Yes, Hoop Tea is gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Hoop Tea is a popular spiked iced tea beverage that has gained attention for its refreshing flavors. But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the big question remains: is Hoop Tea gluten-free? Let’s dive deep into the ingredients and manufacturing process to give you a clear answer.
Hoop Tea’s Gluten Status
Despite being marketed as an iced tea beverage, Hoop Tea contains barley malt as one of its primary ingredients. Barley is a gluten-containing grain, which means Hoop Tea is not gluten-free. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Ingredients That Contain Gluten
The following ingredients in Hoop Tea contain gluten:
- Barley malt (found in all flavors)
- Malt extract (derived from barley)
Detailed Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s examine the ingredients in each Hoop Tea flavor:
Original Flavor
- Purified Water
- Corn Syrup
- Cane Sugar
- Barley Malt
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Preservatives
- Decaf Black Tea
Mango Flavor
- Purified Water
- Corn Syrup
- Barley Malt
- Cane Sugar
- Natural Flavors
- Preservatives
- Citric Acid
- Decaf Black & White Tea
Nutritional Information
| Flavor | Calories | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 221 | 31.7 | Not specified |
| Mango | 201 | 26 | Not specified |
| Light | 90 | 3.8 | 2 |
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you’re looking for gluten-free alcoholic tea options, consider these alternatives:
- Hard ciders made from apples (naturally gluten-free)
- Vodka-based iced teas (check for gluten-free certification)
- Wine-based tea cocktails
For non-alcoholic options, check out our guide to the best cold press juicers to make your own gluten-free tea beverages at home.
Understanding Malt Beverages
Hoop Tea is classified as a flavored malt beverage. Malt beverages are typically made from barley, which contains gluten. Even if a product undergoes processing to remove gluten proteins, cross-contamination risks remain high in facilities that handle barley.
Why Malt Matters
Malt provides:
- Fermentable sugars for alcohol production
- Distinctive flavor profile
- Color development
Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to create truly gluten-free malt beverages. For those needing gluten-free options, consider exploring vegetable-based juices instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with celiac disease drink Hoop Tea?
No, Hoop Tea contains barley malt and is not safe for individuals with celiac disease.
Does Hoop Tea offer any gluten-free varieties?
As of now, all Hoop Tea flavors contain barley malt and are not gluten-free.
Are there plans for a gluten-free Hoop Tea in the future?
The company hasn’t announced any plans to create gluten-free versions, but consumers can contact them directly to express interest.
The Bottom Line
While Hoop Tea offers a refreshing take on spiked iced tea, its use of barley malt makes it unsuitable for gluten-free diets. Always check labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about gluten consumption.
