Are White Claws Gluten-Free? The Truth Behind This Popular Hard Seltzer

If you have celiac disease or struggle with gluten intolerance, finding tasty and safe alcoholic drinks can feel challenging. So, are White Claws gluten free? This popular hard seltzer has caught the attention of health-conscious drinkers for its gluten-free ingredients and refreshing flavors, making it a go-to option for many.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about White Claw and its gluten-free status so you can enjoy your drink safely and confidently.

Are White Claws Gluten Free?

Yes, White Claws are gluten-free. They are made from a fermented malt base using malted rice, which does not contain gluten. This makes them a suitable alcoholic beverage option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

However, individuals with severe gluten allergies should always double-check current product specifications or consult with the manufacturer directly.

Exceptions and Variants to Watch For

Even though most varieties of White Claw hard seltzers contain no gluten, certain versions might not be safe if you are allergic to gluten or have celiac disease. Those versions include:

ClawTails

• White Claw's ClawTails are malt-based and ready-to-drink cocktails.

• The company strictly warns about some trace amounts of gluten in these products, which are not recommended for people with gluten sensitivity.

• Because “malt” is derived from barley (a gluten-containing grain), White Claw's ClawTails are not considered gluten-free drinks.

Regional Differences

• If there are regional differences, like those sold in Canada, be aware of the ingredients, as some varieties may be made using barley-containing malt base, and barley contains gluten.

• These regional variations may be because of local regulations on alcohol licenses, like some stores can only sell "malt beverages". This forces changes in the formulation. 

How Is White Claw Made? 

Here are the White Claw ingredients they are composed of:

• Purified carbonated water: It is a seltzer water that serves as a potent base ingredient of White Claw. It brings carbonation to the drink, making it sparkling and refreshing, and also preventing spoilage.

• Alcohol base: The alcohol content of the White Claw comes from the fermentation process of sugars present in gluten-free malted grains.

• Natural juice concentrate: Well, on mixing with these carbonated drinks, natural juice concentrates enhance their flavor. These ingredients give an amazing aroma and taste to each drink.

• Natural flavors: White Claws are available in several different delicious fruit flavors like black cherry, mango, lime, raspberry, grapefruit, and watermelon.

• Cane sugar: The cane sugar in White Claw adds sweetness to the drink, which attracts many people with a sweet tooth. It boosts the overall taste.

• Sodium citrate: Acts like a buffer, sodium citrate lowers the bitterness of the drink to keep the soda-like and juicy flavor. In addition, it makes sure the beverage maintains a healthy pH level.

• Citric acid: This tangy ingredient gives a flavor like lemon zest and even adds plenty of bubbles to the top layer of the drink.

Is White Claw Certified or Just Labeled Gluten Free?

White Claw is not certified gluten free. But the official White Claw website has labelled all the flavors of Hard Seltzer and Zero Proof as "gluten-free", as they state that the products are made using gluten-free ingredients. They do not provide gluten-free certification by a third party, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). However, the brand meets the FDA Gluten-Free standard, which is below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This amount of gluten is the legal threshold for gluten-free labeling of the products in the United States.

Moreover, its alcohol base is prepared using gluten-free malted grains. This makes White Claw the safe option for individuals (particularly for those in the U.S.) who can tolerate gluten-free ingredients. If there are regional differences, like those sold in Canada, be aware of the ingredients, as some varieties may be made using barley-containing malt base, and barley contains gluten.

Are All Products of White Claw Gluten Free?

No, not all products of White Claw are gluten-free. Products like Clawtails are not gluten-free and don't meet the FDA Gluten-Free standard, which is below 20 ppm of gluten. They contain malt beverages, which contain some amount of gluten, as malt is made using barley (which contains gluten).

Hence, as compared to White Claw's Hard Seltzers and Zero Proof versions, White Claw's clawtails are not a safe option for people with gluten sensitivity. So, always check the product's label before consuming it.

Gluten-Free Flavors of White Claw

Here are all the gluten-free flavors of White Claw's Hard Seltzer:

• Black Cherry

• Mango

• Natural Lime

• Watermelon

• Lemon

• Strawberry

• Raspberry

• Ruby Grapefruit

• Passion Fruit

• Pineapple

• Tangerine

• Clementine

• Peach

• Blackberry

• Strawberry

• Green Apple

• Grape

Here is the list of gluten-free flavors of White Claw's Zero Proof:

• Black Cherry Cranberry

• Peach Orange Blossom

• Mango Passion Fruit

• Lime Yuzu

Note: Always check the label of products before purchasing, as new products, such as Clawtails, contain gluten.

How Many Calories and Carbs Are in White Claw?

White Claws are basically low in calories and carbs compared to beer and wine (which contain 145 and 250 calories, respectively). The standard 12 oz or 1 Can of White Claw's Hard Seltzer consists of:

• Calories: 100

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

This calorie count is the same in most of its classic, original flavors, such as:

• Black Cherry

• Mango

• Natural Lime

• Raspberry

• Watermelon

• Ruby Grapefruit

However, 19.3 oz of White Claw Surge, which is a stronger version (with alcohol 8%), contains:

• Calories: 220

• Carbohydrates: 5 g

On the other hand, White Claw’s Zero Proof version is a non-alcoholic drink that contains only 15 calories per 12 oz. 

Why is White Claw low in calories and carbs?

• This is because it is made using fermented cane sugar instead of malted grains, keeping the carb and calorie count low.

• Also, they consist of added sugar, which also adds up to calories and carbs. 

Is There Alcohol in White Claw?

