Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. As a result, these individuals must follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid foods containing gluten. Many pre-packaged foods and beverages contain hidden sources of gluten. So for gluten-sensitive individuals, it’s important to carefully read labels to determine if a product is truly gluten-free. Lipton is a popular brand of bottled tea products. Their line of sweet teas raises the question – is Lipton sweet tea gluten-free?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and all their species and hybrids (such as spelt, kamut, and triticale). Gluten helps foods maintain their shape and gives elasticity to dough. It acts as a “glue” that holds food together. The two main proteins that make up gluten are:
- Gliadin
- Glutenin
When flour is mixed with water, these two proteins bind together and form elastic strands that stretch and hold together baked goods. For most people, gluten poses no health concerns. But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response in the body and causes damage to the small intestine.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of the population. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers immune system damage to the small intestine. The tiny finger-like villi that line the small intestine get inflamed and damaged, preventing proper absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms of celiac disease may include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Failure to thrive (in children)
Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems like malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility and certain cancers. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet. This allows the intestinal villi to heal and nutritional absorption to return to normal.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Some individuals experience adverse reactions to gluten but do not have celiac disease. This is referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. It’s estimated to affect around 6-7% of the population. Symptoms are similar to celiac disease and may include:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Numbness in legs, arms or fingers
The exact mechanisms behind non-celiac gluten sensitivity are not fully understood. But for those affected, avoiding gluten leads to resolution of symptoms.
The Gluten-Free Diet
The only treatment for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity is following a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods and drinks containing wheat, barley, rye and related grains. Some examples of foods containing gluten include:
- Breads
- Pasta
- Cereals
- Beer
- Cakes and pies
- Cookies and crackers
- Soy sauce
- Gravies and sauces
- Soups and broths
Reading labels is imperative, as gluten can hide in many processed and pre-packaged products. Contamination may also occur during food manufacturing. The FDA defines gluten-free as meaning a food contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Oats are inherently gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat during growing and processing. Look for certified gluten-free oats if including oats in a gluten-free diet.
Fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, almond milk, coconut milk, legumes, nuts and seeds are all naturally gluten-free foods. These whole foods form the basis of a balanced gluten-free diet. Fortunately, the variety of specialty gluten-free products available in stores continues to expand – gluten-free breads, crackers, baked goods, cereals, pastas and more. With careful label reading and proper substitutions, those avoiding gluten can enjoy varied and healthy diets.
Lipton Tea Brand Overview
Thomas Lipton began selling tea in the 1890s in both the United Kingdom and United States. His goal was to make tea accessible to more people. The Lipton tea brand was eventually acquired by consumer goods company Unilever. Today, Lipton teas are sold worldwide in more than 150 countries.
Lipton manufactures a wide assortment of tea products including:
- Black teas
- Green teas
- Herbal teas
- Matcha tea
- Chai tea
- Bottled teas
- Decaffeinated teas
- Ready-to-drink cold teas
Their bottled tea line includes Lipton Pure Leaf teas and Lipton Brisk teas. Their popular Lipton Sweet Tea product falls under the Brisk brand name.
Lipton Sweet Tea Ingredients
The ingredients listed on a bottle of Lipton Sweet Tea are:
- Brewed Black Tea
- Sugar
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
The sweet tea begins with Lipton’s signature blended black tea recipe as the base. Sugar is added to sweeten the tea, along with citric acid for some extra tartness and preservative properties. A small amount of natural flavor is also included. The ingredients and nutrition facts can vary slightly between the different Lipton Sweet Tea product lines (diet, peach, raspberry, etc.).
Does Lipton Sweet Tea Contain Gluten?
There is no gluten-containing ingredients listed in Lipton Sweet Tea. The products are made from brewed black tea, sugar, citric acid and natural flavors. These are all gluten-free ingredients.
However, anytime processed foods and beverages are involved, there is always a slight chance of cross-contamination with gluten. The Lipton tea production facilities also process wheat-based ingredients on shared equipment. According to Lipton’s website, their tea products are not recommended for those with celiac disease due to the possibility of trace gluten exposure.
Individuals with celiac disease must be very careful to avoid any possible sources of gluten cross-contamination. This even includes products labeled as “gluten-free” which in the US, still allows up to 20 parts per million gluten. For those highly sensitive, even tiny amounts of gluten residue can trigger intestinal damage and symptoms. So people with celiac disease may want to avoid Lipton Sweet Tea to be on the safe side.
