Coors hard seltzers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a refreshingly light and fizzy alcoholic beverage. With the rise of gluten-free diets and awareness of gluten sensitivity, many consumers want to know if Coors hard seltzer is gluten-free before buying it. As a low-calorie seltzer with fruit flavors, Coors hard seltzer seems like it should be safe for gluten-free diets. However, the gluten content of flavored malt beverages like hard seltzers can be tricky to determine conclusively. This article will examine what gluten is, how it relates to beer and malt beverages, analyze Coors’ statements about their hard seltzer’s gluten content, and provide tips for those seeking gluten-free alcoholic beverage options.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and other related grains. The two specific gluten proteins that cause issues for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are gliadin and glutenin. Gluten provides the stretchy, chewy texture in products made with wheat and other gluten-containing flours. It acts as a glue that holds baked goods together and gives elasticity to dough. Beyond baking, gluten can be found as a protein source in other processed foods, as well as some medications and vitamin supplements.
For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem and does not cause any digestive issues. However, for those with certain medical conditions like celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a range of uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms and complications. Those with gluten-related disorders must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to manage their conditions. This means avoiding foods and beverages that contain gluten, including many beer and malt beverage products.
Gluten in Beer
Traditional beer is made from the gluten-containing grains barley, wheat and rye, making most standard beers unsafe for those avoiding gluten. During the brewing process, the grains are malted and steeped in water to extract their starches and sugars. The starches are then converted into alcohol and carbonation through fermentation by brewer’s yeast. Although the gluten protein structures in finished beer may differ compared to bread or other baked goods, beers brewed in the traditional manner still contain gluten and are not considered gluten-free.
There are some specialty gluten-removed and gluten-reduced beer options that undergo additional processing to pull out or break down the gluten molecules, but they may still contain trace amounts of gluten. The only beers considered definitively gluten-free are those made from alternative grains like sorghum, buckwheat or rice instead of barley, wheat or rye. But because Coors hard seltzers are malt beverages based on a fermented malt base, we must look closely at the details of their production process to determine if they can be considered gluten-free.
Hard Seltzers and Malt Beverages
Unlike classic fermented and carbonated beers, most hard seltzers and flavored malt beverages start with a fermented malt base that is then diluted and flavored. The base normally contains gluten from barley or other gluten-containing grains. But the final gluten content depends on the level of dilution and processing of the finished beverage.
Hard seltzers like Coors are considered a type of flavored malt beverage. According to U.S regulations, a malt beverage must contain some percentage of malt – this is usually in the form of a fermented malt base. The alcohol content comes from fermenting this malt ingredient, not from adding distilled spirits like many mixed cocktails or coolers. Flavored malt beverages can have a wide range of alcohol content from around 3-12% ABV. Hard seltzers specifically are normally 4-6% ABV.
So while the classic hard seltzer style contains a gluten-derived malt base, the gluten content can vary greatly depending on the brewing process and how much the malt base is diluted and filtered before flavoring and carbonation. Testing is required to determine if the residual gluten is below the FDA limit of 20ppm to qualify as gluten-free.
Is Coors Hard Seltzer Gluten-Free?
On its website and product labeling, Coors does not claim that its hard seltzers are gluten-free. The variety 12-packs state that the beverages are “brewed with gluten-containing ingredients.” However, Coors indicates that the gluten content is below 10ppm, which they consider “gluten-free.” This language seems contradictory at first glance. So what do these statements from Coors actually mean in practice?
While Coors’ statements are somewhat vague, we can infer that:
- Coors hard seltzers do start with a malt base containing gluten.
- The malt base does undergo some degree of processing and filtration to remove gluten.
- The final beverage tests below 10ppm of gluten, per Coors’ internal standards.
However, Coors does not label or externally market their hard seltzers as gluten-free. This is likely because the starting ingredients clearly contain gluten, even though efforts are taken to remove gluten in the finished product. Some celiac disease and gluten sensitivity experts advise patients against consuming products with any detectable gluten due to potential reactions. People with extreme sensitivity react to much smaller amounts than 20ppm.
So while Coors’ hard seltzers likely test below FDA and internal limits for gluten, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution and check with a doctor before consuming. Those seeking gluten-free alcoholic beverages may prefer dedicated gluten-free brands made from alternative grains or distilled spirits with added flavors.