Yes, White Claw is an alcoholic drink with a combination of alcohol base, natural flavors, and seltzer water. The White Claws' Hard Seltzer contains 5% ABV, and Clawtails' version contains 7% ABV, while Zero Proof versions have no alcohol. Moreover, the alcohol the brand contains is derived from fermented cane sugar, making it a low-calorie alternative to beer, wine, or hard liquor.

However, this doesn't make White Claw products suitable for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction and abuse or those who are underage. It's because it still has alcohol compared to traditional beer.

What Kind Of Alcohol Is In White Claw's Hard Seltzers?

The alcohol in original White Claw Hard Seltzer is alcohol base from fermented sugar, which contains no gluten and is derived from gluten-free malted grains. This makes it a fermented malt beverage. The type of alcohol is similar to the ethanol molecule found in beer, spirits, and wine, but the base is a neutral, malt-based, and filtered product.

The brand has launched White Claw Surge, which contains 8% alcohol by volume (ABV) and premium White Claw Vodka + Soda that has 5 times 5-times-distilled vodka base.

Are White Claws Really Healthy?

No, White Claws are not healthier options. Many consumers believe they are healthy alcoholic drinks as they do not contain gluten and have low calories. But this misconception is inaccurate. Though White Claws are low in calories in comparison to other alcohol-rich beverages like cocktails and beer, they still come with some risks for those on a low-sugar diet or with diabetes if taken in excess quantities.

• White Claw’s gluten-free products contain some amount of sugar and additives to compensate for the deficiency of gluten. So, individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease can experience some adverse side effects of this drink if they have other underlying issues like diabetes.

• Also, if you are consuming it, always consider the alcohol content as the alcohol percentage is the same as the beer, that is, between 4% to 6%.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate alcohol use for men is 2 drinks or less per day, and for women is 1 drink or less per day.

• Thinking of it as a healthy option, you might consume it in excess amounts, which might lead to some health consequences related to alcohol.

• Some varieties, like White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge, consist of a high amount of alcohol compared to regular White Claw Hard Seltzer options.

So, you need to always have it in moderation and with responsibility by considering your health condition.

Are White Claw Hard Seltzers Suitable for a Regular Diet?

White Claw Hard Seltzers are suitable for some diets, such as a vegan diet, gluten-free diet, and low-carb or keto diet. This is because they have natural ingredients and are low in calories and carbs, and contain no gluten. But they are alcoholic beverages and provide empty calories, and a study reports that alcohol may impact your weight loss process if taken in excess amounts. Moreover, it can also interrupt sleep, digestion, and hormonal balance and cause poor judgment, which can affect overall health. So, use these drinks in moderate amounts. 

Safety Considerations

• Even though the ingredients in the White Claw are gluten-free, there may be a chance of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Some individuals with high sensitivity may react to trace amounts.

• Some people report some symptoms after drinking White Claw, even if the drink is labeled gluten-free.

• Always carefully check labels and regional specifications. If in doubt, contact the manufacturing company. 

Safe Tips for Enjoying White Claw with Celiac Disease

If you have celiac disease or you are allergic to gluten, follow these tips to enjoy the variety of White Claw safely:

• Check packaging: Make sure White Claw is labeled as gluten-free, and do not use any bottle that is already opened or damaged.

• Skip the garnish: Avoid garnishing with lemon wedges as they might come in contact with hidden gluten. So, enjoy the drink as it is.

• Verify mixers: Make sure the drink has gluten-free juices or does not have any other added mixes.

• Eat before drinking: Eat some meals with no gluten in them, as this reduces the chances of impaired judgment because of diet.

• Drink in moderation: Drink 1-2 cans, which is considered safe, as heavy consumption of alcohol can increase gluten sensitivity.

• Stop sharing: Never share your White Claw bottle with others, as they might have come into contact with some gluten-rich products.

• Avoid when highly sensitive: Quit having the drink if experiencing high gluten sensitivity or severe celiac symptoms.

This way, with proper awareness, people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely indulge in sipping a refreshing, gluten-free White Claw drink.

Also Read: The Science Behind How Your Body Breaks Down Alcohol

How Does White Claw Compare to Other Hard Seltzers?

White Claw is a famous brand of hard seltzer that is known for its natural-tasting and high fizziness. But its fruity and subtle flavors are often compared with brands, such as Truly and Kirkland's. Comparatively, White Claw has lower calories and sugar content.

Comparison points

Flavor Profile:

• White Claw has light and natural fruit flavors.

• Other brands have stronger flavors and different base ingredients, like those made with spirits instead of fermented alcohol.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV):

• A standard 12-ounce can of White Claw consists of 5% ABV.

• But some hard seltzers have a higher or lower alcohol content.

Calories & Sugar:

• A typical 12-ounce can has around 100 calories and 2 g of sugar.

• Some brands might provide fewer calories, but the difference is basically minor.

Ingredients:

• White Claw is made using a base derived from fermented gluten-free grains.

• Other brands might use different types of alcohol, cane sugar, or even spirits.

Summing Up

So, are White Claws gluten-free? The answer is yes, and this reassurance comes from the lack of gluten-rich ingredients and the significantly low possibility of cross-contamination. Certification labels on White Claws further promise extra confirmation of security, and its gluten-free status allows individuals sensitive to gluten to enjoy every sip with ease.

But keep in mind that moderation is key; enjoy the drink in an average amount along with a gluten-free diet. The appropriate precautions can help prevent health risks. 

Here’s to a gluten-free White Claw drink—cheers!

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