Is there a gluten free Smirnoff Ice?

Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those who enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage but need to steer clear of gluten, figuring out what’s safe to drink can be tricky. Smirnoff Ice, a popular flavored malt beverage, is one such drink that often leaves gluten-free consumers wondering if there’s a gluten-free version available.

What is Smirnoff Ice?

Smirnoff Ice is a flavored malt beverage made by the company Smirnoff. It has a sweet, fruit-flavored taste and is lower in alcohol than typical malt beverages, usually around 5% alcohol by volume. Some of the popular flavors include Original, Orange, Grape, Watermelon, Green Apple, Strawberry, Raspberry, and more.

Smirnoff Ice is made from a malt base, which contains gluten. The gluten comes from the barley malt used to make the beverage. In addition to the gluten naturally present in the malt base, Smirnoff Ice may use other ingredients containing gluten as flavorings.

So in its regular form, Smirnoff Ice contains gluten and is not considered gluten-free. But do gluten-free versions of this popular drink exist?

Are there any gluten-free Smirnoff Ice products?

Unfortunately, as of now there are no 100% gluten-free Smirnoff Ice products available. Since Smirnoff Ice is made from gluten-containing ingredients like malt and barley, creating a truly gluten-free version would require an entirely different base and recipe.

Smirnoff’s frequently asked questions page confirms that none of their current malt beverage products are gluten-free. So regular Smirnoff Ice, along with all its flavors, contain gluten.

However, in 2016 Smirnoff did release a new product called Smirnoff Ice Electric – Lightly Carbonated Vodka Cocktail. Unlike traditional Smirnoff Ice, it skips the malt base and is made by blending vodka with fruit flavors and carbonated water.

Smirnoff Ice Electric

The Smirnoff Ice Electric line is gluten-free friendly, but not certified gluten-free. Since it substitutes vodka for malt liquor, it avoids the gluten-containing ingredients. But the facility may handle other gluten products, and there is a small risk of cross-contamination.

So far Smirnoff Ice Electric comes in two flavors:

  • Electric Berry: A blend of strawberry and blueberry flavors
  • Electric Citrus: A blend of orange, lime and lemon flavors

The nutrition information states the Electric line contains <1g of carbohydrates and 0g of protein per serving. Keeping carbs and protein low indicates a lack of gluten-containing grains. However, anyone following a strict gluten-free diet may want to exercise some caution with the Electric line. Since the facility is not certified gluten-free, there is a slight chance of cross-contamination. The risk is likely minimal, but for highly sensitive individuals, that may still be unacceptable.

What about other Smirnoff products?

Aside from the Smirnoff Ice Electric line, none of Smirnoff’s other malt beverages are gluten-free at this time. Again, the malt base excludes them from being safely gluten-free.

Smirnoff’s gluten-free options are limited to their line of distilled vodkas and their unflavored seltzers.

Here are some of Smirnoff’s gluten-free alcoholic options:

Smirnoff Vodka

  • Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
  • Smirnoff Red, White & Berry
  • Smirnoff Blueberry
  • Smirnoff Raspberry
  • Smirnoff Citrus
  • Smirnoff Pineapple
  • Smirnoff Green Apple Twist
  • Smirnoff Strawberry
  • Smirnoff Orange
  • Smirnoff Vanilla
  • Smirnoff Root Beer Float

Distilled vodkas like these avoid gluten because the distillation process removes the gluten protein from the original grains. As long as they avoid adding any gluten-containing flavorings, distilled vodkas test below 20ppm of gluten and can be labeled gluten-free.

Smirnoff Seltzer

  • Smirnoff Seltzer Unflavored Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Raspberry Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Orange Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Cranberry Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Lime Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Grapefruit Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Peach Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Strawberry Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Watermelon Hard Seltzer
  • Smirnoff Seltzer Blackberry Hard Seltzer

The Smirnoff Seltzer line is also labeled gluten-free. Seltzers are naturally gluten-free because they are made by fermenting cane sugar and mixing it with carbonated water and natural flavors. The seltzer line avoids gluten ingredients.

So if you’re craving a Smirnoff Ice but need to stay gluten-free, the closest options would be mixing a gluten-free vodka with fruit juice or trying one of their gluten-free seltzers. But unfortunately, no certified gluten-free Smirnoff Ice alternative exists currently.

Are other flavored malt beverages gluten-free?

Like Smirnoff Ice, most flavored malt beverages contain gluten from the barley malt used to make them. Popular brands like Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Harder’s Hard Tea, and Twisted Tea all currently use gluten-containing ingredients.

However, there are a few exceptions. Brands like Omission Brewing and Redbridge Brewing use gluten-removed processes to make some gluten-reduced beers.

Here are a few examples of gluten-removed malt beverages under 20ppm of gluten:

Omission Brewing

  • Omission Lager
  • Omission Pale Ale
  • Omission IPA

Redbridge Brewing

  • Redbridge Blonde Ale
  • Redbridge IPA
  • Redbridge Raspberry Ale

These beers test below 20ppm of gluten but are not labeled gluten-free due to potential cross-contact. They may be suitable options for anyone who can tolerate trace amounts of gluten.

There are also some truly gluten-free malt beverage options made from alternate grains like sorghum. Brands like Glutenberg Brewing and Ground Breaker Brewing offer gluten-free malt beverages produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.

