For many people, choosing gluten-free food and beverages is essential for preventing an upset stomach or an even more severe reaction. Naturally, many people on gluten-free diets seek tea options that suit their needs.
In this article, we will discuss whether or not tea is gluten-free. We’ll start by exploring what gluten is and where it comes from to help determine how teas fit into a gluten-free diet. From there, we will break down which kinds of teas contain gluten and which do not.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in many grains. It naturally occurs in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. This protein is an essential building block of these plants’ structure and is often responsible for creating the desired textures of foods, such as baked goods.
Some people cannot digest gluten due to allergies and intolerances, such as celiac disease. In fact, according to research, gluten-related disorders (GRDs) affect approximately 5% of the global population. Fortunately, many naturally occurring gluten-free foods are available, and more manufacturers are starting to produce gluten-free goods.
By being able to identify and avoid gluten, people with a gluten intolerance or allergy can prevent gastrointestinal symptoms, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, and other symptoms.
Is Tea Gluten-Free?
- Green teas
- Black teas
- White teas
- Yellow teas
- Oolong teas
- Rooibos teas
- Dark teas (such as puerh)
Matcha is naturally gluten-free, but it is sometimes combined with wheat (which contains gluten), so it runs the risk of containing gluten. Many types of herbal tea, including chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, are naturally gluten-free but also often have gluten-containing additives. With that in mind, you should always check the label on these types of tea before consuming it to confirm that it is gluten-free.
Some teas containing gluten include malted tea, teas with seeds, and flavored teas. These teas do not remain gluten-free because manufacturers process them with additives that contain gluten.
Guaranteeing Tea is Gluten-Free
There are a few ways to guarantee that tea is gluten-free. The most important thing is to choose pure teas from the Camellia sinensis plant, which are naturally gluten-free.
If you’re looking at a blended tea, check the ingredient list to ensure that there aren’t any additives that contain gluten. The same goes for fruit teas and premade tea lattes. Even if an ingredient that is naturally gluten-free blends with the tea, the more additives there are, the greater the risk of cross-contamination.
If your gluten allergy is severe, it’s wise to go a step further to purchase certified gluten-free teas to ensure safety and quality.
The World's Best Teas from Magic Hour
If you’re sensitive to gluten, fear not! There are tea options for you.
As a recap, individuals with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities should focus on teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant and avoid teas with gluten-containing additives. Also, be mindful of potential cross-contamination and check labels for gluten-free certification.
Magic Hour offers plenty of gluten-free tea options! Head over to our shop to find the perfect blend for you.
