Quick Answer
No, Angry Orchard hard cider is not made with wheat. Angry Orchard is made from apples and does not contain any gluten ingredients like wheat. The entire Angry Orchard hard cider line is gluten-free.
Ingredients in Angry Orchard
The main ingredients in Angry Orchard hard cider are apple juice, cane sugar, and yeast. Some flavors also contain natural fruit flavors and citric acid. Angry Orchard uses a special yeast strain that allows the cider to ferment without barley or wheat.
Here are the key ingredients found in Angry Orchard hard ciders:
- Apple juice – The juice provides the base apple flavor.
- Cane sugar – A small amount of cane sugar helps feed the yeast.
- Yeast – Angry Orchard uses a gluten-free yeast strain.
- Natural fruit flavors – Some varieties like Crisp Apple and Rose have added fruit flavors.
- Citric acid – Provides tartness in flavors like Green Apple.
Notably absent from the ingredient list is any type of gluten ingredient like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Why Angry Orchard is Gluten-Free
Traditional hard ciders are made using barley or wheat to help convert the apple sugars into alcohol during the fermentation process. The gluten proteins found in these grains can cause issues for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Angry Orchard was specially formulated to be a gluten-free cider. Instead of using gluten-containing grains, Angry Orchard uses a gluten-free yeast strain that can ferment the apple juice into hard cider effectively without barley or wheat.
This proprietary yeast allows Angry Orchard to be produced in a gluten-free facility without risk of cross-contamination from gluten ingredients.
Testing for Gluten
In addition to not actively using any gluten ingredients, Angry Orchard also regularly tests their products to ensure no detectable traces of gluten.
According to their website, Angry Orchard states:
“All our cider, including all our styles, are gluten-free. We perform gluten testing on finished products across our portfolio several times per year to ensure our Ciders come in below the FDA standard of less than 20ppm for gluten-free labeling.”
This rigorous testing gives consumers confidence that Angry Orchard truly is a gluten-free cider option.
Nutrition Facts for Angry Orchard
Examining the nutrition label and ingredients list on a bottle or can of Angry Orchard confirms the lack of wheat, barley and other gluten-containing ingredients.
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 12oz serving of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple hard cider:
| Nutrition Facts | 12oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
With 0g of protein and no ingredients like wheat, barley or malt listed, this cider clearly does not contain gluten.
Angry Orchard Varieties
Angry Orchard produces a number of different hard cider varieties and flavors that are all gluten-free, including:
- Crisp Apple – The classic Angry Orchard flavor
- Green Apple – Tart and crisp green apple flavor
- Pear – Sweet, mellow pear flavor
- Hop’n Mad Apple – A touch of hops adds bitterness
- Elderflower – Floral elderflower balances the apple
- Rose – Apple with hibiscus and rose petals
- Cinnamon Apple Pie – Tastes like apple pie in a can
- Old Fashioned – Traditional style Apple cider
In addition to these varied flavors, Angry Orchard also produces some seasonals in the fall and winter like Apple Crisp and Baked Apple. All the flavors and varieties under the Angry Orchard brand are formulated to be gluten-free using their proprietary process.
Is All Hard Cider Gluten-Free?
While Angry Orchard cider is gluten-free, not all hard ciders on the market are safe for people avoiding gluten.
Many traditional hard ciders still use gluten-containing ingredients like wheat or barley during production. The only way to know for sure is to check the brand’s website or contact them directly to understand their gluten status.
Some other examples of gluten-free hard cider brands include:
- Ace Pineapple Cider
- Bold Rock Hard Cider
- Crispin Hard Cider
- Woodchuck Hard Cider
- JK’s Scrumpy Cider
However, there are also many hard ciders made with gluten ingredients so it’s important to research brands individually.
Is Angry Orchard Safe for Celiacs?
Angry Orchard is considered safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Since it does not contain any wheat, barley or rye, there is no gluten present that could cause issues or damage to the digestive system.
Many celiacs report drinking Angry Orchard with no adverse reactions. However, it’s still important to check the gluten testing results regularly just to be safe in case recipes or processes change.
Some individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities may still react poorly to Angry Orchard despite the lack of gluten. This could potentially be due to:
- Trace amounts of gluten falling below 20ppm threshold
- A sensitivity to apples or other ingredients
- Cross-contamination during production or bottling
So even though Angry Orchard actively avoids gluten, celiacs should take care when first trying it and stop drinking it if any symptoms develop.
Drinking Angry Orchard on a Gluten-Free Diet
Angry Orchard is an excellent gluten-free option for those following a strict gluten-free diet, whether for medical reasons or by choice. It can be enjoyed safely since it does not contain barley, wheat, rye or malt.
Here are some tips for enjoying Angry Orchard on a gluten-free diet:
- Check the label – Make sure it says “gluten-free” and watch for new flavors
- Look for gluten certification symbols – Angry Orchard displays the GFCO gluten-free symbol
- Ask about preparation if at a bar/restaurant – Ensure proper glassware washing protocols
- Contact company with any questions – They can provide the latest testing results
- Drink in moderation – Hard cider still contains alcohol so drink responsibly
With a wide range of delicious gluten-free flavors, Angry Orchard is a fantastic cider option to keep around for backyard barbecues, parties or anytime you want a refreshing cider.
