Is Vodka Gluten Free? 

Vodka is often made from grains like wheat and rye, which contain gluten. However, due to its distillation process, the answer to whether vodka itself is gluten free isn’t always clear cut.

In this article, we’ll explore how vodka is made, its relationship to gluten, and whether certain flavors, ingredients and botanicals.

But before we dive into vodka specifics, let’s get clear on what this gluten thing is all about.

Gluten 101: Understanding Gluten

Gluten is a family of proteins, primarily gliadin and glutenin, that appear in certain foods. Often, it acts as a glue that holds food together and helps it to keep its shape – bringing elasticity and chewiness to baked goods in particular.

So far, so scientific. But where things fall into focus for the gluten-intolerant is just how commonly these pesky proteins crop up.

• Wheat is integral to bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, and salad dressings.
• Rye is also often included in bread, beer and breakfast cereal
• Barley is commonly found in malt, food coloring, soup, beer and Brewer’s Yeast.

Gluten insensitivity and celiac disease

Throughout the world, gluten-rich foods are a staple part of our diets. But research estimates that 18 million Americans are sensitive to gluten in some way.

People with gluten sensitivity experience issues when eating gluten, often called “gluten intolerance”. Gluten sensitivity is less severe than celiac disease but may include symptoms of bloating and gas, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, headaches, brain fog, and more.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that occurs in genetically predisposed people. It affects one in 100 people around the world, but only 30% are accurately diagnosed.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body triggers an immune response which attacks the small intestine. This leads to damage that prevents nutrients from being absorbed into the body.

Those with celiac disease should avoid gluten completely, and those with gluten sensitivity may need to reduce their intake.

From Grain to Glass: How Gluten Affects Vodka Production

Initial Ingredients: What Goes In

Vodka can be made from a range of base ingredients. Potatoes are a traditional starting point, but more commonly wheat and barley are used, both of which contain gluten. There are also a host of other bases for vodka including corn, rice and even grapes.

The base ingredients are then combined with water and heated. Yeast is added to aid the fermentation process, converting the sugars into alcohol.

But here’s where things get interesting: what goes into vodka doesn’t necessarily come out, thanks to the magic of distillation.

Distillation: The Molecular Bouncer

Distillation is the process of purifying a liquid through heating it. As alcohol boils at a lower temperature than water, the distillation process separates the alcohol from the water.

Gluten proteins are heavy, and sink to the bottom of the waste liquid, rather than being vaporized and condensed with the alcohol in the distillation process. This means that distilled spirits can be considered gluten-free.

But distillation is not the end of the story. What happens after can be just as important for gluten-conscious drinkers.

After the Still: Flavoring, Filtering, and Bottling

After distillation, sometimes other ingredients are added to vodka – for example, natural botanicals. These could include citrus peels, herbs, fruits, or spices, which are generally gluten-free.

At this stage, it’s important to note that there’s potential for cross-contamination in facilities that process products containing gluten. Additionally, some alcoholic beverages may still encounter traces of gluten even after distillation, depending on how they’re aged or stored.

What the Experts Say: Regulations and Research

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), distillation is capable of removing all gluten proteins, so a distilled product can be labelled “gluten-free”. The 2020 final rule clarifies that it’s unlikely there will still be gluten present after distillation, but it will depend on the adequacy of the distillation process.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) permit a “gluten-free” label for spirits distilled from gluten-containing grains.

International approaches to vodka and gluten-free labelling

In the EU, you won’t find specific vodkas labelled as “gluten-free”, as all vodkas are gluten-free as standard. As a result, designating a specific vodka as gluten-free is seen as misleading.

In Canada, a gluten-free claim can be made on vodka distilled from gluten-containing grains if:

• The finished protein level is less than 20 ppm and the manufacturer or important has this documentation.
• The product meets the Division 24 requirements of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR), which refers to Vodka that has been specially processed or formulated to remove gluten. Flavored Vodka may not qualify for the claim.

In Australia, the Food Standards Code requires gluten-free products to have no detectable gluten present, and those claiming that their product is low gluten must have less than 20 mg of gluten per 100g of food. Distilled alcohols are deemed gluten-free, even if the source grain is gluten based.

The Gluten Status of Different Vodkas

Traditional Grain Vodkas: Yes, Even Wheat

Traditional grain vodka, like those made with grains that contain wheat, barley and rye, may still be considered gluten-free. This is because the gluten is removed during the distillation process.

Flavored vodka may contain hidden gluten in additives or colorings. Additionally, there can be a risk of cross contact in facilities that handle gluten-based products.

If you’re concerned about grain-based vodkas, or cross-contamination, there are plenty of alternatives made from ingredients that do not contain any gluten.

Naturally Gluten-Free Base Vodkas

There’s a growing range of specialty vodkas that are made from alternative ingredients to gluten-based grains.

• Potato Vodka. One of the more traditional alternatives, potato vodka is known for its smooth taste and creamy texture.
• Corn Vodka. This often produces light and sweet alcohol with a clean finish. It’s often favored for cocktails.
• Grape Vodka. While most often associated with wine, grapes can also be used to make vodka. Grape Vodka has a subtle fruitiness and creates a soft mouthful.
• Rice Vodka. This type of vodka is unique and offers a smooth and subtly sweet flavor.

Flavored Vodkas: Where Things Get Interesting

There are two ways to add flavor to vodka. The ingredients can either be steeped directly into the vodka or added as extracts. However, it’s important to be aware that it’s possible for flavoring agents or additives to contain gluten.

This means that some flavored vodka may contain gluten even if the base vodka has been distilled. It’s important for those who are unable to have, or mindful of, gluten to check specific product information for flavored vodka.

Absolut Vodka and Gluten: The Complete Picture

All ingredients for Absolut Vodka are sourced from Southern Sweden. Every drop of water and every seed of wheat comes from one water source, and one community. This is the reason why no matter where you are in the world Absolut Vodka will always have the same high quality.

Thanks to our process of continuous distillation, you can be assured that Absolut Original and Absolut Flavors are all gluten-free.

Real Talk for Gluten-Sensitive Vodka Drinkers

When deciding whether to drink vodka with gluten intolerance, individual sensitivity levels should be considered. Everyone’s different and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It’s best to consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

As with any food or drink, you’ll also need to consider the drink of cross contamination if you’re drinking in bars or restaurants that serve products containing gluten.

To find out the production methods for specific brands of vodka, check for information on the label of the bottle, visit their website or social media or contact them directly for more information.