Is 1800 Tequila Gluten Free? Discover the Truth
I follow a gluten-free diet and always check my drinks for gluten. That’s why I looked into 1800 Tequila. Does this famous tequila brand have gluten, or is it safe for me? Let’s explore 1800 Tequila together and find out if it’s gluten-free.
Key Takeaways
- Tequila is naturally gluten-free due to its production process.
- 1800 Tequila is a gluten-free brand, as it is made from 100% blue agave with no additional gluten-containing ingredients.
- Distillation is a crucial step in tequila production that removes any traces of gluten.
- Popular gluten-free tequila brands include 1800 Tequila, Casamigos, and Patron.
- Consumers should still exercise caution and read labels to ensure their tequila is truly gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein in grains that makes bread chewy and gives it shape. It’s in wheat, barley, and rye. About 1% of adults in the U.S. have celiac disease, a gluten allergy. Another 28% feel bad after eating gluten, but it’s not an allergy.
Most people, 72%, choose not to eat gluten. Many beers have gluten, but there are more gluten-free options now.
Tequila made from agave is gluten-free. But, cheaper “Mixto” tequila might have gluten. Brands like Jose Cuervo and Patron are safe because they’re 100% agave.
Some tequilas might have gluten from added flavorings. Bars often use cheaper tequila in drinks, which could have gluten. Always choose 100% agave tequila and check drink ingredients for a gluten-free drink.
| Gluten-Free Alcohol Options | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tequila | Jose Cuervo, Hornitos, Teremana, Patron |
| Triple Sec | Cointreau, Grand Marnier |
| Gluten-Free Beer | Ghostfish Brewery, Brasserie Dupont, Departed Soles Brewing Company |
| Gluten-Removed Beer | Stone Delicious IPA, Mikkeller Green Gold Gluten Free |
| Rum | Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Malibu Rum |
| Vodka | Distilled from potatoes, gluten-free grains, or other ingredients |
| Whiskey | Queen Jennie Whiskey (sorghum), Crown Royal |
Knowing about gluten and gluten-free drinks helps people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. They can enjoy many drinks safely.
The Production Process of Tequila
Tequila is a unique spirit made from the blue agave plant, found in Mexico. Its production includes many steps. Each step adds to the special taste and quality of the tequila.
First, workers harvest the mature blue agave plants. They take off the tough leaves and get the piña, the plant’s core. Then, they cook the piñas in ovens to turn the carbs into sugars.
Next, the cooked piñas are crushed to get the sweet juice. This juice is fermented with special yeast. This makes the sugars turn into alcohol, ready for the next step.
The fermented mix is distilled twice to make the alcohol stronger and cleaner. This step is what makes tequila different from other spirits like mezcal. The tequila can be bottled right away as “blanco” or “silver”. Or, it can age in oak barrels to get a richer taste.
Tequila doesn’t have gluten, unlike beer or whiskey. It’s made only from the blue agave plant. This makes it safe for people with gluten issues to drink.
The making of tequila follows strict rules, set by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) in Mexico. From growing the agave to aging the tequila, every step is checked. This ensures the quality and true nature of this famous Mexican drink.
Is 1800 Tequila Gluten-Free?
1800 Tequila is a great choice for those looking for gluten-free drinks. It’s made from 100% pure blue agave. This means it doesn’t have any gluten, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
I looked at the 1800 Tequila website and talked to their customer service. They both said the tequila is gluten-free. It’s okay for people with gluten-related health issues to drink it.
1800 Tequila is also free from many other allergens and dietary restrictions. Here’s a list:
- Almond Free
- Alpha-Gal Free
- Corn Free
- Dairy Free
- Egg Free
- Fish Free
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Lupin Free
- Milk Free
- Nightshade Free
- Oat Free
- Peanut Free
- Pescatarian
- Rice Free
- Sesame Free
- Shellfish Free
- Soy Free
- Sunflower Free
- Tree Nut Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Wheat Free
- Yeast Free
1800 Tequila is great for many people because it’s free from so many allergens. It’s a versatile choice for those with food sensitivities or preferences.
Distillation and Gluten
The distillation process removes gluten proteins from tequila and other spirits. This happens when alcohol vapors separate from other parts, leaving gluten behind. So, spirits like tequila, gin, and vodka are usually gluten-free, even if they come from grains with gluten.
Tequila comes from the blue agave plant and is gluten-free by nature. But, be careful about additives or flavorings added later, as they might have gluten. Also, mix-ins and garnishes in drinks like Margaritas could add gluten.
For a gluten-free Margarita, choose mixes like those from Batchwell’s, made with pure tequila and gluten-free triple sec. Using fresh lime juice and gluten-free ingredients makes the drink safe and fun.
The TTB lets “gluten-free” labels on spirits from gluten grains if they follow good practices. Pure, distilled liquor is usually gluten-free because distillation removes proteins. But, watch out for additives that could add gluten after distillation.
