Safe Drinks for Celiac: Gluten-Free Beverages You Can Trust

When you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that damages the small intestine. Also known as gluten intolerance, it means even tiny amounts of gluten can cause serious harm. That’s why drinking something labeled "gluten-free" isn’t always enough—you need to know what’s really inside. Many drinks sneak in gluten through flavorings, thickeners, or even barrel aging. The good news? There are plenty of safe options if you know where to look.

Gluten-free alcohol, spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila made from non-gluten sources or properly distilled. Also known as distilled spirits, they’re generally safe because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. But watch out for flavored versions—some add gluten-containing syrups or extracts. Same goes for gluten-free soda, carbonated soft drinks that don’t contain barley malt, wheat-based flavorings, or modified food starch from gluten grains. Also known as carbonated beverages, most major brands like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite are safe, but always check the label for hidden ingredients like maltodextrin if it’s sourced from wheat. Beer is the biggest trap. Even "gluten-removed" beer isn’t safe for celiac—it’s still made from barley. Stick to certified gluten-free beers made from sorghum, rice, or buckwheat.

Other drinks to avoid: malted milk drinks, some energy drinks with barley extract, and flavored coffee syrups that use gluten-based thickeners. Even some herbal teas and protein shakes can contain hidden gluten. The rule is simple: if it’s not clearly labeled certified gluten-free, and you can’t verify the ingredients, skip it. Stick to water, plain coffee, tea, fresh juice, and drinks with a trusted gluten-free certification logo. You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to risk it. There’s a growing list of brands that get it right—and the posts below show you exactly which ones to reach for, what to avoid, and how to spot the sneaky stuff on the label.