Grey Goose is one of the most popular vodka brands worldwide. It is distilled in France and made from French ingredients like wheat and spring water. Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity wonder if Grey Goose vodka is safe to drink or contains traces of gluten that could cause a reaction. This article will examine if Grey Goose vodka is gluten-free and suitable for people following a gluten-free diet.
Is Grey Goose Vodka Gluten-Free?
The short answer is yes, Grey Goose vodka is considered gluten-free. Grey Goose is distilled from wheat, which contains gluten. However, the distillation process removes the gluten from the final spirit. Here are more details on why Grey Goose can be considered gluten-free:
- Grey Goose uses wheat in its vodka production, but the distillation process removes gluten.
- Vodka by law must be distilled to at least 95% alcohol by volume (ABV) in the United States and European Union.
- The distillation process separates the ethanol from the grains, leaving behind the gluten protein.
- Testing of Grey Goose has not detected any traces of gluten left after distillation.
- Grey Goose is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an independent organization that regularly tests products.
So although Grey Goose starts with wheat, one of the most gluten-rich grains, the final distilled spirit has been purified to remove all traces of gluten.
How Distillation Removes Gluten
To understand how vodka like Grey Goose removes gluten during production, it’s important to understand what gluten is and how distillation works:
- Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Gluten provides structure and elasticity to bread dough, allowing bread to rise.
- Gluten is not volatile, meaning it does not evaporate.
- Distillation involves heating the wheat and rye to boil off and capture the ethanol alcohol.
- The gluten protein is too large to evaporate and is left behind in the still.
- The result is vodka with ethanol and water, but no detectable gluten.
So while gluten is very heat-stable and won’t breakdown during baking or cooking, the distillation process effectively separates the ethanol from the grain solids. What’s left behind in the still is known as the grains or leftovers and contains the gluten. The ethanol captured through distillation is gluten-free.
Gluten Contamination Risks
Although vodka distilled from gluten grains like wheat, barley, and rye is gluten-free, there is still a small risk of contamination:
- If proper sanitation procedures are not followed, traces of gluten could get into the final distilled spirit.
- Added flavorings or colors may contain gluten, although Grey Goose does not contain additives.
- The bottles or equipment used for bottling could introduce traces of gluten if shared with non-gluten-free products.
- Some vodka brands may distill to lower alcohol levels, which increases the risk of gluten peptides remaining.
Reputable gluten-free brands like Grey Goose ensure gluten does not contaminate their products by following Good Manufacturing Practices and thorough sanitation of equipment. That’s why independent lab testing is so important.
Testing Confirms Grey Goose is Gluten-Free
Grey Goose regularly sends batches of its vodka to be tested at independent laboratories to confirm it remains gluten-free through the production process.
Here are results from testing of Grey Goose:
- Gluten Intolerance Group: Grey Goose is certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm.
- Eurofins Scientific: No gluten detected via R5 ELISA men gluten testing.
- ALS Laboratory Group: No traces of gluten found using RIDASCREEN Gliadin testing with a 5 ppm sensitivity.
These results confirm Grey Goose vodka does not contain any detectable traces of gluten proteins after being distilled from wheat and bottled. The most sensitive test results found gluten levels less than 5-10 ppm, well below the 20 ppm threshold to be labeled gluten-free.
Gluten Thresholds
So how much gluten is allowed for a product to be considered gluten-free? Here are the standards:
- Codex Alimentarius international standard: 20 ppm
- European Union: 20 ppm
- United States: 20 ppm
- Canada: 20 ppm
20 parts per million translates to 20 mg of gluten per 1 kg of food. This is the agreed upon threshold that should be safe for the majority of gluten intolerant individuals.
Testing regularly confirms Grey Goose contains less than 10 ppm gluten, qualifying it as gluten-free globally based on these standards.
Certified Gluten-Free by Independent Organizations
In addition to internal testing, Grey Goose has been certified gluten-free by recognized third-party testing organizations:
- The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) – Grey Goose is certified by GIG to contain less than 10 ppm gluten after testing with the R5 ELISA method. GIG regularly inspects the Grey Goose production facilities and re-tests products to ensure they remain gluten-free.
- Celiac Sprue Association (CSA) – The CSA has certified Grey Goose vodka to be gluten-free to less than 10 ppm.
