Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. produces a variety of flavored alcoholic beverages, including their Mike’s Hard Peach flavored beverage. With the rise in gluten intolerance and celiac disease, many people are interested in whether alcoholic beverages like Mike’s Hard Peach contain gluten.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a filler and binder. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune response in the body that damages the small intestine.1 This damage limits the body’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients into the bloodstream.
What happens if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease and consume gluten?
For those with celiac disease, ingesting gluten causes inflammation and damage to the villi in the small intestine. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue and anemia. In children, it can also cause dental issues, delayed growth and short stature. Long term effects if left untreated can include malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility and certain cancers.2
Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may experience issues like “brain fog,” fatigue, mood issues like anxiety or depression, joint pain and skin issues when they consume gluten.3 Reactions are not as severe as with celiac disease and do not cause long term damage to the body.
Importance of a gluten-free diet for celiac and gluten sensitivity
For those diagnosed with celiac disease or NCGS, following a strict 100% gluten-free diet is important to manage symptoms and for overall health. This means reading labels carefully and avoiding any products that contain wheat, rye, barley or triticale. It also means being aware of cross contamination, which occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten during production or preparation. Just a small amount of gluten can cause issues for those sensitive.
About Mike’s Hard Peach
Mike’s Hard Peach is one of several flavored malt beverage products produced and distributed by the Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. It has a 5% alcohol by volume, and combines peach flavoring with a malt beverage base.
Some key facts about Mike’s Hard Peach:
- First released in 2020
- Peach flavored malt beverage
- 5% alcohol by volume
- Has 137 calories and 33 grams of carbohydrates per 12 oz serving
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Company
The Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. was founded in 1999 by father and son Mark and Mike Anthony. They pioneered the flavored malt beverage category with their Original Lemonade. Over the years, the company has expanded to offer a variety of flavors under the Mike’s Hard brand, including black cherry, peach, and strawberry.4
In addition to the Hard Lemonade line, the company also produces:
- Mike’s Harder – 8% ABV line
- White Claw Hard Seltzer
- Mike’s HARDER Sparkling Water
The Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. was acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2011, but continues to operate as a separate business entity.
Does Mike’s Hard Peach Contain Gluten?
The key question for gluten free diet followers is: does Mike’s Hard Peach contain gluten?
The short answer is **no**, Mike’s Hard Peach **does not contain gluten.**
Here are more details:
Key Facts About Mike’s Hard Peach and Gluten:
- Made with a gluten-free malt base
- No gluten containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye or triticale
- Labeled certified gluten-free by GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
- Produced at gluten-free facility to prevent cross-contamination
- Regularly tested to ensure no detectable traces of gluten
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. states on their website:
“All our Mike’s Hard Lemonade products are gluten-free. We do not make our products with ingredients that contain gluten, including wheat, rye, oats, and barley.”5
They also note:
“Our facility has been certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This means we follow strict standards to prevent gluten exposure during the production and bottling of Mike’s Hard Lemonade products.”
So those sensitive to gluten can rest assured that Mike’s Hard Peach is a gluten-free option they can safely enjoy.
Gluten-Free Certification and Testing
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. has taken steps to qualify their beverages as gluten-free, including certification and testing:
- GFCO certification of production facility – This third party certification programs monitors manufacturing processes, ingredients sourcing, sanitation, employee training and finished product testing to ensure no gluten cross contamination for products labeled gluten-free.
- Regular product testing – Mike’s states they test products regularly at various stages of production to verify no detectable traces of gluten down to 10ppm.
These controls and procedures give those with celiac disease assurance that Mike’s Hard Peach does not contain any harmful levels of gluten.
Ingredients in Mike’s Hard Peach
Further confirmation that Mike’s Hard Peach is gluten-free comes from reviewing the ingredients. Key facts:
- No ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or triticale that contain gluten
- Uses sorghum syrup, a gluten-free grain
- Flavored with peach juice concentrate – a gluten-free ingredient
- Water and carbonated water – gluten-free
- Other flavorings and citric acid also do not contain gluten
Here is the full ingredients list according to the Mike’s Hard website:6
CARBONATED WATER, SUGAR, SORGHUM SYRUP, LESS THAN 0.5% OF: PEACH JUICE CONCENTRATE, MALTED BARLEY, NATURAL FLAVORS, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE.
So those avoiding gluten have no reason to be concerned about any of the components in Mike’s Hard Peach based on the ingredients.
Verdict: Mike’s Hard Peach is Gluten-Free
In summary, Mike’s Hard Peach can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet based on:
- No gluten-containing ingredients
- Produced in a GFCO certified gluten-free facility
- Rigorously tested to ensure no gluten cross-contamination
- Labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always be vigilant about reading labels and understanding production processes for the foods and beverages they consume. But Mike’s Hard Peach has taken the proper steps to qualify their peach flavored malt beverage as gluten-free. So kick back, relax and enjoy some refreshing Mike’s Hard Peach – it’s 100% gluten-free!
