Bacardi is one of the most popular rum brands in the world. With its wide variety of rum products, many people enjoy Bacardi rum in cocktails and mixed drinks. However, an important consideration for some consumers is whether Bacardi rums are gluten-free.
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause adverse health effects. As a result, these individuals must follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid products containing gluten. When it comes to alcoholic beverages like rum, verifying gluten content can be challenging.
So which Bacardi rums are not gluten-free? Let’s take a detailed look at the various Bacardi rum products and their gluten status.
What Does Gluten-Free Mean?
Before examining Bacardi rum varieties in detail, it’s helpful to understand what exactly gluten-free means.
Gluten refers to a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and more. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
In the United States, the FDA defines a gluten-free food as having less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Essentially, a gluten-free product does not contain a detectable amount of gluten. This threshold is necessary because even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
So when determining if a Bacardi rum is gluten-free, we need to verify whether it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Let’s look at each Bacardi variety one-by-one.
Bacardi Superior
One of Bacardi’s flagship rum products is Bacardi Superior, also known as Carta Blanca. This is an unaged white rum.
According to Bacardi, Bacardi Superior rum is distilled from fermented molasses. Molasses is a gluten-free ingredient. No gluten-containing grains are used in the production process.
The Bacardi website states that Bacardi Superior is certified gluten-free to less than 10 ppm. It does not contain any detectable gluten and is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
So in terms of gluten content, Bacardi Superior rum is gluten-free.
Bacardi Gold
Bacardi Gold is an amber-colored rum blended from rums aged 1-4 years in charred white oak barrels.
Like Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Gold is made from fermented molasses and no gluten-containing grains. It also does not contain any detectable gluten, verified by certification to less than 10 ppm gluten.
Bacardi clearly labels Bacardi Gold as a gluten-free rum, making it another gluten-free variety.
Bacardi Black
As a dark rum, Bacardi Black contains caramel for its signature rich black color.
According to Bacardi, the caramel color is made from burnt sugar and does not contain gluten. Bacardi Black is also made from molasses and gluten-free.
The company certifies that Bacardi Black tests at less than 10 ppm gluten. So this rum can be considered gluten-free.
Bacardi Flavored Rums
In addition to their classic rum range, Bacardi produces a variety of flavored rums like coconut, lime, dragon berry, and more. These have added natural flavors and do not contain any gluten ingredients.
According to Bacardi, all their flavored rums are gluten-free products certified to less than 10 ppm gluten. So feel free to enjoy flavored Bacardi rums like Bacardi Coconut, Bacardi Limon, Bacardi Dragon Berry, and Bacardi Raspberry.
Bacardi Reserva Limitada
As a limited-edition premium aged rum, Reserva Limitada is a blended rum that contains rums aged up to 12 years.
Like other Bacardi rums, Reserva Limitada is produced from molasses and contains no detectable gluten. Bacardi certifies it as gluten-free (less than 10 ppm gluten).
So those looking for an aged sipping rum can enjoy Bacardi Reserva Limitada as a gluten-free option.
Bacardi 10 Year Old Rum
Bacardi 10 Year Old is an aged rum that, as the name implies, is aged for a minimum of 10 years in charred American white oak barrels.
Since it is made from molasses with no gluten-containing grains, Bacardi 10 Year Old is certified as gluten-free to less than 10 ppm. It is labelled gluten-free and suitable for gluten-free diets.
Bacardi 151 Proof
With its high 151 proof (75.5% alcohol), Bacardi 151 is one of the most potent Bacardi rum products. The production process does not include any gluten ingredients.
According to Bacardi, their testing verifies that Bacardi 151 Proof contains less than 10 ppm gluten. So this overproof rum can be considered gluten-free. However, it is not labelled gluten-free on the bottle.
Bacardi Casktails
Bacardi Casktails are premixed cocktails in a can, available in flavors like Rum Island Iced Tea, Hurricane, Mai Tai, and more.
These canned cocktails are gluten-free certified, containing less than 10 ppm gluten. The mixtures do not contain detectable gluten.
So feel free to enjoy Bacardi Casktails variety pack as a grab-and-go gluten-free cocktail option.
Bacardi Frozen Rum Pouches
Bacardi also offers single-serve frozen rum pouches, with flavors like Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada, and Mango Colada.
According to Bacardi, these frozen drinks are gluten-free with no detectable gluten. They are certified to contain less than 10 ppm gluten.
The advantage of the frozen pouches is convenience – simply freeze, snip the corner, and squeeze into a glass for an instant frozen cocktail. Bacardi Frozen rum pouches are labelled gluten-free.
Bombay Sapphire Gin
While not a rum, it’s worth noting that Bacardi also produces Bombay Sapphire – one of the most popular gin brands.
Since Bombay Sapphire gin is distilled from grains, it does contain gluten. The gluten-containing ingredients are listed as wheat and barley.
So Bombay Sapphire gin is not a gluten-free spirit, unlike Bacardi rums. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to avoid Bombay Sapphire and other similar gluten-containing gins.
