Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people eliminating gluten from their diets due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to be aware of which foods and beverages contain gluten so you can avoid it.
One popular beverage that people often wonder about in terms of gluten content is Twisted Tea. Specifically, many wonder if the half and half variety of Twisted Tea is gluten-free. Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients and production process of Twisted Tea half and half to determine if it is safe for gluten-free diets.
What is Twisted Tea Half and Half?
Twisted Tea is a brand of flavored iced tea beverages made by the Boston Beer Company, the same company that produces Samuel Adams beer. The half and half variety blends together iced tea and lemonade for a unique, sweet and tart flavor.
Some of the most popular Twisted Tea half and half flavors include:
- Peach
- Raspberry
- Lemonade
- Mango
In addition to tea, lemonade, and natural flavors, Twisted Tea half and half contains high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and sodium benzoate as a preservative. The specific ingredients can vary slightly between flavors.
Now let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that could potentially contain gluten.
Sources of Gluten in Twisted Tea
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten and need to avoid it.
There are a few potential sources of gluten that could be present in Twisted Tea half and half, including:
Malt
Some malt beverages and flavorings derive from barley and contain gluten. However, according to the Twisted Tea website, their beverages do not contain malt barley.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors can be derived from gluten sources in some cases. However, Twisted Tea states that their natural flavors do not contain gluten.
Caramel Coloring
Caramel coloring is made from heated sugar but sometimes contains wheat. Twisted Tea uses caramel coloring in some of their beverage varieties but states that wheat is not used in their caramel coloring production process.
Labeled Gluten-Free
Importantly, Twisted Tea half and half labels their beverages as “gluten-free.” This means they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Foods with less than 20 ppm gluten are generally considered safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Twisted Tea Production Process
In addition to labeling their beverages gluten-free, Twisted Tea outlines their production process and facility standards, which reduce the risk of gluten cross-contamination:
- Twisted Tea half and half is produced in a separate gluten-free facility from their malted beverages.
- The facility has strict cleaning and testing protocols to avoid gluten cross-contact.
- Raw ingredients and processing lines are tested regularly.
- Finished beverages are tested to ensure they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Following allergen control procedures during manufacturing is important, as even tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contact can trigger issues for those with celiac disease or sensitivities.
Are Other Twisted Tea Beverages Gluten-Free?
While Twisted Tea half and half contains no gluten ingredients and is labeled gluten-free, some of Twisted Tea’s other beverage varieties do contain gluten.
These gluten-containing varieties include:
- Twisted Tea Original
- Twisted Tea Light
- Any Twisted Tea varieties containing wheat, barley, rye, or malt
So you’ll need to read labels carefully and stick to the certified gluten-free options if following a gluten-free diet.
Can Celiacs Safely Consume Twisted Tea Half and Half?
Based on the ingredients, manufacturing process, and gluten-free labeling, the half and half varieties of Twisted Tea do appear to be safe for most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
However, it’s always best to use caution and consider your own individual tolerance levels. Those with celiac disease should consult their doctor before trying Twisted Tea or any new product labeled gluten-free.
Some additional precautions for celiacs considering Twisted Tea half and half:
- Check the gluten-free label every time you purchase it. Manufacturing processes can change over time.
- Look for any allergen warnings or advisories about shared equipment/facilities.
- Start by consuming a small serving size to test individual tolerance.
- Be aware that Twisted Tea contains alcohol, which can increase gut permeability.
Following these steps provides an added layer of precaution for celiacs deciding whether Twisted Tea half and half fits into their gluten-free diet.
Other Gluten-Free Iced Tea Beverages
In addition to Twisted Tea, there are many other gluten-free iced tea options to consider including:
Pure Leaf
Pure Leaf is a popular brand of natural iced teas that offers several gluten-free flavors sweetened with cane sugar.
Honest Tea
Honest Tea makes a line of organic iced teas in gluten-free flavors like peach white tea and lemon tea.
Gold Peak
Gold Peak tea contains no gluten ingredients and comes in gluten-free varieties like sweet tea, diet tea, and unsweetened tea.
Peachwave
At Peachwave, you can customize your own gluten-free iced tea creation with fresh fruit and other natural ingredients.
Tejava
Crystal Geyser’s Tejava line has unsweetened and lightly sweetened gluten-free iced tea options.
Homemade Iced Teas
Making your own iced tea at home using gluten-free tea bags and sweeteners like sugar, honey, or fruit is an easy way to control ingredients.
The Verdict on Twisted Tea Half and Half
Based on its ingredients, production processes, and gluten-free labeling, Twisted Tea half and half can be considered gluten-free and safe for most people following gluten-free diets, including those with celiac disease. Nevertheless, it’s always wise for celiacs to exercise individual precautions when trying any new product.
Twisted Tea half and half provides a gluten-free, refreshing iced tea option containing alcohol. Just be sure to double check the label and your own personal tolerance. And if Twisted Tea isn’t your favorite, explore all the other delicious gluten-free iced tea choices out there!
