Is All Coffee Gluten Free?
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world, but what about those who adhere to a gluten-free lifestyle? Are all types of coffee safe for those with gluten sensitivities?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is the group of proteins found in certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It can be found in many processed foods, including breads and pastries. For those who are gluten intolerant, even small amounts of gluten can cause an uncomfortable reaction.
Coffee Beans and Gluten
The good news is – coffee beans themselves do not contain gluten. Good quality coffee is naturally gluten free, since it is made from the roasting and grinding of coffee beans. This means that brewed coffee, either hot or cold, is considered to be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Watch Out for Added Ingredients
While coffee itself is safe for those on a gluten-free diet, some coffee-based drinks may contain gluten. Coffee-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas often have added ingredients such as flavorings and syrups, which may contain gluten. One should always read labels carefully when purchasing these types of beverages to ensure there are no added ingredients containing gluten.
Gluten-Free Alternative Drinks
There are many gluten-free options for making coffee-based drinks. One can make a gluten-free cappuccino using gluten-free oats or rice milk instead of regular milk and adding a flavoring such as vanilla extract or cinnamon. It is also possible to make a gluten-free version of a latte by using almond milk and adding a natural sweetener instead of syrup.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, coffee itself is gluten-free, but some coffee-based drinks may contain gluten-containing added ingredients. Those with gluten sensitivities should be aware of this and always read labels carefully when purchasing coffee-based drinks. Alternatively, one can easily make gluten-free versions of these drinks at home.
- Coffee beans themselves do not contain gluten.
- Brewed coffee, either hot or cold, is considered to be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Gluten-free options for making coffee-based drinks include using gluten-free oats or rice milk, almond milk and adding a natural sweetener instead of syrup.
