Grey Goose vodka is distilled from French wheat and rye. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the big question is: Is Grey Goose vodka gluten-free? The short answer is yes, Grey Goose vodka is considered gluten-free.
Why is vodka distilled from wheat and rye gluten-free?
Vodka is distilled from fermented starch and grains. The distillation process removes the proteins that contain gluten. As a result, distilled spirits, including vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum are generally considered gluten-free. However, some vodka and other distilled spirits may contain traces of gluten due to contamination during processing. Reputable vodka brands test their products to ensure no detectable levels of gluten.
Gluten content in Grey Goose vodka
According to Grey Goose, their vodka contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For reference, the FDA allows foods labeled “gluten-free” to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Therefore, Grey Goose vodka falls well below the FDA threshold for gluten-free foods. Grey Goose states their vodka is tested by ELISA and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods to ensure it meets the strict gluten-free standard.
What about the flavorings?
In addition to the original Grey Goose vodka, Grey Goose produces several flavored vodkas, including:
- Citron
- La Poire (pear)
- Le Citron (lemon)
- L’Orange
- Cherry Noir
According to Grey Goose, all of their flavored vodkas also test below 10 ppm of gluten. The natural flavors used to produce the flavored varieties do not contain gluten and do not introduce any cross-contamination risks. Therefore, the flavored options from Grey Goose are also considered gluten-free.
Is all vodka gluten-free?
In general, most vodkas are distilled from gluten-containing grains. However, the distillation process removes the gluten proteins. As a result, vodka has traditionally been considered safe for those with celiac disease or following a gluten-free diet. However, more recently, some experts have raised concerns about potential trace amounts of gluten remaining in some vodkas.
A study published in the Journal of AOAC International looked at 22 different vodka brands and found detectable levels of gluten in 14 of the vodkas tested. Of those 14, 2 vodkas contained more than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the FDA limit for gluten-free labeling.
The results indicate that while traditional distillation removes most of the gluten, trace amounts may remain in some products. The amount detected is typically very small and often falls below 20 ppm. However, those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may be sensitive even to very small exposures. This has led some experts to recommend specifically seeking out vodkas that are labeled gluten-free and test below 20 ppm, such as Grey Goose.
What about cross-contamination?
In addition to residual gluten that may remain after distillation, cross-contamination during processing is another potential concern. Most vodka is distilled from wheat or rye. Facilities that also process barley or other gluten-containing ingredients have an increased risk of cross-contamination.
Reputable gluten-free brands use dedicated equipment and thoroughly clean all equipment to avoid introducing any cross-contamination. Smaller brands that produce vodka on shared equipment may have a higher risk of cross-contamination. Again, this points to the importance of choosing a reputable gluten-free brand if you need to avoid gluten completely.
Is flavored vodka gluten-free?
As mentioned previously, many brands like Grey Goose offer gluten-free flavored vodka options. However, not all flavored vodkas are gluten-free. The additional flavors, sugars, and other additives may contain gluten or introduce cross-contamination risks.
If you wish to drink flavored vodka but need to avoid gluten, be sure to check the brand’s website or contact them directly to inquire about testing and potential gluten sources in the flavorings. Reputable gluten-free brands will be transparent about their testing and whether the flavors contain gluten.
Common gluten-containing flavorings
Some commonly used flavorings that can contain gluten or introduce cross-contamination risks include:
- Grain alcohols – vodka flavored with gluten-containing grains
- Malt syrup
- Modified food starch
- Caramel color – can be made with barley malt
- Natural and artificial flavors – may contain gluten or be cross-contaminated
Again, a gluten-free brand will avoid these questionable ingredients or explicitly confirm the flavorings used contain no gluten.
Labeling terms
When reviewing a vodka to determine if it is gluten-free, be on the lookout for the following key terms:
- “Gluten-free” – Contains less than 20 ppm gluten.
- “Distilled from gluten grains” – Not gluten-free. Distilled from barley, rye, wheat or other gluten sources.
