Are Energy drinks Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Energy drinks: Check the Label

Check the Label Energy drinks

Energy drinks may contain gluten depending on the brand and ingredients.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Energy drinks often contain a mix of sugar, caffeine, vitamins, and additives. Some brands use gluten-containing ingredients like malt, barley, or wheat-based amino acids. Ingredients vary widely.

Coeliac Disease

Check every brand carefully. Many energy drinks contain gluten. Buy certified GF varieties.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance. Many energy drinks are not safe.

Why Do Energy drinks Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Gluten comes from malt extract, barley, or wheat-based additives in some energy drink formulations.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires labelling. Many Australian energy drinks vary widely; check the label.

United States (FDA)

FDA labelling. US energy drinks also vary widely; check for GF certification.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100 mL ยท Typical serve: 100 mL (regular, sweetened)
Energy188 kJ / 45 kcal
Protein0.0g
Fat, total0.0g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate11.0g
Sugars11.0g
Dietary fibre0.0g
Sodium40mg

Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.

Brand Comparison

Not all brands are created equal. Here is how popular energy drinks brands stack up for gluten content. Brand recipes change, so always confirm against the current label; the last verified date shows when we last checked.

BrandRegionGluten Free?CertificationNotesLast verified
Red Bull both Yes None Naturally gluten-free 2026-04-27
Monster both Yes None Standard varieties GF 2026-04-27
Gatorade both Yes None Most sports drinks naturally GF 2026-04-27
Powerade both Yes None Electrolyte drink GF 2026-04-27
Lucozade both Yes None Energy drink naturally gluten-free 2026-04-27

What to Watch For

Malt extract, barley, wheat-based amino acids, gluten-containing colourings or flavourings.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Water, coffee, tea, green tea, plain soda.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Energy drinks gluten free?

Energy drinks often contain a mix of sugar, caffeine, vitamins, and additives. Some brands use gluten-containing ingredients like malt, barley, or wheat-based amino acids. Ingredients vary widely.

Can coeliacs eat energy drinks?

Check every brand carefully. Many energy drinks contain gluten. Buy certified GF varieties.

Related Foods in Drinks

GF, gluten free WaterGF, gluten free Coffee (plain)GF, gluten free Tea (plain)Check the label Herbal teaGF, gluten free Soft drinks or sodaGF, gluten free Fruit juiceGF, gluten free Coconut waterGF, gluten free Sports drinks

More from RefDat

Explore more reference data at refdat.com.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

FSANZ, Coeliac Australia

Last reviewed: July 2026