Is Kirkland Hard Seltzer Gluten Free?

If you’re a fan of hard seltzers and looking for a gluten-free option, you may be wondering if Kirkland Hard Seltzer is a suitable choice. Kirkland is a brand that produces a variety of products, including alcoholic beverages. In this article, we’ll explore whether Kirkland Hard Seltzer is gluten-free, and what that means for people who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease.

Introduction

Hard seltzers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are a refreshing and low-calorie alternative to beer and other alcoholic beverages. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding a gluten-free option can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll explore whether Kirkland Hard Seltzer is gluten-free and what that means for people who avoid gluten.

What is Kirkland Hard Seltzer?

Kirkland Hard Seltzer is a brand of hard seltzer that is sold exclusively at Costco stores. It comes in a variety pack of four flavors: black cherry, mango, grapefruit, and lime. The seltzers are made with purified carbonated water, natural flavors, and cane sugar. Each can contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 100 calories.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is what gives bread and other baked goods their elasticity and chewiness. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can lead to an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Is Kirkland Hard Seltzer Gluten-Free?

Yes, Kirkland Hard Seltzer is gluten-free. The company states on its website that the seltzers are “crafted to remove gluten,” making them safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume.

What Makes Kirkland Hard Seltzer Gluten-Free?

Kirkland Hard Seltzer is made with a base of fermented cane sugar rather than grains like wheat, barley, or rye. This means that it does not contain any gluten from these sources. Additionally, the company uses a proprietary process to remove any trace amounts of gluten that may be present.

Gluten-Free Labeling Requirements for Alcoholic Beverages

In the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates the labeling of alcoholic beverages. The TTB allows alcoholic beverages that are made with gluten-containing grains to be labeled as gluten-free as long as they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is the same standard that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses to determine if a food product can be labeled as gluten-free.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population, and many people are undiagnosed. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, is a condition in which people experience similar symptoms to celiac disease but do not test positive for the disease. It is estimated that approximately 6% of the population may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Gluten-Free Diet Benefits

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, following a gluten-free diet is necessary to prevent symptoms and damage to the small intestine. However, even people without these conditions may choose to follow a gluten-free diet for various reasons, such as to reduce inflammation or improve digestion.

Other Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages

If you’re looking for other gluten-free alcoholic beverage options, there are many available on the market. Wine, champagne, and cider are naturally gluten-free, as they are made from grapes and apples, respectively. Many distilled spirits are also gluten-free, including vodka, gin, and tequila, as the distillation process removes gluten.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kirkland Hard Seltzer is a gluten-free option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The seltzers are made with a base of fermented cane sugar and are crafted to remove any trace amounts of gluten. If you’re looking for other gluten-free alcoholic beverages, there are many options available on the market.