintain their shape. Apples are a fruit, not a grain. So they do not naturally contain gluten.
The gluten-free status of apple cider depends on the ingredients and production process:
- Apple cider made exclusively from pressed apples is gluten-free.
- Apple cider with added flavors, spices, or other ingredients containing gluten is not gluten-free.
- Apple cider processed on equipment that also handles gluten-containing grains may be cross-contaminated.
So pure, unadulterated apple cider that is produced in a gluten-free facility is gluten-free.
Is All Downeast Cider Certified Gluten-Free?
Yes, Downeast Cider is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an organization that provides gluten-free certification and education.
The GIG’s certification program entails:
- Review of the facility and all ingredients to ensure a gluten-free environment.
- Product testing to verify gluten levels below 10ppm.
- Ongoing inspections and periodic product testing.
Downeast Cider’s website states all their products are GIG certified gluten-free. They avoid using ingredients or processes that could introduce gluten.
The GIG certification provides assurance that Downeast Cider products contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease or sensitivity.
Do Any Downeast Cider Ingredients Contain Gluten?
No, Downeast does not use any gluten-containing ingredients in their ciders based on their website and GIG certification.
The main ingredients in Downeast Ciders are:
- Apples – Gluten-free
- Cane Sugar – Gluten-free
- Fruit Juices – Gluten-free
- Natural Flavors – Typically gluten-free
- Yeast – Gluten-free
For the fruit ciders, the specific fruits used are also naturally gluten-free. These include cranberries, pineapples, blueberries, ginger, lemons, and pumpkins.
Downeast avoids using any gluten-containing grains like barley or wheat. Their hard seltzers are made from cane sugar and fruit flavors rather than grains.
So all Downeast ciders are produced without gluten-containing ingredients.
Are Downeast Facilities and Equipment Gluten-Free?
Yes, Downeast Cider operates dedicated gluten-free facilities and equipment as part of their GIG certification.
Their ciders are produced, fermented, filtered, and packaged at their facility in Boston. This entire facility is maintained as a gluten-free environment.
Downeast also sources their apples from dedicated orchards that only grow and harvest apples. These gluten-free apples are then pressed into juice at separate pressing facilities.
The equipment used for milling, pressing, fermenting, filtering, and bottling the cider is thoroughly cleaned to prevent gluten cross-contamination.
Dedicated gluten-free facilities and equipment help ensure Downeast ciders remain below 10ppm of gluten.
Can You Trust the Gluten-Free Label on Downeast Ciders?
Downeast’s gluten-free label and GIG certification provide a high degree of assurance their ciders are safe for gluten-free diets.
You can trust the gluten-free status of Downeast Ciders for several reasons:
- All ingredients and processes are reviewed to ensure no gluten.
- Facilities and equipment are dedicated gluten-free.
- Finished products are tested to verify under 10 ppm of gluten.
- Ongoing inspections confirm gluten-free processes are followed.
- GIG certification requires consistent gluten-free production.
Additionally, Downeast clearly labels their ciders as “Certified Gluten-Free” and provides the GIG logo on their website and some product labels.
They state a commitment to producing gluten-free ciders using quality processes. There are no warnings about the potential for cross-contamination.
With Downeast’s rigorous production methods and GIG certification, the gluten-free labels can be considered highly reliable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Does Downeast Cider Have a Gluten-Free Warning?
No, Downeast Cider does not provide any advisory warnings about gluten or potential cross-contamination on their website or products.
Many gluten-free companies will state a product is “processed in a facility that also processes wheat/gluten” or similar disclaimers.
Downeast does not provide any such warnings. This indicates their entire production process from apple pressing to bottling occurs in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
The lack of gluten-related advisories provides further assurance of the absence of gluten in Downeast ciders. Those with celiac disease or sensitivity can feel comfortable consuming Downeast products based on their gluten-free verification processes.
Can You Buy Downeast Cider in Gluten-Free Beer Sections?
Downeast Cider may be sold in some gluten-free beer sections, but many stores do not designate separate sections. Gluten-free ciders and beers are often simply integrated with conventional products.
Some grocery and liquor stores have started creating specialty shelves for gluten-free alcohol products. In these set-apart displays, you may find Downeast sold alongside gluten-removed and low-gluten beers.
But even without segregated shelves, all Downeast Cider varieties should be gluten-free throughout the store. Check the Downeast website for where to buy their ciders in your area. Contact the store directly if uncertain whether the products are fully gluten-free.
When in doubt, look for the Certified Gluten-Free logo on Downeast Cider packaging for added assurance.
What Do Downeast Reviews Say About Gluten Content?
Based on consumer reviews, most Downeast Cider drinkers recognize and appreciate that the ciders are gluten-free.
Many reviews on sites like Total Wine and Target specifically praise Downeast as a gluten-free cider option. Several reviews mention Downeast being one of the few gluten-free ciders that actually tastes good.
Some reviewers note with appreciation that Downeast Cider does not contain barley like many beers. Customers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance express appreciation for the gluten-free certification.
A few reviews do warn about the potential for cross-contamination. But the majority describe Downeast Cider as safe and delicious for gluten-free diets.
The consumer reviews corroborate that Downeast Cider is gluten-free and suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Does Downeast Have Any Gluten Contamination Warnings?
No, Downeast does not publish any warnings about possible gluten cross-contamination on their website, product labels, or point-of-sale materials.
Many gluten-free companies include disclaimers stating their products are:
- “Made in a facility that also processes wheat/gluten products.”
- “Made on shared equipment that processes gluten.”
- “May contain trace amounts of gluten.”
