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At Dray Drinks, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a satisfying beverage experience, no matter their dietary restrictions. Whether you're gluten-intolerant, living with celiac disease, or simply choosing to reduce gluten in your diet, the world of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages has more options than ever before.

Still, it's not always clear which NA drinks are safe and which ones require a second glance at the label. So let’s dive into what “gluten-free” really means in the context of non-alcoholic drinks, how to sip smart, and where Dray fits into your gluten-free lifestyle.

What Is Gluten and Why Does It Matter in Beverages?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For folks with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine. Others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can cause symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, or joint pain.

While gluten most famously lurks in baked goods, it can also show up in drinks—especially beer, malt-based beverages, and anything made with grain-derived additives. That’s why understanding gluten’s sneaky behavior in NA beverages is key if you’re trying to avoid it.

NA Beers: The Sneaky Source of Gluten

Non-alcoholic beer is usually brewed just like traditional beer, using barley or wheat, then goes through a process to remove the alcohol. Unfortunately, this does not remove gluten. If you see NA beer on the shelf and it doesn’t say “gluten-free,” assume it still contains gluten.

The good news? A new wave of craft brewers is creating gluten-conscious NA beers that taste great and are gentler on the gut. Best Day Brewing offers gluten-reduced non-alcoholic beers like their Kölsch and West Coast IPA, brewed with care and transparency. Atmos Brewing Co. is another brand focused on creating clean, refreshing NA brews with an emphasis on better-for-you ingredients.

At Dray, we carry a rotating selection of gluten-reduced and gluten-free friendly NA beers—so feel free to ask our team what’s in stock and safe for your needs.

Are NA Spirits and Wines Gluten-Free?

Here’s a sigh of relief: most non-alcoholic spirits and wines are naturally gluten-free. Distilled spirits—yes, even the ones made from wheat or barley—typically don’t contain gluten because the distillation process strips it away. That rule tends to hold for their non-alcoholic counterparts too, especially those made from botanicals, herbs, or fruit.

Still, you’ll want to be cautious with flavored NA spirits, as some additives or colorings might sneak in gluten-containing ingredients. We recommend sticking to brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing, like Lyre’s, Pentire, and Monday Spirits, which offer clearly labeled gluten-free options.

As for wine, most non-alcoholic varieties are gluten-free too. But if the wine was aged in barrels sealed with wheat paste or processed with gluten-based fining agents, trace contamination could occur. If you’re especially sensitive, opt for NA wines labeled gluten-free or produced in a gluten-free facility.

What About RTD (Ready-to-Drink) NA Cocktails and Mixers?

Ready-to-drink NA cocktails are the life of the party—but their ingredient lists can be a bit of a wild card. While many are made with clean, botanical ingredients, others rely on malt bases or flavorings that contain gluten.

To play it safe, look for RTD cocktails labeled gluten-free or made by brands that prioritize transparency. Some of our go-tos include Curious Elixirs, Ghia, and Figlia, all of which focus on clean, botanical-forward blends with clearly labeled ingredients.

As for mixers, you’ll usually be in the clear with club soda, tonic water, and fruit juices. Just keep an eye out for cream-based or malt-flavored varieties, and always check the label when in doubt.

Functional NA Bevs: Adaptogens, Botanicals, and More

Functional drinks are hot right now—and we’re not just talking spice level. Think: adaptogenic sodas, nootropic spritzers, and CBD-infused chillers. These drinks often aim to boost your mood, focus, or relaxation without relying on alcohol or caffeine. But are they gluten-free?

Often, yes. Most adaptogens and functional ingredients (like ashwagandha, L-theanine, or reishi mushrooms) are naturally gluten-free. The potential issue lies in added ingredients like flavorings or emulsifiers, which could contain gluten unless explicitly stated otherwise.

We recommend choosing brands that are upfront about gluten status—like Moment and Recess. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in-store or shoot a message to the brand directly.

How to Choose Gluten-Free NA Drinks

Here’s your go-to list for sipping gluten-free with confidence:

• Read the label: Look for “gluten-free” certification or clear gluten-free labeling.
  

• Avoid malt-based drinks: Unless they’re certified gluten-free, malt is a red flag.
  

• Do your brand homework: Stick with tried-and-true gluten-free brands like Pentire, Curious Elixirs, and Ghia.
  

• Ask questions: Whether it’s our staff at Dray or the brand’s customer service team, don’t be shy.
  

• Stick to botanicals and fruit-forward options: These are usually safer territory for gluten-sensitive folks.
  
  

How Dray Supports Your Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight wind-down drink, a festive NA cocktail for your next party, or a crisp gluten-free beer for backyard hangs, Dray’s got you covered. We hand-select every product on our shelves with intention—including a growing lineup of gluten-free beverages across all categories.

Stop by our South End or Central Square locations and ask our team for recommendations—we love helping customers find their perfect fit. You can also explore our online shop to filter by dietary preferences and discover gluten-free gems from the comfort of your couch.

Final Sip: Freedom to Choose (Without the Gluten)

Choosing gluten-free doesn’t mean choosing less. In fact, at Dray, we see it as an invitation to explore more—more flavor, more creativity, more intentionality. Whether you’re just starting your gluten-free journey or you’ve been avoiding it for years, we’re here to make your experience delicious, inclusive, and full of discovery.

Raise a glass (gluten-free, of course) to better-for-you bevs that don’t compromise on joy, taste, or tomorrow morning.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider with questions about allergies or medical dietary restrictions.