Here are some examples of dedicated gluten-free malt beverages:

Glutenberg Brewing

  • Glutenberg American Pale Ale
  • Glutenberg Blonde Ale
  • Glutenberg Red Ale
  • Glutenberg IPA
  • Glutenberg Honeycream Lager
  • Glutenberg Raspberry Wheat Beer

Ground Breaker Brewing

  • Ground Breaker IPA No. 5
  • Ground Breaker Dark Ale
  • Ground Breaker Oast House Ale
  • Ground Breaker Ginger Beer

So while most flavored malt beverages contain gluten, there are an increasing number of gluten-free friendly options being made with gluten-free grains and produced in gluten-free facilities. Brands like Omission, Redbridge, Glutenberg and Ground Breaker offer alternatives for gluten-free drinkers looking to enjoy a flavored malt beverage.

What about ciders and hard seltzers?

Beyond malt beverages, those avoiding gluten also have options like hard ciders and seltzers. These alcoholic beverages are naturally gluten-free:

Hard Cider

Cider is made by fermenting apple juice, so it’s gluten-free by nature. Popular gluten-free ciders include:

  • Angry Orchard
  • Strongbow
  • Woodchuck
  • Sir Perry
  • Crispin
  • Smith & Forge

Be sure to look for a gluten-free label or confirmation from the manufacturer. Certain flavorings or additives may introduce gluten into some hard ciders.

Hard Seltzer

Seltzers are made from fermented cane sugar and carbonated water. Look for seltzers certified gluten-free from brands like:

  • White Claw
  • Truly
  • High Noon
  • Wild Basin
  • Bon & Viv

Again, double check the manufacturer confirms no gluten ingredients are used. Some seltzers do include malt or gluten-based flavorings.

Both ciders and seltzers can offer light, fruit-forward flavors similar to malt beverages. Going with hard cider or hard seltzer is an easy way to get a gluten-free drink that satisfies the same craving as a Smirnoff Ice.

Is Smirnoff Ice gluten-free friendly in moderation?

For those who don’t have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, occasional exposure to small amounts of gluten from drinks like Smirnoff Ice may be tolerable.

Some people adopt a gluten-free diet as a lifestyle and can occasionally consume trace amounts of gluten without major issues. Others have non-celiac gluten sensitivity and find they can handle small, infrequent exposures to gluten.

In these cases, enjoying a Smirnoff Ice or other malt beverage now and then may be possible without major symptoms.

However, it’s impossible to guarantee the exact ppm of gluten Smirnoff Ice contains. Malt beverages likely contain several hundred ppm at minimum, sometimes higher. For comparison, foods labeled gluten-free must test below 20ppm.

So proceed with caution and pay attention to any symptoms if you do opt to drink Smirnoff Ice occasionally. You know your body best. Some may tolerate it fine in moderation, while even small amounts could make others quite sick.

Side effects of consuming gluten with gluten sensitivity

Possible side effects from consuming gluten with non-celiac gluten sensitivity include:

  • Digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Brain fog and fatigue
  • Skin problems like eczema or rash
  • Joint pain and inflammation
  • Headaches and migraines

Symptoms can vary drastically by individual based on the degree of sensitivity. Pay attention to how you feel after consuming gluten to determine if any symptoms develop.

Side effects of consuming gluten with celiac disease

For those with celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that attacks and damages the small intestine. Consuming any amount of gluten should be avoided.

Possible side effects of consuming gluten with untreated celiac disease include:

  • Severe diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Damage to the intestinal villi leading to poor nutrient absorption
  • Increased risk for anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and certain cancers

Those with celiac disease must strictly avoid gluten at all times to prevent intestinal damage and dangerous long-term health effects. Consuming hidden sources of gluten like Smirnoff Ice can be highly problematic.

Tips for drinking gluten-free alcohol

If you need or choose to avoid gluten, here are some tips for picking safe alcoholic beverages:

  • Opt for distilled spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, and gin. Look for brands that confirm no gluten ingredients added.
  • Drink certified gluten-free beers made from grains like sorghum or rice. Check brands like Glutenberg.
  • Try hard ciders and seltzers specifically labeled gluten-free. Ask manufacturers if uncertain.
  • Call ahead when ordering drinks at a bar or restaurant. Ask about risk of cross-contact.
  • Check mixers and mixes added to drinks. Flavorings like malt syrup can add hidden gluten.
  • Avoid malt beverages and coolers unless labeled gluten-free or made from a gluten-free base.
  • Request drinks are made in a clean glass to avoid cross-contact from gluten residues.
  • Examine labels carefully and research drinks online if safety is uncertain.

By being an informed, selective drinker, you can still enjoy alcoholic beverages that work with your gluten-free lifestyle. You’ll need to steer clear of most malt beverages, including Smirnoff Ice. But plenty of delicious gluten-free options exist, from gluten-removed beers to ciders and seltzers.

Conclusion

At this time, there are no 100% gluten-free Smirnoff Ice products available. The malt base naturally contains gluten.

Smirnoff Ice Electric provides a lower gluten option, but there is still some risk of trace gluten exposure. Those highly sensitive or with celiac disease should avoid Smirnoff Ice and other malt coolers completely.

However, various distilled spirit, cider and gluten-removed beer options can provide gluten-free alternatives. Brands like Glutenberg, Ground Breaker, Angry Orchard, and White Claw all offer gluten-free friendly alcoholic beverages to fill the same niche.

Drinkers who are less sensitive can also consider indulging in Smirnoff Ice or similar drinks infrequently in moderation. While not gluten-free, small occasional exposures may be tolerable depending on individual response.

Overall, with some research and careful label reading, those avoiding gluten can still enjoy mixed drinks and beers that align with their dietary needs. Going gluten-free doesn’t mean the end of beverage variety. Smirnoff Ice may be off limits, but plenty of other options now exist in today’s gluten-free friendly alcohol marketplace.

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