The protein gluten, found in products containing wheat, barley and rye or similar derivatives, is problematic for people with the digestive disorder celiac disease. The consumption of gluten causes damaging intestinal inflammation and an autoimmune response in those with celiac disease. Careful monitoring of the diet to exclude gluten-containing products is necessary to prevent symptom flares. Those with celiac disease that enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage can do so with a variety of gluten-free options.
Premium and Craft Beers
Beer made from barley, wheat or malted barley generally contains gluten or its derivatives. However, premium and craft beer brewers also produce gluten-free beers, using alternative ingredients such as buckwheat, sorghum, rice and corn. Review package labels before assuming a beer is gluten-free.
Vodka, Gin, Tequila and Rum
According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, the gluten peptide does not get transferred into liquor products after distillation. Distilled hard liquors including vodka, gin, tequila and rum with the exclusion of whiskey, are generally gluten-free. Complementary non-alcoholic mixes like margarita mix for tequila or bloody Mary mix for vodka is gluten-free. Read liquor bottles and look for the gluten-free label. Take caution that some manufacturers do not indicate gluten or gluten-free ingredients on labels and that the detection of gluten in liquor may be unreliable, according to the magazine "Gluten Free Living."
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio
Wines are made with grapes, a naturally gluten-free product. In rare cases during the fermentation process, some wine manufacturers place the product in sealed barrels that may have had a previous gluten-containing product in them. Therefore, the wine could have trace amounts of gluten in the final product. Although this is a caution to consider, wines are generally gluten-free. Wines less likely to get cross-contaminated from the fermentation process include white varieties and reds that come in a box. If you enjoy wine and have celiac disease, err on the side of caution and contact the manufacturer to determine what kind of barrel was used during fermentation.
Additional Considerations and Precautions
The rise of celiac disease or intolerance to the gluten protein has sparked more food and beverage manufacturers to indicate if the products they produce are gluten-free. However, not all products have this form of labeling. Stay safe and avoid questionable alcoholic beverages, including wine coolers, malt beer or liquor and ales. Read product labels for ingredients. If a beverage claims the product was not made with wheat, barley or rye, that does not mean it is gluten-free.
References
- Craftbeer.com; Celiac Disease, Beer and Brewing; Michael J. Lewis
- Gluten Intolerance Group; Quick Start Guide for Celiac Disease; June 2011
- "Gluten Free Living"; Gluten Free Wine, Gluten Free Beer and Gluten Free Liquor, Does it Matter?; January 2010
- Celiac.com; Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages; Scott Adams; July 1996
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