- “Processed on shared equipment” – High risk of cross-contamination.
Reputable gluten-free brands will prominently advertise their vodka is gluten-free. Avoid brands that call out gluten grain sources or shared equipment, as these indicate higher risk.
No mention of gluten
Many vodka labels simply have no mention of gluten or whether it is distilled from gluten grains. In these cases, you need to investigate further to determine if the brand has been tested or can provide any assurances their vodka is gluten-free and not cross-contaminated.
Contact the brand directly, check their website FAQs, or dig around forums and celiac blogs to see if you can find more details. When in doubt, choose another brand that prominently advertises being gluten-free.
Tips for choosing safe gluten-free vodka
Here are some tips for selecting a gluten-free vodka for your gluten-free diet:
- Look for “gluten-free” clearly labeled on the bottle. This indicates the vodka has been tested to verify it contains less than 20 ppm gluten.
- Contact the brand directly to ask about their testing policies and procedures.
- Check the brand’s website for more information on their gluten-free claims and frequent questions.
- Select a reputable brand that specializes in gluten-free spirits.
- For flavored vodka, check that the flavors are also gluten-free.
- Avoid brands that specifically call out gluten grain sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- Avoid brands made on shared equipment with high risk of cross-contamination.
The gluten-free verdict on Grey Goose vodka
Now that we’ve covered the key considerations around vodka and gluten, what’s the official verdict on Grey Goose vodka?
Based on Grey Goose’s own transparent testing procedures and gluten-free labeling, their vodka is considered gluten-free. Key points:
- Grey Goose distills their vodka from wheat and rye.
- Their vodka tests below 10 ppm of gluten, meeting FDA standards for gluten-free labeling.
- Their flavored vodkas use natural flavors that contain no gluten and introduce no cross-contamination risks.
- As a reputable brand, Grey Goose vodka is produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
In summary, those who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet can feel at ease enjoying Grey Goose vodka and their various flavor offerings. Grey Goose has taken the necessary steps to provide a gluten-free option produced to stringent standards.
Drinking vodka on a gluten-free diet
Assuming you choose reputable gluten-free brands, is vodka a smart choice on a gluten-free diet? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Distillation removes gluten proteins
- Most gluten-free vodkas test below 20 ppm
- Wide variety of high-quality gluten-free brands and flavors available
- Can be enjoyed in gluten-free cocktails and mixed drinks
Cons
- Potential trace amounts of gluten left over from distillation
- Possible cross-contamination, especially from lower quality brands
- Flavorings may contain undisclosed gluten
- Alcohol impacts gut lining and can exacerbate issues
Those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may wish to avoid vodka altogether. However, vodka that meets regulated gluten-free standards is likely fine for most people avoiding gluten.
Other tips for drinking gluten-free alcohol
Beyond choosing reputable gluten-free vodka brands, here are some other tips for enjoying alcohol on a gluten-free diet:
- Opt for gluten-free grains and ciders.
- Drink spirits like rum, tequila, gin.
- Choose gluten-free mixers like juices, soda, tonic water.
- Ask about gluten-free beer options.
- Verify bar ingredients and preparation procedures.
- Specify gluten-free when ordering.
With proper precautions, those adhering to a gluten-free diet can still enjoy alcoholic beverages. Just take extra care in researching brands and asking questions to ensure your drink choices align with your dietary needs.
The bottom line
Grey Goose vodka is considered gluten-free, meeting the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm gluten. Grey Goose distills their vodka from wheat and rye, but extensive processing removes gluten proteins from the final product. Both their original and flavored vodka varieties are produced and tested to verified gluten-free standards.
Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy should use caution and verify vodka choices with the brand if they wish to consume it. However, Grey Goose vodka is considered a safe gluten-free pick for most people avoiding gluten.
Overall, vodka and other distilled spirits can fit into a gluten-free lifestyle when choosing trusted brands that adhere to strict standards. Just be sure to carefully vet brands, flavorings, mixers and preparations when opting for gluten-free alcohol.
