Is Soda Gluten-Free?
Soda is made from corn syrup, sugar, water, and carbonated water. Some sodas may contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, coloring, and caffeine.
The majority of popular sodas in North America are gluten-free. Soda is often prepared from carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup or other artificial sweeteners, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and other food coloring and tastes, however, the exact components might vary depending on the brand.
However, if you’re concerned about whether or not your favorite soda is gluten-free, here’s what you should know.
There are two types of gluten found in food products: gluten proteins and gliadin proteins. Gluten proteins are found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Gliadin proteins are found in certain grains including Spelt, Kamut, triticale, durum, and emmer. Both types of gluten ingredients cause celiac disease symptoms.
An autoimmune ailment called celiac disease causes the small intestine to be attacked by the body’s immune system. Symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and skin rashes. Celiac disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed through diet changes.
Gluten-Free Sodas
7UP
Soda is not gluten-free. However, 7Up does make a line of gluten-free sodas. These include 7Up Zero Sugar, 7Up Light, 7Up Diet, and 7Up Sparkling Water. You can find them at most grocery stores and convenience stores.
There are two main types of gluten-free drinks available today: those made with rice malt syrup and those made with xanthan gum. Both work well, but if you prefer a carbonated drink, then you should try the ones made with xanthan.
Xanthan gum is derived from corn starch and is used to thicken sauces and gravies. It’s also commonly found in pieces of bread and baked goods. Rice malt syrup is made from rice flour and sugar cane juice. It’s sweeter than regular malt syrup and works great in beverages.
Both types of gluten-free are delicious and refreshing. Try one today!
1893 Original Cola
This gluten-free soda was created by Coca-Cola in 1893. It’s made with natural ingredients including cane sugar, water, caffeine, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, caramel color, artificial flavorings, and natural flavors.
Coca-Cola 1892 Original Cola is available in 12 oz cans and 20 oz bottles. You can find it at grocery stores nationwide.
Barq’s
Barq’s is a gluten-free major soda brand that offers a variety of flavors including root beer, cola, lemon-lime, orange, grapefruit, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, peach, pineapple, coconut, vanilla, chocolate, mint, coffee, tea, cream soda, diet cola, ginger ale, and watermelon.
Barq’s sodas are made without any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, flavor enhancers, or hydrogenated oils.
A&W Root Beer
This gluten-free soda tastes great and is made without any artificial flavors or preservatives. A&W Root Beer is available at grocery stores nationwide.
A&W Root Beer is a delicious gluten-free diet alternative to traditional sodas. It’s made without any artificial flavors or sweeteners, and it’s free of preservatives. You won’t find any artificial ingredients in soda in this refreshing beverage.
A&W makes its root beer using natural ingredients, including sugar cane juice, molasses, barley malt syrup, wheat flour, yeast, hops, water, and carbon dioxide. It’s not only tasty, but it’s also healthy.
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper is a classic soda brand that was founded in 1885. Dr. Pepper is known for its delicious taste and refreshing flavor. It’s made with natural ingredients including sugar cane juice, water, carbonated water, and caffeine.
There are several gluten-free sodas available today, but none quite compare to Dr. Pepper. It’s a great choice if you’re trying to avoid sodas’ gluten-containing ingredients.
You won’t find any artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners in Dr. Pepper. Instead, it’s made with only natural ingredients, including sugar cane juice, natural flavoring, and caffeine.
Coke and Coca-Cola
Coca-cola brand is made from sugar cane juice, water, and natural flavors. While it may not be 100% organic, it’s still pretty close. And unlike regular cola, coke doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. Instead, it’s made from naturally occurring sugars found in sugar cane.
While coke isn’t completely free of calories, it’s definitely a lot less harmful than most sodas. Plus, it tastes great! Please give it a try and let us know what you think.
Fresca
This gluten-free soda is made with natural ingredients and tastes great! Fresca is available in several flavors including grapefruit, lemon-lime, orange, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and blueberry. You can find Fresca at grocery stores nationwide.