Are There Any Wheat Flavored Angry Orchard?
No, there are currently no Angry Orchard flavors that contain wheat or have a wheat-flavor profile. Every cider produced under the Angry Orchard brand is formulated to be gluten-free.
Some flavors may have hint of grain, like the Angry Orchard Old Fashioned which has an oak-aged taste. But this flavor is achieved without using any actual wheat or gluten grains.
While Angry Orchard may produce experimental flavors with wheat, these would not be labeled as gluten-free or marketed under their flagship Angry Orchard brand. Only the certified gluten-free ciders display the Angry Orchard name and logo.
Can Angry Orchard Cause Gluten Symptoms?
Because Angry Orchard hard ciders are produced without gluten and are subject to rigorous testing, they should not directly cause symptoms for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
However, some individuals report reacting poorly to Angry Orchard despite the lack of gluten. There are a few potential reasons for this:
- Gluten present below 20ppm threshold – Small amounts may cause issues for extremely sensitive
- Cross-contamination – Could occur during production, bottling or serving
- Nocebo effect – Psychological response triggers symptoms
- Other ingredients – Some may have sensitivities to apples, yeast, etc that causes symptoms
- Alcohol – Does not directly cause gluten reactions but alcohol can exacerbate issues
So while Angry Orchard is considered gluten-free, there is still a small chance it could result in adverse reactions for those highly sensitive. Stop drinking it if symptoms develop.
Is Angry Orchard Safe for Wheat Allergies?
Yes, Angry Orchard is safe for those with a wheat allergy. Since it contains no wheat ingredients, Angry Orchard poses no risk of an allergic reaction.
The only exception would potentially be a situation where Angry Orchard came into contact with wheat through cross-contamination. But extensive precautions are taken to prevent this.
Of course, anyone with a wheat allergy should still check the label carefully, inquire about production protocols before consuming and stop drinking it if any allergy symptoms manifest.
But overall Angry Orchard can be considered safe for wheat allergies given the lack of wheat content. Those with a wheat allergy can feel comfortable enjoying Angry Orchard hard ciders.
Does Angry Orchard Have Gluten?
No, Angry Orchard hard cider does not contain any gluten. All varieties produced under the Angry Orchard brand are formulated to be gluten-free using apples, sugar, and a proprietary yeast strain instead of gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley.
Extensive testing consistently shows Angry Orchard ciders measure below 20ppm of gluten, the FDA threshold for claiming gluten-free status. The lack of gluten makes Angry Orchard a safe option for those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or sensitivity.
Angry Orchard displays the “gluten-free” label clearly on their packaging and online so consumers can easily identify it as a gluten-free choice. Those avoiding gluten can feel at ease enjoying the varied flavors of Angry Orchard cider.
Does Angry Orchard Have Barley?
No, Angry Orchard does not contain barley. Traditional hard ciders often use barley as part of the fermentation process, but Angry Orchard omits it as a gluten-free brand.
The gluten protein found in barley can cause issues for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance which is why barley is avoided.
Instead of barley, Angry Orchard utilizes a specialized yeast that allows the cider to ferment from apple juice into alcohol without needing gluten grains. This yeast is what makes the Angry Orchard ciders gluten-free and barley-free.
Angry Orchard actively tests for barley with results non-detectable. So you can feel confident that Angry Orchard is barley-free and does not pose a risk for those sensitive to gluten or barley.
Is Angry Orchard Made in a Facility with Wheat?
No, Angry Orchard hard ciders are not made in facilities that also process wheat. The cidery producing Angry Orchard avoids gluten grains like wheat altogether as part of their commitment to being a gluten-free brand.
Facilities that product both gluten-containing and gluten-free products have a high risk of cross-contamination through shared equipment, airborne particles, and employees neglecting proper protocols.
To eliminate this risk, the Angry Orchard cidery maintains a completely gluten-free operation from raw ingredients through bottling. No wheat or barley are allowed on premises.
Extensive sanitation and employee training helps ensure no stray gluten could make its way into the Angry Orchard ciders. Consumers sensitive to gluten can feel reassured that Angry Orchard avoids facilities handling wheat or other gluten grains during production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Angry Orchard hard cider does not contain wheat and is considered gluten-free. The cider is produced using apple juice, cane sugar, natural flavors and a gluten-free yeast without any barley, wheat, rye or malt.
Regular laboratory testing confirms that Angry Orchard tests below 20ppm for gluten. The company also avoids facilities that handle wheat and other gluten grains to prevent any chance of cross-contamination.
However, a small number of drinkers report experiencing gluten-like symptoms after drinking Angry Orchard. This could potentially be due to trace gluten, other ingredients or a nocebo effect.
Overall, Angry Orchard can be considered safe for those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease, wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity. But it’s still smart to check labels for new flavors and exercise caution when first trying it.
