When most people start a gluten-free diet, they know to skip the bread, pasta, and baked goods. But here’s something that often flies under the radar—your drink might not be gluten-free either.
And in the middle of summer, when red solo cups and coolers full of beverages are everywhere, this becomes a bigger deal than you might think.
So let’s talk about gluten-free drinks and how to make sure your cup isn’t the thing that ruins your weekend.
The Problem with Summer Beverages
You’re at a cookout. It’s hot. You reach into a cooler and grab whatever’s cold—maybe a hard lemonade or a trendy canned cocktail. But here’s the catch: not all of those drinks are safe on a gluten-free diet.
Gluten isn’t just in wheat. It also includes barley and rye—two ingredients often used in beer, malt beverages, and even some flavorings in premixed drinks.
Even worse? Labels aren’t always clear. Drinks might look safe at first glance, but they contain ingredients that could make you sick.
Watch Before You Sip
Want to see a full breakdown of what to look for (and what to avoid) in your summer drinks?
Check out this quick video where I walk you through how to spot hidden gluten in drinks and share some of my go-to gluten-free favorites:
👉 Watch the full video on YouTube for more gluten-free drinks for summer cookouts
Living gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up fun...or flavor. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy your favorite summer gatherings without worrying about what’s in your glass. Just be smart, stay curious about labels, and when in doubt, bring something you trust. Your red solo cup can still be part of the party—you just want to make sure what’s inside it is actually gluten-free.