In short, distillation takes out gluten from tequila and other spirits, making them safe for those with gluten issues. By knowing about hidden gluten sources and choosing gluten-free mixers and garnishes, people with gluten concerns can enjoy their drinks safely.
Popular Gluten-Free Tequila Brands
There are many tequila brands that don’t have gluten, besides 1800 Tequila. Patrón, Don Julio, Casamigos, Cazadores, Corralejo, and Espolon are some of them. They’re all made from 100% blue weber agave and don’t have gluten. So, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can drink these tequilas safely.
Patrón Spirits says all their products are gluten-free. This means people with Celiac Disease can drink them without worry. But, 1800 Ready to Drink Products might have gluten. So, people with gluten sensitivity should be careful with them.
Jose Cuervo warns that some of their tequilas, like Jose Cuervo Ready to Drink Canned Margaritas, might have gluten. But, they say other products like 1800 Silver, Maestro Dobel Blanco, and Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver are gluten-free.
| Tequila Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Patrón | 100% Gluten-Free |
| Don Julio | 100% Gluten-Free |
| Cazadores | 100% Gluten-Free |
| Corralejo | 100% Gluten-Free |
| Espolon | 100% Gluten-Free |
| 1800 Ready to Drink | May Contain Gluten |
| Jose Cuervo Ready to Drink | May Contain Gluten |
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can drink these gluten-free tequilas safely. Always check the labels and how they’re made to make sure they’re safe.
Additives In Tequila
Tequila is usually gluten-free because the making process removes gluten. But, some tequila products might have gluten from additives. Gluten-free people should watch what they drink, especially in tequila cocktails or flavored tequilas.
Tequila gets rid of gluten during distillation because it comes from the blue agave plant. So, pure, 100% agave tequila is safe for those avoiding gluten. But, some tequilas might have extra stuff like flavorings or sweeteners but they do not have gluten.
If value an additive-free tequila, the Tequila Matchmaker has an extensive list of tequila without additives that their organization has inspected. They also have an app with the list and a vibrant community that rates tequilas.
To learn more about additive free tequila, click here for my article.
Safe Alcohol Consumption for Gluten-Intolerant Individuals
For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding gluten-free alcohol is key. Tequila, gin, and vodka are usually safe because they’re distilled. But, always check for gluten in added ingredients. If unsure, listen to your body and avoid those products.
It’s also important to drink in moderation if you’re gluten intolerant.
About 1% of adults in the U.S., or over 3 million people, have celiac disease. From 2009 to 2014, more people started avoiding gluten, with 28% having gluten sensitivity and 72% choosing gluten-free products.
There are many gluten-free alcohol choices for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Here are some popular ones:
- Tequila: All 100% agave tequilas are gluten-free, making them a safe choice.
- Gin: Nearly all gin is gluten-free, as the distillation process removes any gluten proteins.
- Vodka: Vodkas distilled from potatoes, gluten-free grains, or other gluten-free ingredients can be labeled as gluten-free.
- Rum: Malibu Rum, made from molasses and sugarcane, is considered gluten-free, as are most Captain Morgan products.
- Brandy: Brandy and Cognac, made from fruit and is consider gluten free.
- Wine: All wines, champagne, port wine, sherry, and vermouth are safe for those with celiac disease.
Beer labeled gluten-free do not have wheat, rye, or barley. Beers made with gluten-free stuff can be labeled gluten-free. There are also gluten-removed beers for those who need them.
With some research and care, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy many gluten-free alcohol choices. Remember, always drink in moderation and listen to your body.
| Alcohol Type | Gluten-Free Options |
|---|---|
| Tequila | All 100% agave tequilas |
| Gin | Nearly all gin is gluten-free |
| Vodka | Vodkas distilled from potatoes, gluten-free grains, or other gluten-free ingredients |
| Rum | Malibu Rum, Captain Morgan products |
| Wine | All wines, champagne, port wine, sherry, and vermouth |
| Beer | Products labeled gluten-free, beers made with gluten-free ingredients, gluten-removed beers |
First source: FDA: Questions and Answers for Gluten-Free Food Labeling Final Rule
Second source: Celiac Disease Foundation: What is Celiac Disease?
Conclusion
1800 Tequila is safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s made from 100% blue agave. This means it doesn’t have any gluten.
People can drink 1800 Tequila and other 100% agave tequilas without worrying. But, always check the labels for added ingredients that might have gluten. This way, gluten-free folks can enjoy tequila with confidence.
The making of 1800 Tequila removes all gluten. This makes it perfect for those with gluten issues. You can pick from Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo, all without worry.
1800 Tequila is known for its quality and care for the planet. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a good tequila. Enjoy the crisp taste, smooth notes, or rich character of 1800 Tequila.
