Twisted Tea is not gluten free. Here’s a detailed overview based on the information from various sources:
- Malt Beverage: Twisted Tea is classified as a malt beverage, which means it is made using malted grains, typically barley. Barley contains gluten, making Twisted Tea unsuitable for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
- Ingredients: The primary ingredients in Twisted Tea include brewed tea, natural flavors, and malt alcohol. While tea itself is gluten-free, the presence of malt alcohol from barley means that Twisted Tea contains gluten.
- Flavors and Variants: All flavors of Twisted Tea, including Original, Half & Half, and various fruit flavors, contain malt and therefore are not gluten-free.
- Manufacturer’s Statement: According to the company’s FAQ, Twisted Tea is not gluten-free due to its malt content. They advise those on a gluten-free diet to avoid their products.
- Cross-Contamination Risks: Even if some ingredients might be gluten-free in isolation, the production process for malt beverages can lead to cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.
Twisted Tea is not gluten-free because it contains malt derived from barley. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid consuming Twisted Tea and look for alternatives such as hard seltzers or ciders that are explicitly labeled gluten-free.