Is White Claw Really 100% Gluten-Free? Examining the Testing

The Exploding Popularity of Hard Seltzers Like White Claw

Over the last few years, alcoholic seltzer waters, also called hard seltzers or spiked seltzers, have rapidly grown into one of the hottest beverage trends. Beverage giants like White Claw, Truly, and Bud Light Seltzer currently dominate the thriving billion dollar market. These bubbly, fruit-flavored canned drinks with around 5% alcohol offer a light, refreshing alternative appreciated by health and weight conscious drinkers.

Why Hard Seltzers Appeal to Health-Focused Consumers

Hard seltzers appeal to many people looking for a lighter alcoholic beverage option. Some reasons they attract health-minded drinkers include:

• Lower calorie counts than beer, wine, or cocktails (usually under 100 calories)
• Less carbohydrates (many with 2 grams of carbs or less)
• Gluten-free formulas (important for those with celiac disease)
• No added sugars or artificial ingredients in most brands
• Fizzy, refreshing flavors like citrus, berries, tropical fruit, and more
• Convenience of portable cans for active lifestyles

The White Claw Craze

Leading the hard seltzer renaissance stands cult favorite brand White Claw, owned by Mark Anthony Group. Launched in 2016, White Claw experienced a surge in viral popularity in 2019 with their 100 calorie, 5% alcohol, gluten free formulations. Sales skyrocketed over 200% from 2018 to 2019, cementing them as market leaders. Their huge success continues fueling the entire spiked seltzer categorys momentum.

Are Popular Hard Seltzers Like White Claw Really Gluten-Free?

For the millions of Americans living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the gluten content of alcoholic beverages matters tremendously. Many popular hard seltzer brands explicitly market themselves as gluten-free options catering to such dietary restrictions. But given the hazy regulations around labeling, questions remain if these claims truly hold up. Lets analyze the issue deeper.

Definitions of Gluten-Free Labeling in the U.S.

For a product to qualify as gluten-free and use a gluten-free label per FDA regulations in the United States, it must contain fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten. Up to 20 ppm gets classified as gluten free but 20 ppm or higher designates the item as containing gluten content.

Alcoholic beverages face slightly different labeling criteria. The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) controls labeling approvals for wines, spirits, and seltzers. Brands can voluntarily label drinks "gluten-free" when adhering to FDA standards.

White Claw's Stated Gluten Content

According to its website FAQs, White Claw directly addresses the question Is White Claw Gluten Free? Their official response reads:

White Claw Hard Seltzer meets the FDA's gluten-free labeling standard. We have a strict limit of less than 10ppm for gluten content in the drinks we produce.

So White Claw plainly asserts their beverages contain less than 10 ppm, qualifying them as certified gluten-free products. As a seltzer, White Claw gets brewed from a fermented sugar base, not grains like wheat that contain gluten. This aligns with general industry consensus on most hard seltzers gluten-free status.

Testing Raises Questions Over Some Brands

The collective understanding changed slightly, however, after a 2019 study commissioned by consumer advocacy group Clean Label Project. They tested white cans of White Claw for 130 potential contaminants and allergens. While White Claw passed for almost everything and earned Clean Labels overall seal of approval, the labs did detect trace amounts of gluten content at 55 ppb (parts per billion).

55 ppb equates to 0.055 ppm, still technically permitted for gluten-free classification in the U.S. But Clean Label Project challenged if the testing sensitivity goes down to 1 ppb detection thresholds, scores of beverages claiming gluten-free status might require additional scrutiny and oversight.

In White Claws response to the studys findings, a spokesperson reaffirmed their adherence to rigorous gluten testing and production procedures while maintaining full compliance for gluten-free labeling. So at this time, White Claw still merits its gluten-free reputation by all accounts.

Understanding Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

For those who must maintain completely gluten-free diets, understanding products real gluten content proves critical. But descriptions of celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and their distinctions get muddled frequently.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease represents a severe hereditary autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and prevents proper nutrient absorption. Consuming gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye trigger an immune response attacking the intestinal villi in those genetically predisposed, causing extensive inflammation and diminished absorption over time.

Strict lifelong adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet stands as the only treatment for celiac disease currently. Even tiny traces of hidden gluten content can spur detrimental reactions.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

In contrast, non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves experiencing adverse reactions to gluten consumption without the distinct autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in full-blown celiac disease. Symptoms frequently resemble celiac disease and manifest a few hours or days after gluten exposure through digestive upset, lethargy, brain fog, and inflammation.

Those with gluten sensitivity also benefit from avoiding gluten as much as possible. But small, inadvertent exposures tend not triggering reactions as often or severely as those with celiac disease.

Gluten Allergies vs. Intolerances

Furthermore, someone could develop a distinct gluten allergy involving IgE antibodies and mast cell activation separate from celiac disease or non-celiac sensitivity. Think anaphylaxis signs like hives or throat swelling shortly after exposure. Or some classify gluten intolerance as experiencing symptoms like bloating or diarrhea when consuming larger amounts of gluten, rather than an overt immune reaction.

The differences between these gluten-related conditions contain nuance but getting a proper diagnosis from your doctor remains important.

Drinking Hard Seltzer Safely with Gluten Restrictions

So can someone with celiac disease or who avoids gluten for other reasons safely enjoy trendy spiked seltzer brands like White Claw specifically or hard seltzers generally?

Based on available information and testing, it appears the answer leans positive right now regarding White Claw. But those highly sensitive should exercise appropriate caution as with any processed consumable.

Of Note for Highly Sensitive Individuals

While White Claw standardized testing and production protocols ensure gluten levels clock in under 10 ppm presently, the 55 ppb detected by Clean Label Project, while still compliant, might give extra sensitive celiac sufferers pause. As testing and detection capabilities continue evolving, even gluten freelabeled items could come under further scrutiny.

Additionally, the risk of inadvertent gluten cross-contamination exists to some degree in any commercial food or beverage production facility. So the severely gluten intolerant should account for that, even when a drink tests below 20 ppm threshold.

Look for Dedicated Facility Status

Seeking hard seltzers and other consumables processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities can provide an extra layer of security. Brands produced in facilities only handling gluten-free ingredients from start to finish minimize any risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing products sharing equipment or production lines.

Some alcoholic seltzer brands explicitly promote this as a production quality, like Wild Basin Hard Seltzer from New Belgium Brewing. But not all do currently, including category leader White Claw as far as we can ascertain.

Know Your Own Tolerance

Those with celiac disease or gluten issues react differently in terms of sensitivity range and symptom response. While one person may tolerate small, accidental exposures with no ill effects, even minute traces could hospitalize others. Understanding your own response scope remains key to navigating potential risks.

Overall, popular hard seltzers like White Claw likely fall safely in the gluten-free zone for most avoiding gluten moderately. But perform your own due diligence regarding your conditions severity and the drinks recent testing results.

Enjoy Hard Seltzers Responsibly

While deemed generally gluten-free, downing spiked seltzers like White Clawfrequently still poses health considerations, just like any alcoholic beverage. Their light, fruity taste makes them easy to overconsume. But staying mindful and setting reasonable limits proves just as important as with heavier drinks.

So while hard seltzers offer a trendy new option, drink them responsibly and in moderation - no matter your dietary needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.