Corona seltzers have become an increasingly popular alcoholic beverage option for those looking for a lighter, gluten-free alternative to beer. With the rise in gluten-free diets and awareness around gluten sensitivity, many people are curious whether the popular Corona seltzers actually contain gluten.
What are Corona Seltzers?
Corona seltzers are a line of spiked sparkling water beverages made by the company Constellation Brands, which also produces the Corona beer brand. The seltzers come in a variety of fruit flavors like cherry, tropical lime, mango, and blackberry lime. They have 90 calories per 12 oz serving and are 4.5% alcohol by volume.
The seltzers are marketed as a light, refreshing adult beverage option. Unlike beer, they do not contain any grains or malt. Instead, they are made by fermenting cane sugar and natural fruit flavors, then blending that with sparkling water and alcohol.
Are Corona Seltzers Gluten-Free?
Yes, Corona seltzers are considered gluten-free. According to the Corona website, the seltzers do not contain any gluten ingredients. They are produced without barley, wheat, rye or other grains that contain gluten proteins.
The facility where Corona seltzers are produced do handle some products that contain gluten. However, the facility follows strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. The equipment and production lines are thoroughly cleaned between gluten and gluten-free production runs.
Constellation Brands states that the Corona seltzers contain less than 10ppm of gluten. This falls well below the FDA limit of less than 20ppm for foods to be labelled as “gluten-free”. At less than 10ppm of gluten, Corona seltzers should be safe for most people who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.
Certifications for Gluten-Free Status
In addition to keeping gluten content under 10ppm, Corona seltzers have obtained recognized gluten-free certifications:
- Certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- Certified gluten-free under the Gluten-Free Food Service certification from the Celiac Support Association
- Carries the internationally-recognized Crossed Grain symbol for gluten-free food products
These certifications provide added assurance that Corona seltzers have been properly tested and audited by third-party organizations to verify their gluten-free status.
Are All Corona Seltzer Flavors Gluten-Free?
Yes, Corona indicates that all flavors in their seltzer line up are gluten-free:
| Corona Seltzer Flavors | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Cherry | Gluten-Free |
| Tropical Lime | Gluten-Free |
| Mango | Gluten-Free |
| Blackberry Lime | Gluten-Free |
| Strawberry Guava | Gluten-Free |
| Pineapple | Gluten-Free |
So no matter which Corona seltzer variety you choose, you can be assured it is gluten-free as long as it states “Corona Seltzer” on the packaging.
Are There Any Gluten Ingredients in Corona Seltzers?
No, Corona seltzers do not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains. The main ingredients are:
- Carbonated water
- Cane sugar
- Natural fruit flavors
- Citric acid
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
None of these ingredients are derived from grains like wheat, barley, rye or malt that contain the gluten proteins. So there are no directly gluten-containing ingredients in the Corona Hard Seltzer recipes.
What About Cross-Contamination Risks?
While the seltzers themselves do not contain gluten, some people wonder about the potential for cross-contamination during production. Since regular Corona beer does contain gluten, there is a possibility of trace amounts getting into the seltzer production facility or equipment.
However, Constellation Brands states that they follow strict allergen control procedures at all facilities where the seltzers are produced. This includes:
- Separate equipment and production lines for gluten-free seltzers vs. products containing gluten
- Thorough cleaning procedures validated to remove gluten from surfaces
- Testing of equipment surfaces and product batches to verify no detectable gluten
- Dedicated storage areas for raw ingredients and finished goods
- Employee training on gluten handling procedures
With proper control procedures in place, it is unlikely that cross-contamination would result in Corona seltzers containing over 10ppm of gluten from the production environment. Extensive testing has shown gluten levels well below this cutoff.
Are Corona Seltzers Safe for Celiacs & Gluten Sensitivity?
For most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Corona seltzers should be safe to consume in moderation. The less than 10ppm of gluten falls well below the FDA threshold for gluten-free labeling.
However, it is important to note that celiac disease is highly individualized. Some extremely sensitive celiacs react to gluten traces of less than 10ppm. So people with celiac disease should use their own judgment and experience in deciding whether to consume Corona seltzers.
For non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Corona seltzers would likely be fine for most people. But individuals have varying degrees of gluten tolerance. Anyone with concerns may want to consult their healthcare provider.
Does Corona Verify Gluten-Free Status with Testing?
Yes, Constellation Brands states that they regularly test both the Corona seltzer ingredients and finished products to validate that no detectable gluten is present. This testing would identify any gluten due to cross-contamination from the production environment.
The Corona website mentions that the facilities have on-site ELISA gluten assay test kits. ELISA testing can accurately detect gluten down to about 3-5ppm, well below the FDA gluten-free limit.
The third-party certification organizations also conduct periodic product testing for gluten as part of the certification process.
What About Other Allergens?
In addition to being gluten-free, Corona seltzers are considered free of any major food allergens:
- No wheat, rye, barley or gluten
- No peanuts or tree nuts
- No dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish or soy
- No sulfites
So Corona Hard Seltzers should be suitable for those with common food allergies and intolerances besides celiac disease/gluten sensitivity. Anyone with unusual food sensitivities would need to evaluate the ingredient list themselves.
Are There Any Downsides to Drinking Corona Seltzers?
While Corona seltzers are considered gluten-free and safe for most people sensitive to gluten, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- There is a small risk of cross-contamination for very gluten-sensitive celiacs
- They contain alcohol, which some people with celiac disease choose to avoid
- The carbonation can temporarily worsen digestive symptoms
- Fruit flavors contain natural sugars and citric acid that may cause gastric distress in some
Those with celiac disease or NCGS should exercise individual judgment about whether to consume alcoholic seltzers like Corona. Moderation is advised, especially when newly diagnosed or with ongoing symptoms.
The Verdict on Corona Seltzers with Gluten
Overall, Corona spiked seltzers can be considered gluten-free for most individuals who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease. The seltzers:
- Are made without gluten grain ingredients
- Are certified gluten-free by reputable third-party organizations
- Test below 10ppm of gluten in final products
- Are produced in facilities with strict allergen control procedures
While a negligible risk of cross-contamination exists, Corona seltzers should be safe for anyone but the most gluten-sensitive celiacs. Individuals should judge based on their personal level of gluten tolerance and reaction.
The Bottom Line
Corona Hard Seltzers do not contain any gluten ingredients and are processed to keep gluten levels below 10ppm. This makes them safe for most individuals who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, though the most gluten-sensitive may still wish to exercise caution.
