Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those following a gluten-free diet, checking labels and doing research before consuming new products is essential to avoid accidentally ingesting gluten. One popular beverage that often raises questions is Corona Refresca, a line of flavored malt beverages from the makers of Corona beer.
What is Corona Refresca?
Corona Refresca is a line of tropical flavored malt beverages made by Constellation Brands, the company behind Corona beer and other popular alcohol brands. Introduced in the United States in 2018, Corona Refresca comes in three flavors – Passionfruit Lime, Coconut Lime, and Guava Lime. The beverages are 4.5% alcohol by volume and marketed as “premium spiked refresher” drinks.
Unlike traditional beers, Corona Refresca does not contain barley or wheat. Instead, it is made from cane sugar, flavors, and fermented corn. The alcohol is derived from the fermentation process rather than being distilled and added after like a flavored malt beverage. Constellation Brands classifies Corona Refresca as a “flavored malt beverage.”
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and other related grains. It acts as a glue that helps food maintain its shape and texture. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune response that damages the small intestine.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding foods and beverages containing gluten. Even small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can cause issues. Following a gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease at this time.
Does Corona Refresca Contain Gluten?
The primary ingredients in Corona Refresca – cane sugar, flavors, and fermented corn – are gluten-free. However, many people wonder if cross-contamination with gluten grains during production or the “malt” in the “flavored malt beverage” name means Corona Refresca contains gluten.
According to Constellation Brands, Corona Refresca is gluten-free. The fermented corn and sugarcane bases for the beverages do not contain gluten. The company’s frequently asked questions website states:
“Corona Refresca is gluten-free. Corona Refresca is fermented from cane sugar and glutens free grains. There are no gluten containing ingredients in Corona Refresca.”
The term “malt beverage” refers to the alcohol being derived from the fermentation process of a grain base rather than being distilled. It does not indicate the use of barley or wheat malts that contain gluten. Corona Refresca achieves its alcohol content through fermented corn, not gluten grains.
Certifications and Testing
Corona Refresca does not currently carry any independent gluten-free certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or Coeliac UK. However, the lack of certification does not necessarily indicate that the beverages contain gluten.
Obtaining gluten-free certification involves rigorous testing and auditing processes to ensure facilities and procedures prevent cross-contamination. The costs and efforts associated with this level of third-party testing may be prohibitive for some companies, especially larger corporations producing many different products.
Constellation Brands conducts its own quality control measures and states Corona Refresca contains no detectable gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or sensitivity should use their best judgment when deciding whether to consume the beverage based on the company’s assurances.
Other Factors to Consider
When determining if a product like Corona Refresca is safe, those following gluten-free diets must consider more than just the core ingredients. Factors like shared production equipment, bottling processes, and potential for cross-contamination must also be evaluated.
Constellation Brands produces many malt beverages and beers that do contain gluten. However, the company states Corona Refresca is produced in a separate area of their facility from other products and that all equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs.
Bottling processes can also introduce opportunities for cross-contamination. Corona Refresca’s bottles are sealed, minimizing the chances of gluten exposure during bottling. Some ready to drink beverages use cartons, which due to the glue on the packaging may carry higher cross-contamination risks.
Individual Tolerances and Decisions
In the end, the decision of whether a product like Corona Refresca is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity comes down to individual factors. Levels of sensitivity, severity of reactions, and comfort with company assurances rather than independent certification can all play a role.
Those who experience minor symptoms from trace exposures may feel comfortable consuming Corona Refresca based on Constellation Brands’ statements of no gluten-containing ingredients and dedicated production processes. For those highly sensitive or at risk of severe reactions, the lack of independent certification may make the potential for cross-contamination too uncertain to risk consuming it.
Each person must review the available information for Corona Refresca’s production and decide based on their individual health history and risk factors. Being informed and thoughtful when making these choices is important for both health and peace of mind.
Try an Alternative?
If giving up Corona Refresca entirely seems disappointing, there are some alternative gluten-free malt beverages to consider trying. Brands like Omission and Glutenberg use gluten-free grains like millet, sorghum, buckwheat, and rice in their fermentation process and have gluten-free certification from reputable third-party organizations.
There are also many gluten-free ready to drink cocktails, ciders, seltzers, and even craft beers available produced from entirely gluten-free ingredients and often carrying third-party certifications. With more gluten-free options on the market than ever, people following gluten-free diets have many safer choices for flavored alcoholic beverages.
The Bottom Line
Based on its ingredients and the statements from Constellation Brands, Corona Refresca appears to be gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, the lack of independent certification leaves a level of uncertainty that some individuals may not feel comfortable with.
Each person must weigh the potential risks and benefits of consuming Corona Refresca based on their health history, sensitivity levels, and personal comfort with the product information shared by the manufacturer. Those wanting zero uncertainty may opt for a certified gluten-free alternative malt beverage or alcohol option instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Corona Refresca contain malt or barley?
No, Corona Refresca does not contain malt or barley. The beverages are fermented from cane sugar and corn, not barley or wheat malts that contain gluten.
Why is Corona Refresca called a “malt beverage” then?
The term “malt beverage” refers to the method of alcohol production through fermentation rather than distillation, not the use of barley malt. Corona Refresca gets its alcohol content from fermented corn, not malted barley.
Could Corona Refresca be cross-contaminated with gluten during production?
While a possibility, Constellation Brands states that Corona Refresca is produced in separate areas from their gluten-containing beers and all equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs to avoid cross-contamination.
Does Corona Refresca have any gluten-free certifications?
No, Corona Refresca does not currently carry any gluten-free certifications from external organizations. The manufacturer conducts its own gluten-free testing.
Is Corona Refresca safe for a celiac disease or gluten intolerance?
Individuals must weigh the potential risks based on their sensitivity levels. Highly sensitive celiacs may wish to avoid it or opt for a certified gluten-free alternative. Those less sensitive to trace amounts may feel comfortable consuming it with the information provided.
What other gluten-free drinks are similar to Corona Refresca?
Some alternatives include Omission gluten-free beer, Glutenberg gluten-free beer, hard ciders, seltzers like White Claw, and ready to drink gluten-free cocktails.
The Takeaway on Corona Refresca and Gluten
While current information indicates Corona Refresca is gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should carefully consider the potential risks. There are many certified gluten-free beverages available for those wanting to eliminate uncertainty. But for less sensitive individuals, Corona Refresca may be an acceptable option with its assurance of no gluten-containing ingredients.