Deep Eddy vodka is a popular brand of vodka produced by the Deep Eddy Distillery in Austin, Texas. Deep Eddy vodkas are made from 100% corn, resulting in a smooth taste profile. However, some vodka drinkers who follow grain-free or gluten-free diets wonder if Deep Eddy vodkas contain any gluten grains like wheat, rye, or barley. This article will examine how Deep Eddy vodka is made, analyze the ingredients, and determine if it can be considered grain free.
How Vodka is Made
Vodka can be made from a variety of base ingredients, also known as mashes. The most common vodka mashes are:
- Grains – wheat, rye, barley, corn
- Potatoes
- Fruit – grapes, apples
- Sugar cane
- Molasses
The mash is dissolved in water and fermented into alcohol. The resulting liquid is then distilled multiple times to increase the alcohol percentage and remove impurities. This purified, high-proof alcohol is then diluted with water to bring the alcohol content down to around 40% ABV (80 proof).
The ingredients used to make vodka impact the flavor profile. Vodkas made from grains like rye and wheat have a bread-like taste. Potato vodka tastes smooth and creamy. Fruit-based vodkas are sweet and aromatic.
Deep Eddy Vodka Ingredients
According to the Deep Eddy website, their original vodka is made from 100% corn. The corn mash is fermented and distilled 10 times in a hybrid column still. It’s then filtered through a proprietary activated charcoal filtration process. After filtration, the vodka is diluted with water from a local aquifer and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Deep Eddy’s flavored vodkas also start with a 100% corn base. Natural flavors are then added to infuse the vodka with flavors like ruby red grapefruit, peach, and cranberry. The flavored vodkas contain no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Based on this information, Deep Eddy does not contain grain ingredients like wheat, rye, or barley. The vodkas are distilled from corn, which is considered a grain but does not contain gluten.
Is Corn Gluten Free?
Corn is naturally gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give elasticity to dough, allowing bread to rise properly. Corn does not contain this gluten protein.
Some individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can’t consume gluten because it inflames the small intestine. Corn does not produce this reaction, so it is considered gluten-free.
In the United States, for a food product to be labeled “gluten-free,” it must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. The corn used to make Deep Eddy vodka falls well below this threshold.
So while corn is scientifically a grain, it is still considered gluten-free and safe for gluten-free diets.
Other Grain-Free Diet Considerations
Beyond gluten content, some grain-free diet followers also avoid corn and all grain products. Reasons may include:
- Metabolic issues like insulin resistance
- Digestive concerns like irritable bowel syndrome
- Trying to prevent inflammation or autoimmune flare-ups
- Preference for low-carb diets like paleo or keto
For those abstaining from all grain sources, corn would still be excluded from the diet. So while Deep Eddy is gluten-free, it is not considered fully grain-free due to the corn content.
Vodkas made from potatoes, grapes, or sugar cane would be grain-free options. However, these vodkas have a distinctly different flavor profile from Deep Eddy’s smooth corn taste.
Is Deep Eddy Vodka Paleo Friendly?
The paleo diet is modeled after the diets of ancient hunter-gatherers. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that early humans could have eaten. That means ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats are encouraged.
Grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and highly processed foods are excluded from the paleo diet. So paleo dieters also avoid all sources of gluten grains.
While corn is a grain, there is some debate around corn in the paleo community. Ancient varieties of corn like teosinte may have been consumed in Mesoamerica. Some argue this makes modern-day corn acceptable in moderation since it’s been bred from ancient varieties. Others advocate avoiding corn since modern hybridized corn is very different from ancestral sources.
Ultimately corn-based products like Deep Eddy vodka would likely be excluded from strict interpretations of the paleo diet due to the modern corn source. But some paleo followers may allow small amounts of corn products like vodka in moderation.
Is Deep Eddy Keto Friendly?
The ketogenic or “keto” diet emphasizes very low carb intake, moderate protein, and high fat. Keto macronutrient ratios typically look like 70-80% fat, 15-25% protein, and 5-10% carbs.
Following these macronutrient targets puts the body in ketosis, where it burns fat as fuel instead of glucose from carbs. Ketosis promotes fat burning and weight loss.