Testing Methodologies
Part of the ambiguity around products like Coors’ hard seltzers stems from differences in testing methodologies for gluten. No test can detect down to absolute zero gluten content. There are debates around the most accurate testing methods and safe threshold amounts for people with gluten disorders.
Here are some key considerations around gluten testing methods:
- The FDA limit for labeling foods “gluten-free” is 20ppm of gluten.
- Some brands aim for below 10ppm or 5ppm to increase safety margins.
- Testing methodologies have different precision thresholds. ELISA tests detect down to 3-5ppm, while R5 ELISA tests detect down to 5-10ppm.
- There are debates over which antibodies bind most reliably to identify harmful gluten proteins.
- Gluten levels in individual batches may fluctuate slightly around the target threshold.
These testing complexities mean products with gluten removed may show variable results between different labs or methods. While Coors states its hard seltzers test below 10ppm, the exact amounts could vary somewhat batch to batch. Those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet should consider their individual tolerance thresholds when choosing products that achieve “gluten-free” status through extensive processing and filtration after starting with gluten-containing ingredients.
Other Alcoholic Beverages to Consider
For those adhering to a gluten-free diet and seeking alcoholic beverage options, there are some varieties to consider beyond processed gluten-removed beers:
- Gluten-Free Beer Brands: Beers marketed as gluten-free use ingredients like sorghum, buckwheat, rice or corn instead of barley malt. Some popular gluten-free beer brands include Glutenberg, Ghostfish, Ground Breaker, and New Grist.
- Wine and Champagne: Most wines and champagnes are gluten-free, with exceptions for some flavored varieties or wines that use barley-based fining agents. Check labels for gluten-containing ingredients.
- Ciders: Most hard ciders are gluten-free, since they are fermented from apples, pears or other fruit rather than gluten grains. But malt-based additives may be used in some flavored ciders, so check labels.
- Distilled Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey and other distilled spirits are generally gluten-free. But those with added flavorings like citrus or spices should be checked for glutenous ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Liqueurs: Some liqueurs naturally gluten-free include Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua, Campari and Chambord. Flavored liqueurs with gluten-free labeling are also available.
With proper research and by reading labels, those avoiding gluten have many alcohol options to enjoy safely. For maximal caution, celiac patients may want to stick to brands with dedicated gluten-free production and avoid products derived from gluten grains. When in doubt, look for gluten testing certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
The Verdict on Coors Hard Seltzer
Based on the available information from Coors and analysis of testing methodologies, their hard seltzers likely contain very low gluten levels. However, Coors does not label or market their hard seltzers as certified gluten-free. Their carefully worded statements acknowledge the seltzers are “brewed with gluten-containing ingredients” yet test below 10ppm of gluten in the final product. This ambiguity means those with celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity should exercise caution and consult their doctor before consuming Coors hard seltzers. Gluten-free labeled alcoholic beverages remain the safest options for those strictly avoiding gluten.
Tips for Avoiding Gluten in Alcoholic Beverages
Here are some best practices for choosing gluten-free alcoholic beverages:
- Check labels for mentions of “gluten-free” or problematic grains like barley, rye or wheat.
- Research brand processes and production details for gluten-free claims.
- Look for “Certified Gluten-Free” seals from reputable third-party testers.
- Ask bartenders & servers about drink ingredients and preparation processes.
- Opt for pure distilled spirits with 100% fruit juices or other gluten-free mixers.
- Know which beers & liquors are reliably gluten-free based on ingredients.
- Communicate gluten intolerance & handle drinks carefully to avoid cross-contact.
Following these best practices requires some extra diligence but provides more confidence in choosing beverages that fit a gluten-free diet. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always prioritize their health and safety when making food and drink choices.
Conclusion
Hard seltzers like Coors provide a popular refreshingly light drink option. But the gluten content of flavored malt beverages falls into a gray area between classic gluten-containing beer and definitively gluten-free alternatives. While Coors likely strives to minimize gluten in their hard seltzers through processing and filtration, the starting ingredients and ambiguity around testing methodology mean gluten cannot be definitively ruled out. Those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet should exercise caution with beverages derived from gluten-containing grains, even if minimal gluten levels are stated. Opting for dedicated gluten-free alcohols remains the safest choice. But with proper research and label reading, many great-tasting gluten-free drink choices are available to choose from while dining out or relaxing at home.
