Is cider gluten free?
Cider made from apples is gluten free, according to Coeliac UK, which lists cider among the alcoholic drinks suitable for a gluten-free diet. Flavoured or blended ciders can contain other ingredients, so check the label for allergens such as barley or wheat. If you have coeliac disease, follow your doctor's or dietitian's advice.
Updated
Key facts
- Coeliac UK's position. "Cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs are gluten free." [1] Drinkaware, citing Coeliac UK, says commercially produced cider can be included in a gluten-free diet. [2]
- Beer is different. Coeliac UK says beers, lagers, stouts and ales contain varying amounts of gluten; see is cider beer. [1]
- UK and EU labels. Drinks over 1.2% ABV don't have to list all ingredients, but they must declare allergens such as cereals containing gluten. [1] [3]
- US labels. TTB permits "gluten-free" on alcohol labels when the product would qualify under FDA's definition, which includes a limit below 20 parts per million of gluten. [4]
Which ciders might contain gluten?
- Blends and flavoured drinks. A product with added grain-based ingredients, or one made like a beer, may not be gluten free. Read the allergen statement.
- Apple-flavoured beers. Drinks sold as "apple ale" and similar are beers with apple flavouring, not cider. [5]
- Shared equipment. Some cider is made or bottled with equipment also used for beer. If a bottle has no gluten-free label, check with the producer. [5]
- Medical advice. We don't give health advice: if you have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, follow advice from your doctor or dietitian. Alcohol has its own health effects; see the NHS guidance on alcohol units. [6]
Related answers: is cider beer · does cider contain sulphites
Find it on Cider Radar
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Questions
Can a cider label say "gluten-free" in the US?
Is perry gluten free?
Perry is fermented from pears rather than grain. Coeliac UK's list names cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs; check perry labels for allergen declarations. [1]
Sources
- Alcohol — Coeliac UK
- Is alcohol gluten free? — Drinkaware
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (official EU text) — EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the European Union)
- TTB Ruling 2020-2: Gluten content statements in labeling and advertising — TTB
- Is Cider Gluten-Free? — Beyond Celiac
- Calculating alcohol units — NHS
- 21 CFR 101.91 – Gluten-free labeling of food — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)