Are Allergy-Free Spirits Legitimate? Allergists Break It Down
There is a growing movement to label alcohol brands as 'allergy-free' but what exactly does that mean?
Food & Wine / Sarah Maiden
Consumers have many choices on what to drink. More than ever, in fact. And companies are always looking to stand out from the pack. One way that brands are differentiating from one another is to label their spirits as “allergy-free.” And they often charge a higher price because of it.
There is a lot of fluidity with this term. Some companies use it to describe spirits made without gluten or grain. Others boast that their spirits are free of nightshades, which include tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers. Many of these aren’t typically used in alcohol, anyway.
Related: How to Dine Out Safely With Food Allergies
But with the allergy-free label that’s being increasingly slapped on spirits, it’s worth asking: Are allergy-free spirits for real, or is this just another meaningless marketing term? We consulted with professional allergists to get their take.
Are allergy-free spirits legitimate?
It’s hard to make a blanket statement about every product that claims to be allergy-free. Allergists say this term is a little fuzzy.
“While the term ‘allergy-free’ is often used in marketing, it's crucial to remember that no alcoholic beverage can be guaranteed 100% allergen-free,” says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist/immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “However, some spirits are inherently lower in potential allergens due to their production process.”
“Spirits are typically distilled, meaning that many of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, such as those from grains or fruits, are removed during the distillation process.”
Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine
The term “allergy-free” is “a bit misleading,” says Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “There are alcoholic spirits that are considered allergy-friendly for people with certain common allergies,” he says. “Spirits are typically distilled, meaning that many of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, such as those from grains or fruits, are removed during the distillation process.”
Most distilled spirits are usually safe for people with food allergies, particularly to grains. However, some brands use gluten-free ingredients like corn or potatoes to be “extra cautious,” says Rustveld. But, “spirits that are flavored or aged in barrels may introduce allergens, so it’s best to be cautious with those.”
There’s also the inherent nature of alcohol to consider, according to Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. “Alcohol is known to amplify underlying allergies and allergic reactions,” she says. “So, alcohol itself is quite allergenic.”
Research suggests that ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, can cause an increased release of histamines, which cause allergic symptoms. Alcohol “can also enhance intestinal permeability, potentially facilitating the absorption of allergens,” says Wada.
What kind of allergens are in standard spirits?
A few potential allergens can be found in spirits. Those include:
Gluten: This is a potential issue in spirits made from wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains. “While the distillation process usually removes gluten, trace amounts may remain, particularly in flavored spirits where gluten-containing ingredients are added after distillation,” says Rustveld. “Some individuals with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance may still react to these trace amounts.”
Sulfites: These are usually added as preservatives in wine and some spirits. “People with sulfite sensitivities may experience reactions such as headaches, hives, or asthma-like symptoms,” says Rustveld.
Histamines: Histamines can cause symptoms like headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion. “These naturally occurring compounds can worsen allergy symptoms in some people by directly stimulating allergy cells,” says Wada.
Eggs: These are sometimes used in the refining process of certain wines and spirits.
Milk or Lactose: These can show up in some cream-based liqueurs or specialty spirits.
Nuts: These will often appear in nut-infused or flavored spirits, such as amaretto or walnut liqueurs.
Fruit: Flavored spirits or liqueurs that use extracts or juices, like orange liqueur or cherry brandy, could cause a reaction in people with specific allergies.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to spirits
Allergic reactions may differ, depending on the individual. Parikh says the following may be symptoms that someone could experience:
Hives
Swelling
Wheezing
Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea
In severe cases, someone may lose consciousness or experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. “If they are true allergies, it can be dangerous to continue to consume the spirits,” says Parikh.
What to look for in spirits if you have allergies
If you have allergies or suspect you do, Wada recommends consulting with an allergist. “They can help identify specific triggers and provide personalized guidance,” she says.
Rustveld suggests sticking with pure, distilled spirits like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey that are free from additives, flavorings, or other ingredients that could contain allergens. If you have a specific allergy and it’s more severe, he suggests looking for products labeled to be free of that allergen.
Also, use caution with mixed drinks or cocktails, given the range of ingredients that they could contain. “Ingredients like syrups, mixers, and garnishes may contain allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten,” says Rustveld.
If choosing a spirit with an allergy-free label provides some comfort, more power to you. But doctors say the same results can be achieved by reading the label or contacting the manufacturer — and save some money in the process.
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