Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi which are small finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, malnutrition and anemia. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods or drinks containing gluten. But is coffee safe? Can people with celiac disease drink coffee like Folgers without reactions? Here’s a detailed look at the evidence.
Does Coffee Contain Gluten?
Pure coffee beans themselves do not contain gluten. Gluten is not naturally present in the coffee plant or beans. However, coffee can become cross-contaminated with gluten grains at some point during processing, roasting, or preparation. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten grains come into contact with the coffee. Some examples include:
- Coffee beans processed or stored near gluten-containing grains
- Roast coffee processed on equipment previously used for gluten grains
- Coffee brewed in a pot previously used to prepare wheat-based coffee substitutes
- Coffee drinks prepared with gluten-containing ingredients added like flavorings or toppings
So while coffee itself does not naturally contain gluten, there is a risk of gluten cross-contamination introduced during growing, processing and preparation. People with celiac disease need to be aware of this risk when choosing coffee products.
Does Folgers Coffee Contain Gluten?
Folgers coffee company states that their regular pure black coffee products do NOT contain any gluten ingredients. Folgers uses dedicated equipment and facilities to process and roast their coffee beans separately from any gluten grains. They also test their finished coffee products to ensure no gluten is detected.
However, Folgers does warn that some of their flavored coffee products DO contain gluten. For example:
- Folgers Simply Smooth coffee contains wheat flavoring
- Some seasonal or limited edition flavors contain barley malt or wheat
- Their coffee pod products may be processed on shared equipment with gluten grains
So plain Folgers classic roast coffee in bags, cans or single serve K-cups should be gluten-free. But any flavored varieties could contain gluten from ingredients. Always check the label carefully on flavored coffees or pods/K-cups for gluten-containing additives.
Gluten Free Options from Folgers
For people with celiac disease, Folgers does offer some gluten-free labeled options. This includes:
- Folgers Simply Smooth Cinnamon Swirl K-Cups
- Folgers Black Silk K-Cups
These are tested to below 5ppm of gluten. Avoiding cross-contamination is still advised when brewing and serving these pod coffees to stay strictly gluten-free.
Risk of Cross-Contamination from Coffee Pots
Even if the coffee itself is gluten-free, there is still a risk of cross-contamination from coffee brewers, pots and dispensers used. Many workplaces, coffee shops and restaurants make large batches of coffee in industrial brewing machines. These often get used to brew gluten-containing coffee substitutes or flavors on occasion. Using a shared machine could contaminate your plain black coffee.
At home, a coffee pot used to make wheat-based drinks like Postum cereal beverage could leave traces of gluten behind. Thorough cleaning of pots between different coffee types is essential.
To avoid this risk, people with celiac disease may want to use single-serve style brewers that use capsules or pods. This prevents any cross-contact from a shared machine. At coffee shops, request freshly brewed plain coffee rather than using any self-serve carafes which may have residue.
Added Ingredients That Could Contain Gluten
When ordering coffee drinks, remember that added ingredients and toppings may also contain gluten sources:
- Flavored creamers or sweeteners – these often contain barley malt or wheat-derived ingredients
- Syrups – flavored syrups like caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, etc could have gluten sources
- Powdered toppings – chocolate powders or other flavored powders may contain sources
- Whipped cream – some brands use stabilizers that contain gluten
Always inquire about ingredients, read labels and inform staff of your gluten allergy when ordering coffee drinks out. Even seemingly basic things like coffee creamer or whipped cream could hide gluten.
Gluten-Free Additives
Some gluten-free-friendly additions may include:
- Pure cane sugar or honey for sweetening
- Dairy milk, coconut milk or nut milks
- Fresh whipped cream
- Pure cocoa powder
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for spice
Opt for plain coffee plus these simple gluten-free ingredients when customizing your drink.
Risk of Cross-Contamination From Utensils
At coffee shops, the utensils used to pour coffee or mix drinks may also come into contact with gluten. Sugar shakers, creamer containers, stir sticks, etc used by multiple customers pose a risk. At home, double-dipping spoons or knives in jars could potentially cross-contaminate.
Request clean, dedicated utensils to prepare your celiac-safe drink. At home, keep a separate set of utensils just for your personal gluten-free use.
Should You Drink Coffee Beans Grown Near Wheat or Gluten Grains?
Some coffee brands advertise that their beans are grown “without wheat” or “gluten free”. This refers to coffee plantations intentionally grown far away from wheat or barley fields. Growing coffee beans right next to fields of gluten grains could increase the very small risk of cross-pollination or contact during harvest.
However, food allergen experts say coffee beans grown near wheat pose an extremely low risk of gluten cross-reactivity. The overall consensus is that there is no need to seek out specialty “gluten free” beans if you have celiac disease. Plain coffee beans from a trusted dedicated facility offer very minimal gluten risk in general.
Should You Only Drink Certified Gluten-Free Coffee?
Some coffee brands have pursued formal gluten-free certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This includes rigorous testing and auditing at every step of the process from farm to finished product. Certified gluten-free coffees provide validated assurance for the gluten-sensitive.
However, certification is not necessarily mandatory for celiacs looking to enjoy coffee. For many people with celiac disease, plain coffee from a trusted brand that uses good manufacturing practices to prevent cross-contact is considered safe. Taking basic precautions around brewing and additives is often enough.
The additional cost and limited availability of certified brands makes them impractical for everyone. But certified gluten-free coffee may benefit high-risk individuals who react to trace amounts or have severe symptoms.
