Avoiding gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats, is a daunting task. But for people with gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease or celiac sprue, it's essential. Consuming even a small amount of gluten causes not only intestinal discomfort but also damages the lining of the stomach over time. Some alcohols are safe for people with gluten allergy, while others are not. Read labels carefully to determine what's safe and what isn't.
Wine Products
Alcohols that contain no gluten include wine, which is made from grapes and does not contain gluten products. However, wine coolers, which sound safe, contain malted grains and are not safe for people with gluten allergy. Many flavored wines also contain added ingredients which could include grain products. Do not drink wine coolers or flavored wines unless they're specifically labeled as gluten-free; some ingredients listed as "natural flavoring" may include gluten products.
Beer Products
Regular beer contains barley, which will cause a gluten reaction. However, specialty beers made for the gluten-free market do provide an alternative for beer lovers. Gluten-free beers, which are prominently labeled as gluten free, are made from rice, sorghum or buckwheat, which is a member of the rhubarb rather than the wheat family. Gluten-free beers in the United States include Bard's Beer's Dragon's Gold beer and Redbridge, both made from sorghum. Honey beer, made from honey and molasses by Ramapo Valley Brewery, and Lakefront Brewery's New Grist, made from sorghum and rice, are also safe choices. Green's and Sprecher Brewery produce several types of gluten-free beer. Check labels to make sure ingredients haven't changed before buying any of these beers.
Grain Alcohols
If ever a product sounded like a danger to people allergic to grains, grain alcohol would be the one. However, since grain alcohol is distilled, water impurities as well as gluten are separated from the alcohol in the process. Because gluten can't vaporize like alcohol can, it can't pass through the condensation tubes used for distillation. While pure alcohols such as scotch, gin, whiskey, rum or vodka are safe, flavored alcohols may add gluten-based products and should be avoided.
Specialty Drinks
Drinks like the Mike's Hard Lemonade line fall into a special category. While they're made from barley, like beer, they undergo a special filtration process that removes gluten, according to the Mike's Hard Lemonade website. However, to be on the safe side, Living-Gluten-Free.com suggests avoiding this type of product.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders: Celiac Disease
- Wheat Free: Wheat Free and Gluten Free Beers
- IBS Treatment Center: Good News Regarding Alcohol and Gluten Intolerance
- Living Gluten Free: Gluten Free Alcohol You Can Still Enjoy
- Mike's Hard Lemonade Co: Do Your Products Contain Gluten?