However, Downeast provides no such cautionary statements. This indicates their entire cider making process occurs in a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Downeast’s lack of contamination disclaimers gives added assurance their ciders are safe for gluten-free diets. If any potential for cross-contact existed, Downeast would be ethically obligated to provide warnings.
Can Celiacs Drink Downeast Cider?
Yes, people with celiac disease can safely consume Downeast ciders based on the company’s rigorous procedures to avoid gluten.
Those with celiac disease must maintain a strict gluten-free diet with no detectable gluten. Downeast ciders are produced without gluten-containing ingredients in facilities and equipment that exclude gluten.
Finished ciders are also tested to guarantee less than 10 ppm of gluten. This is far below the 20 ppm maximum for foods labeled “gluten-free” in the United States.
Downeast’s commitment to producing authentic gluten-free ciders is further validated by their GIG certification. Ongoing testing and audits ensure consistent adherence to strict gluten-free standards.
So the Downeast brand can be considered a very low-risk option for those requiring a gluten-free diet for medical reasons like celiac disease.
Is Downeast Cider Safe for Gluten Sensitivity?
Yes, Downeast Ciders are considered safe for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity based on their diligent gluten-free production methods.
Those with gluten sensitivity can often tolerate trace amounts of gluten. But Downeast Ciders are still a smart choice because all detectable gluten is eliminated through:
- Use of gluten-free ingredients
- Dedicated gluten-free equipment and facilities
- Extensive finished product testing
- Ongoing audits for compliance
So while gluten sensitivity may allow for some minimal gluten cross-contact, Downeast Ciders are still produced well below any levels that would cause issues.
Drinking Downeast can help limit gluten exposure for those with sensitivity. And the gluten-free label provides peace of mind.
Is Downeast Cider Safe on a Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes, all Downeast Cider products can be safely incorporated into a gluten-free diet.
Downeast ciders meet the requirements for a gluten-free diet:
- Made without gluten-containing ingredients
- Processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities
- Rigorously tested to ensure no detectable gluten
- Third-party certified as gluten-free
Downeast Ciders provide an option for variety and flavor within a gluten-free diet. Those adhering to a gluten-free diet for medical or lifestyle reasons can feel confident consuming Downeast products.
Checking for the Certified Gluten-Free logo on Downeast Ciders can make identifying safe options quick and easy while shopping. Gluten-free shoppers can trust the integrity of the Downeast brand.
Does Downeast Cider Have Gluten-Free Certification?
Yes, Downeast Cider is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an organization focused on gluten-free education, advocacy, and product certification.
The GIG audits Downeast facilities, procedures, and products to ensure compliance with strict gluten-free standards. Certification requires that Downeast Ciders contain less than 10ppm of gluten from start to finish.
Downeast displays the GIG’s Certified Gluten-Free logo on their website and some product packaging. The recognizable GIG logo provides added assurance at a glance.
Third-party certification from GIG verifies Downeast’s own gluten-free claims and provides transparency for consumers. The certification process validates the safety of Downeast Ciders for gluten-free lifestyles.
Should You Trust Downeast Cider for Gluten Allergies?
Downeast Cider undergoes thorough gluten-free verification procedures, so their products can be considered trustworthy for people with gluten allergies and intolerances.
Those with gluten allergies must be especially vigilant about cross-contamination. But Downeast’s combination of:
- Dedicated facilities and equipment
- Extensive ingredient and product testing
- Third-party auditing and certification
…provides a high degree of assurance that gluten is eliminated from their ciders.
No warnings about the potential for gluten exposure are provided either. So Downeast Cider can be trusted as a safe option by those with serious gluten issues.
Of course, individuals should first try a small serving to assess tolerance. But Downeast follows industry best practices to avoid gluten throughout their cider making process.
Can You Buy Individual Downeast Cider Brands Gluten-Free?
Yes, all individual Downeast Cider product lines and flavors are gluten-free. This includes:
- Original Blend
- Cranberry Blend
- Pineapple Blend
- Blueberry Blend
- Hard Iced Tea
- Hard Lemonade
- Hard Seltzer
- Seasonal Blends
No matter which specific Downeast Cider you choose, from their core ciders to limited editions, they are all certified gluten-free.
Downeast uses shared facilities, equipment, ingredients, and procedures for their entire product range. So everything produced under their brand is subject to the same rigorous gluten-free controls and standards.
Individual Downeast ciders will all display a Certified Gluten-Free logo for added assurance as well. You can buy any Downeast varietal with confidence in its gluten-free status.
Is All Downeast Cider Gluten-Free?
Yes, Downeast has verified through extensive testing and audits that all their cider products are gluten-free. The entire Downeast brand and product line is gluten-free based on:
- Use of naturally gluten-free ingredients like apples, fruit juices, sugar, and spices
- Dedicated gluten-free facilities and equipment
- Careful sanitation procedures
- Rigorous finished product testing showing no detectable gluten
- Ongoing inspections to ensure compliant processes
- Third-party certification by the GIG
No matter which cider, flavor, or seasonal variety – the Downeast brand offers only gluten-free ciders. Their commitment to gluten-free production means you can choose any Downeast Cider with confidence.
Conclusion
Downeast Cider takes extensive measures to provide authentic, safe gluten-free ciders. Their entire production process from apple pressing to bottling occurs free from gluten exposure.
The use of certified gluten-free facilities and ingredients, thorough finished product testing, and third-party auditing gives Downeast Cider strong gluten-free credibility.
Those adhering to gluten-free diets for medical reasons like celiac disease, as well as lifestyle choices, can feel comfortable consuming all Downeast Cider varieties. So yes, all Downeast Cider products are certified gluten-free.