Gluten-Free Coffee Brands

Many people wonder which coffee brands are gluten-free, whether for health reasons or because they serve coffee to customers who may need support in this regard.

First, we need to understand what gluten is. Gluten is a protein that originates in wheat or related grains such as rye, spelt, barley, etc.

Does Coffee Naturally Contain Gluten?

Coffee is the seed contained in the drupe, the fruit of the coffee plant (Coffea). Naturally, coffee does not contain gluten, and typically, during the roasting process, there is no cross-contamination with other gluten-containing foods that would cause concern for individuals who cannot consume this protein.

By consulting the AIC (Italian Celiac Association) website, coffee can be easily identified among the allowed foods, whether in beans, decaffeinated, or in pods and capsules. Foods at risk (which require the “gluten-free” label) are instant coffees.

In fact, a study published in Food and Nutrition Sciences (2) highlighted how instant coffee can be contaminated with gluten and consequently how it requires more attention from those who want or need to avoid gluten in their diet.

So is coffee at the bar always gluten-free? Not quite…

The Risk of Contamination

Finally, we must remember that among the foods at risk is “ginseng coffee” and among those prohibited is “barley coffee.” Consequently, if these coffees are prepared with an espresso machine (as is the case with barley pods), then the risk of contamination could exist. It is therefore necessary to ensure that there is a separate machine for barley/ginseng from the espresso machine.

Bibliography:

https://www.celiachia.it/dieta-senza-glutine/labc-della-dieta-del-celiaco/

https://www.scirp.org/pdf/FNS_2013011516575568.pdf