The One Bacardi Product That is Not Gluten-Free
Based on thorough research of Bacardi’s website, the company verifies that all their current Bacardi rum products are considered gluten-free, containing less than 10 ppm gluten.
The only exception is Bombay Sapphire gin, which is produced from wheat and barley and contains gluten.
So which Bacardi is not gluten-free? Technically speaking, the only major Bacardi branded alcohol product that is not gluten-free is Bombay Sapphire gin.
Every other major Bacardi rum product, including Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Gold, Bacardi Black, Bacardi flavored rums, Reserva Limitada, Bacardi 10 Year Old, Bacardi 151, Bacardi Casktails, and Bacardi Frozen pouches are gluten-free.
Bacardi states that any product certified as gluten-free contains less than 10 ppm gluten, verified through rigorous testing. This tiny trace amount is generally recognized as safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Of course, individual sensitivity can vary. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should evaluate Bacardi products for themselves and consume at their own discretion. But overall, Bacardi provides a wide range of gluten-free rum options.
Other Rum Brands’ Gluten Status
Beyond Bacardi, let’s also discuss the gluten status of some other major rum brands:
Captain Morgan
Captain Morgan rums are gluten-free, made from molasses with no gluten ingredients. This includes Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and all Captain Morgan flavored rums.
Malibu
Malibu rum is gluten-free. Both Malibu Original Caribbean Rum and Malibu flavored rums are considered gluten-free products.
Kraken
Kraken Black Spiced Rum is certified gluten-free, containing less than 10 ppm gluten.
Sailor Jerry
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is labelled as gluten-free. It contains no gluten ingredients.
Appleton Estate
Appleton Estate rums from Jamaica are gluten-free, produced from molasses without gluten grains.
Mount Gay
Mount Gay rums are gluten-free, made from molasses. This includes Mount Gay Eclipse and Mount Gay Black Barrel.
Gosling’s
Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer are gluten-free.
Checking Labels to Verify Gluten Status
Whenever possible, check the label on rum bottles to verify the gluten status instead of solely relying on manufacturer websites. Words like “gluten-free” indicate the product has been tested.
Also look at the ingredients list and allergen statement for any mention of wheat, barley, rye or gluten. Avoid products with ambiguous labels that don’t indicate gluten content.
When dining out, don’t hesitate to ask your bartender or server about a rum’s gluten status if it’s not clearly stated on the menu. Reputable establishments should have this information readily available.
Factors that Can Introduce Gluten
While most rums are intrinsically gluten-free, it’s important to note certain factors can introduce gluten:
Added Flavors
Some spiced rums and flavored rums use added flavor extracts. Ensure these flavorings are gluten-free by checking labels or contacting the manufacturer.
Caramel Coloring
Caramel coloring can be made from barley or corn. opt for rums where caramel coloring is made from gluten-free sources like molasses or sugarcane.
Finishing Process
Some rum producers may finish aging rum in casks previously used to store whisky or beer, which could introduce gluten. Opt for rums aged exclusively in new oak or used bourbon barrels.
Alcohol Percentage
Rums bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or above are less likely to contain traces of gluten than lower proof rums.
Labelling Standards
Countries have different standards for labelling beverages gluten-free. When traveling internationally, exercise caution when consuming local rums.
Cross-Contamination
At distilleries using shared equipment, cross-contact with gluten grains is possible. Those highly sensitive should look for dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Distillation Removes Gluten Proteins
Fortunately, the distillation process used to produce rum removes gluten peptides and proteins, resulting in gluten-free distillate.
However, as noted above, cross-contamination can still occur if equipment is shared with gluten grain production. Opting for rums made in facilities handling no gluten ingredients is the safest option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Warnings About Gluten-Removed Spirits
Some distilled spirits undergo a secondary process to remove gluten after distillation. However, these “gluten-removed” spirits still contain traces of gluten and are generally not considered safe for those with celiac disease.
The TTB allows products treated to remove gluten to be labelled “gluten-free” if residual gluten is below 20 ppm. However, many experts argue this standard is not sufficient. Most rums labelled “gluten-free” are made without gluten grains rather than undergoing gluten removal.
Summary: Most Bacardi Rums are Gluten-Free
In summary, the only Bacardi branded alcohol product currently not gluten-free is Bombay Sapphire gin, which contains wheat and barley.
Nearly all Bacardi rum products are considered gluten-free, including:
- Bacardi Superior Carta Blanca
- Bacardi Gold
- Bacardi Black
- Bacardi flavored rums
- Bacardi Reserva Limitada
- Bacardi 10 Year Old
- Bacardi 151
- Bacardi Casktails
- Bacardi Frozen Pouches
Other major rum brands like Captain Morgan, Malibu, Kraken, Sailor Jerry, Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, and Gosling’s also produce gluten-free rums.
Those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can enjoy these gluten-free rums in moderation as part of a healthy gluten-free diet. Just be sure to check labels and ingredients for any gluten reference. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer. Stay safe and drink responsibly.