Grains are very limited on keto due to their high carb content. Corn in particular is high in net carbs so is restricted. Vodka made from corn, like Deep Eddy, would also not fit into a keto diet.
However, on special occasions some keto dieters will work an occasional drink into their carb limit for the day. In those instances, a keto dieter could opt for Deep Eddy vodka in moderation without knocking themselves out of ketosis. But regular consumption would make maintaining ketosis difficult.
Dry Vodkas for Grain-Free Diets
For those strictly following grain-free, gluten-free, paleo, or keto diets, dry vodkas made without any grains are the best options. These include vodkas made from:
- Grapes
- Potatoes
- Sugar cane
Here are some 100% grain-free and gluten-free vodka brands to consider:
| Brand | Made From |
|---|---|
| Ciroc | Grapes |
| Chopin | Potatoes |
| Tito’s Handmade | Corn (gluten-free) |
These grain-free vodkas have a clean, smooth taste without residual flavors from grains. Their high purity makes them an excellent base spirit for making keto or paleo cocktails at home. They can be paired with low carb mixers like seltzer, diet soda, or lemon juice and herbs.
Flavored Vodka Considerations
While the base spirit may be grain-free, flavored vodkas introduce other considerations:
- Added sugars: Flavored vodkas often contain added sugars which must be accounted for in low carb diets.
- Artificial sweeteners: Sugar substitutes may be used which some prefer to avoid.
- Fruit/flavors: Ingredients could potentially contain trace gluten sources or allergens.
Those with diet restrictions or allergies need to read labels carefully and contact manufacturers directly if needed. Some flavored vodkas do use natural flavorings and monk fruit or stevia for sweetness as a low carb alternative.
Is Titos Vodka Gluten Free?
Among grain free vodka options, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is one of the most popular. This brand is produced in Austin, Texas using corn as the main ingredient.
According to Tito’s website FAQs, their vodkas are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group. The corn used in production is non-GMO yellow corn. Tito’s also states their facility has dedicated equipment so no gluten grains ever come in contact with their corn-based vodka.
The site confirms Tito’s unflavored vodka contains no gluten ingredients or added sugars. However, those with celiac disease are advised to consume flavored vodkas with caution as flavor ingredients are sourced from third parties.
So while the Tito’s vodka itself is made from gluten-free corn, the potential for cross-contamination exists in the flavored products. Tito’s unflavored vodka is widely considered safe for those with gluten intolerance when seeking a grain-free option.
Is Ciroc Vodka Gluten Free?
CÎROCTM Ultra-Premium Vodka is distilled from fine French grapes, making it free of grains and gluten. According to their website FAQ, Ciroc is made from “snap frost” grapes grown high in the Gaillac and Cognac regions of France. The grapes are crushed and fermented, then distilled five times in a traditional Armagnac style copper pot still.
The vodka is distilled from the flesh and juice of the grapes, not the skins or seeds. The skins and seeds could potentially contain trace gluten. But lab testing confirms Ciroc is gluten free to less than 10 parts per million.
As a grape-based vodka, CÎROC contains no gluten ingredients or added sugars. It’s an excellent grain-free and low-carb vodka choice. CÎROCTM flavored vodkas are also safe for gluten-free diets when consumed in moderation.
Is Potato Vodka Gluten Free?
Vodkas made from potatoes, like Chopin Vodka, are inherently free of gluten grains. Potatoes are naturally gluten-free vegetables. Brands like Chopin and Luksusowa use potatoes as the sole ingredient for their vodka mash.
However, some vodka brands combine potato starch with grains like wheat or rye to produce their mash. These would contain gluten and must be avoided.
Be sure to check the ingredients list and contact the distillery to ask about gluten content in the mash ingredients. Vodkas labeled as “potato” vodka are not necessarily 100% potato-based and gluten-free.
Is Corn Vodka Gluten Free?
As covered earlier, vodkas made from corn like Deep Eddy are gluten-free. While corn is scientifically classified as a grain, it does not contain gluten proteins. Most mainstream corn hybrids are gluten-free to at least 20 parts per million, meeting regulations for a gluten-free food product.
Some vodka brands also start with a corn base spirit, then add flavorings or mix with other gluten-free grains like sorghum, millet or rice. As long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, the resulting vodka can still be considered gluten-free.