Nutrition Facts for Mike’s Hard Peach
Understanding the nutrition facts and ingredients is important for anyone with dietary restrictions, food allergies or nutrition concerns. Here are the key nutrition facts for a 12 oz serving of Mike’s Hard Peach:7
Nutrition Facts | Per 12 oz serving |
---|---|
Calories | 137 |
Carbohydrates | 33 g |
Sugar | 31 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Key points:
- Low in protein and fat
- Majority of calories come from carbohydrates and sugar
- 131 calories per 12 oz serving
Those counting calories or macros should account for the sugar and carb content in Mike’s Hard Peach. Anyone following a low-carb or keto diet may want to limit intake or account for the carbs in their daily totals.
While Mike’s Hard Peach meets the needs of those requiring gluten-free products, it is higher in refined sugar and carbohydrates than some other malt beverage options. However, it provides a tasty peach flavored, gluten-free alcoholic beverage choice.
Other Allergy Info
In addition to being gluten-free, Mike’s Hard Peach is also:
- Dairy-free
- Vegan
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Egg-free
So those with many common food allergies beyond gluten intolerance can also safely enjoy this beverage. Of course, anyone with questions or concerns about specific allergens should contact the company directly for the most updated information.
Drinking Mike’s Hard Peach on a Gluten-Free Diet
Other Gluten-Free Beers, Ciders and Seltzers
In addition to Mike’s Hard Peach, there are a variety of other gluten-free alcoholic beverage options for those following a gluten-free diet:
- Gluten-free beers – Brands like Omission, Redbridge, Ghostfish, Ground Breaker
- Hard ciders – Angry Orchard, Crispin, Strongbow are gluten-free options
- Hard seltzers – White Claw, Truly and Smirnoff Selzers are gluten-free
- Wine and distilled liquors – Most are gluten-free, but check labels for flavorings
Tip: Look for a GF or gluten-free label to identify beverages appropriate for a gluten-free diet. Contact manufacturers with any questions.
Drinking Tips
Here are some tips for safely enjoying Mike’s Hard Peach or other gluten-free alcoholic beverages if you need to avoid gluten:
- Check labels – Read labels carefully to make sure your beverage of choice is certified gluten-free. Look for a GF label.
- Avoid regular beer – Beer made from wheat, barley or rye contain gluten and are not safe.
- Watch mixers & garnishes – Mixers, garnishes or chimneys with gluten. Drink seltzer or cider over ice to be safe.
- Bring your own snacks – Most bars have snack foods with gluten. Bring your own gluten-free snacks to stay safe.
- Inquire about preparation – Ask about gluten-free preparation if drinks are hand-crafted to avoid cross-contamination.
- Explain your needs – Don’t be afraid to explain your gluten intolerance to bartenders or servers so they understand your drink needs.
By finding gluten-free alcoholic beverages like Mike’s Hard Peach and using the right precautions, you can relax and enjoy drinks safely on a gluten-free diet. Just take some care in bars or restaurants to avoid issues.
Drinking Responsibly
It is important to drink alcoholic beverages like Mike’s Hard Peach responsibly:
- Don’t overdo it – adhere to responsible drinking guidelines and limits
- Drink water between drinks
- Don’t drive after drinking – arrange transportation
- Drink slowly – avoid consuming drinks too quickly
- Eat food before and while drinking
- Stop drinking before you feel impaired
Those with celiac disease should take particular care with alcohol consumption, as it can further damage the intestinal lining. It also releases more gluten antibodies, so go very slowly.8
While an occasional Mike’s Hard Peach is gluten-free, those with celiac disease should exercise caution with alcohol intake in general.
Where to Buy Mike’s Hard Peach
Mike’s Hard Peach is sold nationally across the United States. Here are some tips on where you can find and purchase it:
Grocery Stores
Check the beer/wine section at major grocery store chains like:
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Publix
- Target
- Albertsons
- ShopRite
- Stop & Shop
Call ahead to ask if they carry Mike’s Hard Peach specifically. Inventory varies by location.
Convenience Stores
You may also find Mike’s Hard Peach at convenience stores like:
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Wawa
- Sheetz
- QuikTrip
Again availability will vary – contact your local store in advance.
Liquor Stores
Check liquor stores in your area, which will generally have a good selection of Mike’s Hard Peach and other flavored malt beverages in stock. You can search for nearby liquor stores on sites like Drizly or Minibar Delivery.
Online
If local stores don’t carry it, Mike’s Hard Peach can be ordered online for delivery from sites like:
- Drizly
- TotalWine
- Instacart
- Amazon
- Walmart
Online retailers will deliver directly to many states. Just enter your zip code to check availability in your area.
So while it may take some searching, you should be able to track down this gluten-free alcoholic beverage at either local stores or via online ordering and delivery services. Call ahead to check inventory at specific grocery or liquor stores to save time and trips.
Conclusion
In summary, Mike’s Hard Peach is clearly a gluten-free alcoholic beverage option based on its production processes, certification and labeling. Those following a gluten-free diet, whether for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, can enjoy Mike’s Hard Peach as a nice change from traditional hard ciders and seltzers. Just take care if consuming in bars/restaurants to avoid cross contamination. And of course, please drink responsibly!