According to manufacturer Coca-Cola, Fresca, which contains no calories and no caffeine, is regarded as gluten-free in both the United States and Canada.
Fanta
Fanta soda is made with natural flavors and is food gluten-free beverage. Fanta is available in several varieties including Fanta orange, Fanta grape, lemon, lime, pepper cherry, Fanta strawberry, Fanta berry, pineapple, mango, watermelon, blueberry, pomegranate, cranberry, guava, Fanta fruit punch, Fanta peach, Fanta orange zero, Fanta pina colada, chocolate, coffee, tea, cola, and root beer.
Mello Yello
This gluten-free soda brand offers a variety of flavors including lemonade, orange juice, cola, ginger ale, root beer, strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit, lime, pineapple, cherry, peach, kiwi, watermelon, mango, pomegranate, blueberry, cranberry, passion fruit, guava, coconut, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, tea, mint, cucumber, and many more. Mello Yello is available at grocery stores nationwide.
Manufacturer Coca-Cola states that Mello Yello is not regarded as gluten-free.
Mountain Dew
There are plenty of gluten-free sodas available today, but Mountain Dew is still the most popular choice among those who prefer not to drink wheat products.
It’s made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. You won’t find any added sugar either, making it a great option if you’re trying to cut down on calories.
Mountain Dew is also caffeine free, so it’s ideal for anyone who wants to avoid drinking coffee or tea. Plus, it comes in several delicious flavors including cherry limeade, grapefruit soda, root beer float, and strawberry lemonade.
Sprite
This gluten-free soda brand is known for its refreshing taste and zero calories. Sprite is made without any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. Instead, it uses natural ingredients like cane sugar, water, and high fructose corn syrup.
Sprite is available in several varieties including regular, diet, light, lemon-lime, orange, grapefruit, strawberry, cherry, cola, root beer, ginger ale, and iced tea. Each variety comes in 12 oz cans and 20 oz bottles. You can find Sprite at grocery stores nationwide.
Pepsi
Today, Pepsi is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Its products include cola beverages, juices, sports drinks, bottled water, frozen foods, snacks, dairy desserts, coffee, tea, and tabletop fountain syrups.
As of 2017, Pepsi ranked No. 1 among global brands according to Interbrand’s annual study of the world’s most valuable brands.
Mug Root Beer
Mug root beer is made using common ingredients and is gluten-free. Mug root beer is available in several flavors including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, orange, raspberry, mint, and lemonade. You can find mug root beer at grocery stores nationwide.
Sunkist
Sunkist soda is gluten-free. You can find Sunkist soft drinks at grocery stores nationwide. There are two flavors available: Grapefruit and Sunkist berry Lemonade. Both are delicious and refreshing beverages that are great for summertime.
Sunkist is a brand of grapefruit juice concentrate. It’s made from 100% natural ingredients and is naturally sweetened without any artificial additives. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option if you’re trying to avoid gluten.
How To Tell If Your Soda Contains Gluten
Soda is delicious, but if you have celiac disease or another food allergy, you may not be able to drink it without getting sick. You should avoid drinking any kind of soda unless you know for certain that it doesn’t contain gluten.
There are several reasons why you might think that your favorite soda contains gluten. First, there are lots of brands that claim to be gluten-free but actually contain wheat flour.
Second, some original sodas contain ingredients that look similar to gluten, such as barley malt syrup. Third, some manufacturers add gluten to their products after bottling, so you may not realize that you’re drinking a product that contains gluten until it’s too late.
To find out whether your favorite soda contains gluten, you should ask the major soda manufacturers directly. Some companies will tell you right away, but others won’t respond at all. If you still aren’t satisfied with the answer, you can call the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator toll-free at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Hey'all I'm Amy, a born foodie and diagnosed with celiac disease 7 years ago. I refused to cave into tasteless, boring gulten free food and create my own!
On my blog you'll find info & cool facts along with recipes, all on gluten free foods!