Is kombucha gluten free?

Kombucha is usually gluten free, because it is made from tea, sugar and a culture of yeasts and bacteria, none of which contain gluten. But some flavoured and "hard" kombuchas may include barley malt or other grain ingredients, so if you have coeliac disease, check the label for gluten-containing cereals or a gluten-free claim.

Updated 2026-10-03

What health and food bodies say

Ingredients. TTB says kombucha "generally refers to a fermented beverage produced from a mixture of steeped tea and sugar, combined with a culture of yeast strains and bacteria". [1]
US gluten-free rule. A food labelled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. [2]
UK and EU allergen labelling. Coeliac UK says drinks over 1.2% ABV "do not have to list all ingredients", but if they contain an allergen, including gluten-containing cereals, it must be declared on the packaging. [3] Cereals containing gluten are on the EU and UK list of allergens. [4] [5]

Which kombuchas might contain gluten?

Hard kombucha. Kombucha with 0.5% alcohol or more is regulated as an alcoholic drink, and TTB decides case by case whether it is a malt beverage, wine or distilled spirits, depending on its formulation and method of production. [1] [6] A beer-style kombucha could use malted barley.
Flavoured kombucha. Added flavourings or grain-based ingredients could contain gluten; check the ingredients list.
Plain kombucha. Tea, sugar and the culture contain no gluten. [1]

How can I check if a kombucha is gluten free?

Read the ingredients and allergen statement, look for a gluten-free claim, and contact the maker if you are unsure. [2] [3] If you have coeliac disease, a dietitian or doctor can advise on drinks. For cider, which Coeliac UK lists as gluten free, see is cider gluten free; for the basics of kombucha, see what kombucha is. [3]

Related answers: is cider gluten free · what kombucha is

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Guide: what is cider? · Glossary: fermentation

We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Questions

Is hard kombucha gluten free?

Hard kombucha is not always gluten free. TTB classifies kombucha of 0.5% alcohol or more case by case, by formula and method; it may be a malt beverage, wine or distilled spirits, and for tax purposes beer "may be fermented from malted barley or a substitute for malt, such as sugar". [1] Check the label and ask the maker.

What does a gluten-free label on kombucha mean?

In the US, a food labelled gluten-free must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. [2] Alcoholic kombucha regulated by TTB follows TTB's own policy on gluten statements. [7]