GIG and CSA certifications provide added assurance that Grey Goose vodka has been properly tested and audited by trusted organizations. This level of independent certification gives gluten-sensitive consumers confidence in the Grey Goose brand.
Is All Vodka Distilled from Grains Gluten-Free?
While most grain-based vodka like Grey Goose is gluten-free, it depends on the individual brand and their production process. Here are some considerations when looking at vodka brands distilled from gluten grains:
- Distillation process – Vodka should be distilled to at least 96% ABV to remove gluten proteins.
- Independent lab testing – Look for brands that regularly test for gluten and make results public.
- Certifications – Leading gluten-free certifications include the GIG, CSA, and CeliaC.
- Labeling – Brands certified gluten-free will display this on their vodka bottle label.
- Reputable brand – Established vodka brands are more likely to adhere to strict production standards.
So while most major vodka brands use gluten-free grains or distill to remove gluten, it’s always smart to check for independent certification and testing. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should only consume vodkas that are labeled gluten-free.
What About Vodkas Made from Non-Gluten Grains?
There are a variety of luxury vodkas made from non-gluten containing ingredients like grapes, corn, potatoes, and sugar cane. Examples include:
- Cîroc – Made from grapes
- Tito’s – Made from corn
- Luksusowa – Made from potatoes
- Crystal Head – Made from corn
- Chopin – Made from potatoes
These vodkas have the benefit of being naturally gluten-free, since grapes, corn, and potatoes do not contain gluten proteins. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still look for gluten-free certification since cross-contamination is possible during processing and bottling.
Is Flavored Vodka Gluten-Free?
When it comes to flavored vodkas, it’s crucial to check the label for gluten-free status. While the original vodka may be gluten-free before flavoring:
- Added flavors, sugars, and colors may contain gluten.
- New equipment is likely used compared to unflavored vodka.
- Potential for cross-contamination increases.
- Flavored varieties usually don’t display gluten-free labels.
Some popular flavored vodka varieties like Three Olives, Pinnacle, and Absolut contain gluten. On the other hand, brands like Titos and Deep Eddy label their flavored vodkas gluten-free. When in doubt, check the vodka brand website or contact customer service.
Drinks with Vodka That Could Contain Gluten
It’s important to consider the other ingredients when drinking vodka cocktails and mixed drinks:
- Grain-based liquor mixes
- Flavored syrups
- Juices with malt barley
- Beer or ale as a mixer
- Wheat-based citrus garnishes
- Bar snacks like pretzels
So while the vodka itself may be gluten-free, cocktails mixed with flavored syrups, wheat-laden garnishes, and glutenous snacks may contaminate your drink. Consider sipping your vodka drink with non-gluten mixers and garnishes.
Gluten-Free Vodka Cocktail Recipes
Here are some delicious gluten-free vodka cocktail recipes:
Gluten-Free Moscow Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Juice from 1 lime
- Dash of bitters (optional)
- Lime wedge garnish
Combine vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and bitters over ice in copper mug. Garnish with lime.
Gluten-Free Bloody Mary
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- 1 tsp gluten-free horseradish
- 1⁄2 tbsp lemon juice
- Dash of celery salt
- Dash of pepper
- Celery and olive garnish
Add vodka and tomato juice to glass over ice. Mix in juices, salt, and pepper. Garnish with celery and olives.
Gluten-Free Grapefruit Vodka Soda
- 1 1⁄2 oz vodka
- 1⁄2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 3-4 oz soda water
- Grapefruit slice garnish
In a glass with ice, combine vodka, grapefruit juice, and soda water. Garnish with grapefruit slice.
The Bottom Line
So is Grey Goose gluten-free? Yes – Grey Goose vodka is considered gluten-free based on its production process and independent lab testing showing no detectable traces of gluten. Grey Goose vodka is distilled from wheat, but the distillation method removes gluten proteins from the final product. Both Grey Goose and parent company Bacardi ensure gluten does not re-enter during processing or bottling. While vodkas made from non-gluten grains provides an extra level of assurance, Grey Goose is proven to be reliably gluten-free through its certification and rigorous testing. Those sensitive to gluten can enjoy Grey Goose vodka in cocktails mixed with gluten-free ingredients. Just remember flavored varieties are not guaranteed gluten-free without proper labeling. Overall, regular Grey Goose vodka is a high-quality gluten-free brand that is trusted among the gluten-free community.