Is Lipton Sweet Tea Gluten-Free Certified?
Lipton Sweet Tea is not certified gluten-free. No claims of “gluten-free” are made on the packaging. According to the Lipton company website, their tea products are not recommended for those with celiac disease due to the risk of trace gluten exposure on shared production lines.
The brand confirms their tea production facilities process wheat ingredients on shared equipment as well. So there is a chance of gluten cross-contamination through processing and bottling. Without gluten-free certification or lab testing, people with celiac disease or wheat allergy have no way to confirm the product is below 20 parts per million gluten and safe for their diet.
Third Party Gluten-Free Certifications
Products certified gluten-free by reputable third-party agencies provide extra assurance. Some recognized certifications to look for include:
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
- Celiac Support Association (CSA)
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
These organizations have protocols in place requiring rigorous gluten testing and facility inspections. Gluten-free certified products must contain less than 10-20 parts per million gluten to meet certification standards. Lipton Sweet Tea does not currently carry any of these trusted gluten-free labels.
Is Lipton Sweet Tea Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Lipton Sweet Tea is likely safe in small amounts for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivities, as an occasional indulgence. The amounts of gluten, if any, would likely be minimal. Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can often tolerate trace exposure. But for those with full-blown celiac disease, even 20 parts per million or less of gluten can provoke an autoimmune reaction and small intestinal damage.
So the safety of Lipton Sweet Tea really depends on the person and degree of gluten sensitivity. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if Lipton Sweet Tea fits into your gluten-free diet:
- Celiac Disease: Not recommended, due to potential of trace gluten exposure from processing on shared equipment.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Probably safe in moderation, but may want to double-check for individual tolerance.
- Wheat Allergy: Exercise caution since wheat is processed on shared lines.
- Following a Gluten-Free Diet: Probably safe if not highly sensitive to trace gluten, but consume in moderation.
Those with celiac disease should be especially cautious with Lipton Sweet Tea and avoid it unless they can personally verify the gluten amounts through third-party lab testing. Since the product is not certified gluten-free, there is some uncertainty. When in doubt, choose a beverage that is clearly labeled gluten-free.
Lipton Sweet Tea Alternatives
For a gluten-free tea option, look for a brand that is certified gluten-free or has a clear “gluten-free” statement on the label. Here are some delicious gluten-free alternatives to enjoy instead of Lipton Sweet Tea:
Brew Your Own Sweet Tea
For full control, make your own fresh sweet tea at home. Use gluten-free loose leaf tea or tea bags combined with sugar or stevia to taste. This ensures no gluten exposure from manufacturing. Customize the tea flavor, sweetness and strength to your liking.
Honest Tea Honey Green Tea
Made with gluten-free organic honey and a blend of green tea leaves, this lightly sweetened bottled tea from Honest Tea is certified gluten-free. Available in individual bottles or cases online and at many major grocery retailers.
Tejava Premium Iced Tea
Crystal Geyser’s ready-to-drink Tejava tea line is made from real brewed tea and natural flavors. The Unsweetened Black Tea and diet Peach Tea options are labeled as gluten-free.
Guayaki Yerba Mate Bottled Tea
For an energizing alternative high in antioxidants, try Guayaki’s line of ready-to-drink Yerba Mate bottled teas. All flavors are certified gluten-free and made from brewed Yerba Mate with fruit juice added.
Tazo Iced Black Teas
Select flavors of Tazo bottled iced black tea are labeled gluten-free, including Tazo Iced Black Tea, Iced Green Tea, and Iced Passion Tea. Check labels since not all Tazo varieties are currently gluten-free certified.
The Bottom Line
Lipton Sweet Tea is likely low risk for most gluten-sensitive individuals, when consumed occasionally in small amounts. But for those with celiac disease, it’s safest to avoid this product. Lipton tea production facilities process wheat and do not offer gluten-free certification. While extremely low amounts of residual gluten may be present, Lipton Sweet Tea cannot be verified gluten-free.
Thankfully, there are many clearly labeled gluten-free bottled tea options available from trusted brands. Homemade sweet tea can also be prepared easily. Overall, individuals following gluten-free diets can still enjoy delicious tea, but should opt for certified gluten-free varieties over Lipton Sweet Tea whenever possible.