Gluten-Free Certified Coffee Brands
Some examples of coffee brands that are certified gluten-free include:
- Crazy Goat Coffee
- Lucy Jo’s Coffee
- Grounds for Health
- Mom’s Coffee
Look for the certified GFCO label when searching for rigorously tested gluten-free coffee products.
Tips for Choosing Gluten-Free Coffee
Here are some best practices for choosing safe coffee when you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity:
- Select plain, unflavored coffee beans or grounds if drinking it black
- Check labels for any flavored beans, pods or drinks that may contain gluten ingredients
- Look for brands that state gluten-free right on the packaging
- Opt for single-use K-cups to avoid cross-contamination from brewers
- Use a separate container of creamer or milk that only you access
- Always check ingredients on any creamers, syrups or toppings added
- Request your drink to be made in clean equipment at coffee shops
- Inquire about ingredients and preparation at cafes to confirm no cross-contamination
- Consider using a separate designated coffee maker at home if you have family members drinking malted or flavored drinks
- Purchase certified gluten-free coffee if you are highly sensitive
Being vigilant about ingredients and preparation can help you safely enjoy coffee with celiac disease.
What About Decaf Coffee?
Decaffeinated coffee goes through an additional processing step to remove caffeine. Two methods may introduce gluten risk:
- Solvent-based: Uses chemical solvents that could pick up traces of gluten if processed on shared equipment with grains.
- Water processing: Often uses water processed through charcoal filters which may filter grains. Rinsing with gluten grain alcohol is also sometimes used.
If drinking decaf, look for coffee processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities. As with regular coffee, check labels for any gluten-containing flavorings added after decaffeination.
What About Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee powder is another product made by additional processing of brewed coffee. This can concentrate any gluten cross-contamination present. The drying and freeze-drying steps may occur on shared equipment with gluten grains.
If choosing instant coffee, select trusted brands that label gluten-free with dedicated facilities. Avoid any flavored instant coffee mixes which could contain gluten additives.
Some coffees may be safest brewed from whole beans at home where you can control preparation and prevent cross-contact. But gluten-free labeled instant coffee can offer convenience when traveling or for quick cups.
What About Coffee Substitutes?
Some coffee substitute products are grain-based or contain malt barley ingredients. These include:
- Postum beverage made from wheat bran and molasses
- Dandy Blend made from barley, rye, chicory
- Teeccino herbal coffee containing barley malt
Avoid these and look for substitutes made from safe ingredients like chicory root, dandelion root, figs and natural flavors. Some gluten-free friendly options include Pero, Cafix and Tee-Mazing herbal coffees.
Should Celiacs Completely Avoid Coffee Due to Risk?
Many people with celiac disease are able to continue enjoying coffee with proper precautions. The risk of trace gluten exposure from coffee is generally low for most individuals, especially if limiting higher-risk additions and flavored drinks.
However, some individuals are highly sensitive and react to miniscule levels of cross-contamination. People with uncontrolled celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis skin reactions may also opt to avoid coffee altogether until their disease is stabilized through a strict gluten-free diet.
Work closely with your healthcare team or registered dietitian to determine your tolerance level and decide if you need to eliminate questionable foods like coffee as you heal.
After celiac disease improvement, most people are able to slowly reintroduce small amounts of processed foods like coffee. But pay attention to any symptoms flare up indicating individual sensitivity.
Does Coffee Impact Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity?
Coffee itself does not appear to trigger or worsen celiac disease when avoiding sources of gluten cross-contamination in preparation. Pure coffee made from beans does not activate the autoimmune reaction like gluten protein does.
However, the acids in coffee can irritate the gut lining. This may amplify discomfort if intestinal damage from celiac disease is already present. People with chronic GI symptoms may feel more sensitive to coffee while the gut is still healing.
Coffee could also indirectly trigger increased gluten exposure. Coffee’s laxative effect can speed up transit time and prevent thorough digestion of gluten. The social aspects of coffee drinking may increase temptation for contaminated treats like muffins.
Listen to your individual reaction to determine if you feel better eliminating or limiting coffee temporarily while your celiac disease is managed. Work with a dietitian to ensure proper nutrition if making dietary changes.
Should Celiacs Drink Coffee?
Here are some general guidelines about whether people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should consume coffee:
- Coffee beans themselves are naturally gluten-free, but risk of cross-contamination exists during processing depending on brand methods.
- Drinking coffee does not cause celiac disease or directly aggravate it, but GI irritation may occur.
- Plain roasted coffee from gluten-free facilities is generally well tolerated in small amounts, but individual reactions vary.
- Flavored coffee drinks with gluten-containing ingredients should be avoided entirely.
- Careful label reading, using clean equipment and asking questions can help minimize risk.
- Some very sensitive individuals choose to eliminate all coffee while their celiac disease heals then slowly reintroduce.
- Consult your healthcare team and dietitian about your personal tolerance and needs.
Overall, coffee can often be safely enjoyed in moderation as part of a gluten-free diet if care is taken regarding cross-contamination. But some celiacs opt to give up all coffee temporarily or long-term to be extra cautious.
The Bottom Line
Pure coffee beans themselves do not naturally contain gluten. However, risk of cross-contamination during growing, processing and preparation exists. Folgers states their classic coffee products are gluten-free, but flavored varieties may contain gluten. With proper precautions – choosing trusted brands, avoiding flavored drinks, using clean equipment and asking questions – most people with celiac disease can enjoy coffee in moderation. But some very sensitive individuals opt to eliminate all coffee while their health stabilizes on a gluten-free diet. Speak with your healthcare team to determine your personal tolerance and the role coffee may play in your celiac disease management.