Look for brands that specifically advertise being batch tested and certified gluten-free. Green’s is an example of a gluten-free corn and sorghum-based vodka. Corn vodka gives a smooth, sweet flavor profile compared to other gluten-free bases.
Is All Vodka Gluten-Free?
Not all vodka is gluten-free. Traditional vodka originated in Eastern Europe and was primarily made from wheat, barley, and rye – all gluten grains. Some distillers still follow these traditional recipes.
Vodkas made from these gluten grains include:
- Wheat Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka (made from wheat)
- Rye Vodka: Belvedere Vodka, Van Gogh Vodka, Sobieski Vodka
- Barley Vodka: Finlandia Vodka, Skyy Vodka
So while many vodkas are gluten-free, some niche and European brands still use traditional gluten recipes. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should double check the brand’s mash ingredients before drinking.
What About Cross-Contamination?
Even if a vodka is distilled from gluten-free sources, cross-contamination is possible at the distillery or bottling facility. Some individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance react to even tiny traces of gluten.
Seeking out dedicated gluten-free facilities is suggested for those who are highly sensitive. Brands like Deep Eddy, Tito’s, and New Amsterdam advertise having gluten-free production procedures in place.
However, going solely by a “gluten-free” label is not enough. Contact the distiller directly to ask if they batch test finished products to ensure no gluten cross-contamination. Testing parts per million should be standard practice.
Choosing Gluten-Free Drink Mixers
While some vodka brands contain no gluten, mixers and cocktail ingredients also need to be considered:
- Soda & Tonic: Choose gluten-free brands like Coca-Cola, Seagram’s Ginger Ale, Fever-Tree tonic.
- Juices: Opt for 100% pure juices like Simply Orange or apple juice. Avoid juice blends which may contain barley or wheat grass.
- Garnishes: Lime, lemon, olives are safe. Skip cocktail onions (barley based).
- Syrups & Mixes: Make sure pre-made mixes don’t contain wheat, barley malt, or unspecified “natural flavors.”
Checking drink ingredients is just as important as the vodka base itself. Combining gluten-free vodka with unsafe mixers defeats the purpose.
Is Flavored Vodka Gluten-Free?
Unflavored vodkas distilled from gluten-free bases are generally safe if properly produced. However, flavored vodkas introduce more uncertainty.
Added natural and artificial flavorings could potentially contain hidden gluten sources or be cross-contaminated. Common problematic ingredients include:
- Maltodextrin: Derived from barley, wheat, or corn.
- Caramel Color: May be made with barley malt syrup.
- Natural Flavors: Can be vague and unspecified.
- Dextrin: Can come from wheat or corn.
Reputable distillers will disclose if their flavors are derived from gluten-free sources and batch tested. Calling the company to confirm is safest if highly sensitive.
In general, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should exercise more caution with flavored vodkas. Sticking to pure, unflavored spirits is the best way to avoid uncertainty.
Gluten-Free Vodka List
Here is a summary list of vodkas generally considered gluten-free:
| Brand | Type |
|---|---|
| Deep Eddy | Corn |
| Tito’s | Corn |
| Cîroc | Grape |
| Chopin | Potato |
| Belvedere | Rye* |
*While Belvedere contains some rye, the brand states their vodka tests below gluten detection levels. Contact them to confirm their lab results if concerned.
This list contains common vodkas considered gluten-free by most standards. However, individual sensitivities vary. Checking with each brand and avoiding flavored versions are best practices for gluten-free diets.
The Bottom Line
So is Deep Eddy vodka grain free? No, Deep Eddy is not fully grain-free since it is distilled from corn. However, the corn base makes it gluten-free to accepted standards. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can generally consume Deep Eddy safely.
Vodkas like Ciroc, Tito’s, and Chopin are grain-free options for low carb diets like keto and paleo. But flavorings and mixers may still contain hidden gluten sources. Reading labels carefully and contacting manufacturers is advised, especially for those highly sensitive.
Overall, Deep Eddy provides a smooth, gluten-free vodka choice. But strict grain-free diet followers may want to opt for potato, grape, or sugar cane vodkas to avoid corn content.