Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. Many alcoholic beverages like beer contain gluten because they are made from gluten-containing grains. But what about rum? Here’s a look at whether there is gluten in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
The Short Answer
No, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum does not contain gluten. The distillation process used to make rum removes gluten proteins from the molasses and sugar cane base. As long as no gluten-containing additives are used, rums like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum are considered gluten-free.
What Is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum?
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is a popular spiced rum produced by Diageo. It was named after the 17th century Welsh privateer Sir Henry Morgan. The rum originated in Jamaica but is now produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Like other rums, the main ingredients in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum are molasses and sugar cane juice. Molasses is a thick syrup that’s left over after sugar crystals are extracted from sugar cane juice. Both molasses and sugar cane juice are naturally gluten-free.
In addition to molasses and sugar cane juice, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum contains added flavors and spices like vanilla, caramel, and cloves to give it its distinct spiced taste.
Why Most Rums Are Gluten-Free
Here’s a quick explanation of why most rums are gluten-free:
- Rum is made by fermenting and distilling sugar cane juice, molasses, or other sugar byproducts.
- The ingredients used to make rum (sugar cane and molasses) do not contain gluten.
- The distillation process removes gluten proteins from the raw ingredients.
- As long as no gluten-containing additives are added, the final distilled rum contains negligible or no detectable gluten.
So even though some spirits like beer and whiskey contain gluten, rum does not because of the gluten-free nature of its base ingredients and the thoroughness of the distillation process.
Gluten-Free Certification
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum does not currently have a gluten-free certification from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Sprue Association (CSA).
However, Diageo (the manufacturer of Captain Morgan rum) clearly states that the beverage is gluten-free on its website and packaging:
- “Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is gluten-free. The distillation process removes gluten proteins from the molasses and sugar cane base.”
- “All Captain Morgan products are tested to ensure our rums are 100% gluten-free.”
So even without official gluten-free certification, Diageo’s statements provide assurance that Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is gluten-free based on its ingredients and production process.
No Gluten Ingredients in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
Analyzing the ingredients list on a bottle of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum also confirms that it does not contain any gluten. The only ingredients listed are:
- Rum
- Potable water
- Sugarcane molasses
- Natural flavors
- Caramel color
None of these ingredients contain gluten. So there are no obvious sources of gluten used to make Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
What about natural flavors and caramel color?
Two ingredients – natural flavors and caramel color – merit a closer look to make sure they are not potential sources of gluten:
- Natural flavors – Alcoholic beverage companies are not required to disclose the source of natural flavors. However, there is no reason to suspect the natural flavors in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum are derived from gluten-containing grains. Rum producers generally use natural vanilla, spices, or fruit extracts to enhance flavor.
- Caramel color – Caramel color is made by heating sugars and can be derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat or barley. However, major rum producers like Diageo use standardized, gluten-free caramel colors that are made from corn, tapioca, or sugar syrup.
So while the specific sources of natural flavors and caramel color are unknown, neither ingredient raises major concerns about gluten content in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination refers to gluten being unintentionally introduced into a gluten-free product from a gluten-containing ingredient. This is a potential risk in facilities that produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free products using shared equipment.
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, Diageo makes Captain Morgan rum at dedicated gluten-free production sites. The company also follows stringent cleaning protocols and uses separate equipment for gluten-containing versus gluten-free products made at the same site.
These controlled manufacturing conditions significantly minimize the chance of Captain Morgan rum coming into contact with gluten during production.
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Is Considered Safe for Gluten-Free Diets
Based on its ingredients, production process, and the manufacturer’s assurances, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is widely regarded as gluten-free by reputable organizations and gluten intolerance experts.
Here are a few examples:
- The Celiac Disease Foundation lists Captain Morgan Spiced Rum as a gluten-free option.
- The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) says it is acceptable for the gluten-free diet.
- The Celiac Support Association includes Captain Morgan Spiced Rum in its list of gluten-free liquors.
- Prominent gluten-free dietitian Tricia Thompson (The Gluten-Free Watchdog) confirms that Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is gluten-free.
So while Captain Morgan rum lacks official gluten-free certification, there is excellent agreement from trusted sources that it can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet.
Special Considerations for Celiac Disease and Sensitivity
While Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is considered gluten-free, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should keep the following considerations in mind:
- Amount consumed – Avoid overconsumption to minimize any potential risk. Stick to 1-2 servings max per day.
- Symptoms – Monitor symptoms carefully after consuming it. Discontinue use if any adverse symptoms occur.
- Children – Children tend to be more sensitive to trace gluten. Use extra caution or avoid giving to children.
- Contact manufacturer – Contact the manufacturer if you have lingering concerns and ask about their gluten testing methodology.
Being well-informed and taking a cautious approach can help those with gluten issues safely enjoy products like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum that are labeled gluten-free but not certified.
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key facts on whether Captain Morgan Spiced Rum contains gluten:
- Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is made from gluten-free sugar cane and molasses.
- The distillation process removes any traces of gluten protein from the base ingredients.
- It does not contain any high-risk gluten ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, or malt.
- The manufacturer (Diageo) confirms it is gluten-free.
- It is widely recognized as gluten-free by experts and reputable gluten intolerance associations.
Based on all available evidence, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum can be considered gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution and moderate consumption to be on the safe side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Captain Morgan contain malt or wheat?
No, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum does not contain malt, wheat, or any other gluten grains like barley or rye. It is distilled from sugar cane and molasses, not gluten grains.
What about shared equipment at the production facility?
Captain Morgan rum is produced at dedicated gluten-free facilities or on shared equipment that is thoroughly cleaned between batches. This minimizes any risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
Are any Captain Morgan rums gluten-free besides the Spiced Rum?
Yes, other varieties of Captain Morgan rum such as Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Captain Morgan White Rum, Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, and Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum are also considered gluten-free.
The manufacturer (Diageo) states that all Captain Morgan rums are gluten-free. Individual varieties may contain different natural flavors and spices, but do not contain gluten ingredients.
Is Captain Morgan gluten-free in Canada?
Yes, Captain Morgan sold in Canada contains the same ingredients and is made with the same distillation process as in the United States. Diageo confirms that Captain Morgan rum sold worldwide is gluten-free.
Why doesn’t Captain Morgan have an official gluten-free certification?
Diageo has chosen not to pursue official gluten-free certification for Captain Morgan. This is likely because the certification process is expensive and time-consuming. However, Diageo still rigorously tests all batches of Captain Morgan to verify gluten levels are below detectable limits.
Other Popular Rums that are Gluten-Free
In addition to Captain Morgan, these are examples of other major rum brands considered gluten-free:
| Rum Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Bacardi | Gluten-free (confirmed by manufacturer and third-party testing) |
| Malibu | Gluten-free (confirmed by manufacturer) |
| Myers’s Rum | Gluten-free (confirmed by manufacturer) |
| Cruzan Rum | Gluten-free (confirmed by Gluten Intolerance Group and extensive consumer reports) |
There are very few rum brands that are known to contain gluten. As long as a rum is made from sugar cane/molasses and no gluten additives are used, it is most likely gluten-free.
Rum Is Typically Gluten-Free But Proceed with Caution
In summary, rum made traditionally from sugar cane or molasses like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum is considered gluten-free. The main considerations are:
- The base ingredients (sugar cane and molasses) do not contain gluten.
- The distillation process removes gluten proteins if present.
- No gluten-containing additives or flavors are used.
So you can enjoy your favorite rum in moderation as part of a gluten-free diet. Nonetheless, proceed with caution until you know that a specific brand is 100% gluten-free based on your individual level of sensitivity.
