Is vodka gluten free?

Naturally gluten-free. That is what 2 publishers say about vodka; their exact words are below. Packaged foods differ, so check the label of the product you buy.

What the sources tell us

Vodka is a distilled spirit, and the National Celiac Association and the Gluten Intolerance Group both consider distilled alcohol gluten-free, even when it starts from wheat, barley or rye. The association names vodka with gin, whisky, brandy, rum and tequila as examples of pure distilled spirits.[7][5][4]

The reason is the still. The National Celiac Association explains that gluten proteins are heavy molecules that cannot vaporize, so they stay in the original mash while the alcohol is captured. That is why it considers 100% distilled alcohol such as vodka gluten free.[6]

Starting ingredients vary. The Gluten Intolerance Group says hard liquor can be made from fermented grains like wheat or rye, and vodka can also be made from sugar cane or potatoes. For people who prefer spirits from gluten-free materials, it notes there are vodkas made from potatoes, corn or rice, and it suggests looking for GFCO-certified ones.[3][4]

Flavored vodka needs a second look. The National Celiac Association says flavored spirits are considered gluten-free unless a gluten-containing ingredient has been added after distillation, and the Gluten Intolerance Group says things get tricky with added flavors.[5][4]

The GFCO list includes E11EVEN VODKA from E11EVEN VODKA and MR TOMS SUGAR FREE VODKA from MR TOMS SPIRITS.[2][1]

What the authorities say

"Distilled alcohol ... is considered gluten free. ... Examples of pure distilled spirits are vodka, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, and tequila."

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/celiac-disease-questions/is-alcohol-made-from-grain-safe-for-celiacs · fetched 2026-10-23

"The same principles can be applied to distilled alcohol such as whiskey or vodka. This is why 100% distilled alcohol is considered gluten free"

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/celiac-disease-questions/distillation-and-enzymatic-process · fetched 2026-10-23

"Distilled spirits are considered to be free of gluten protein ... Pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, and tequila"

National Celiac Association · Naturally gluten-free · nationalceliac.org/alcohol-on-the-gluten-free-diet · fetched 2026-10-23

"A note about the distillation process: All distilled alcohols are gluten-free regardless of what ingredients they come from."

Gluten Intolerance Group · Naturally gluten-free · gluten.org/2023/11/07/gluten-free-spirits-for-national-happy-hour-day-tequila-rum-and-more · fetched 2026-10-23

This source names distilled alcohols, a broader term that covers vodka; the exact words are shown above.

Sources