Is Baileys Gluten Free? Not Always
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If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage to enjoy but are restricted to gluten free options, you may be wondering if Baileys is a viable option. Baileys is a popular Irish cream liqueur enjoyed world-wide, but is Baileys gluten free?
Baileys is one of my favorite drinks to have over the holidays. I buy it for myself every year. So yes, Baileys is gluten free but make sure you read to the end because not everyone on a gluten free diet can have it.
What is Baileys?
Baileys is an Irish cream liqueur created in 1974 by Gilbeys of Ireland, now owned by Diageo. It is a mixture of cream, Irish whiskey and cocoa, as well as various flavors.
Baileys Ingredients
The Baileys website does not list the ingredients for their product but I found the ingredients on an online alcohol store.
Fresh Dairy Cream, Sugar, Alcohol, Maltodextrin, Milk Products, Cocoa extracts and flavours, Irish Whiskey, Colouring: 150b, Emulsifier: E471, Acidity regulator: E331. (source)
How is Baileys Made?
Baileys is made by blending cream, spirits, and Irish whiskey, which is then flavored with cocoa extract and other natural and artificial ingredients.
Is Baileys Gluten Free?
Baileys is gluten free. You need to keep in mind that whiskey is usually made from barley and rye but it is distilled, which is believed to remove gluten proteins from the product but some people who are allergic to gluten still experience the effects of being glutened from distilled alcohol. Use your best judgement if this drink is for you.
The Baileys website says the only allergens in their products are milk and milk products. (source)
Baileys also has this disclaimer on their site saying, “Baileys is produced with ingredients that do not contain gluten however we cannot guarantee that the product is gluten free.” (source)
Gluten Free Irish Cream Brands
I couldn’t find any Irish cream brands that are labeled as gluten free. If you don’t feel comfortable sipping on Baileys you can always try making your own homemade version with an alcohol you do not react to.
DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. Ditch the Wheat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I only endorse products that I believe in.
Carol Lovett is the founder of Ditch the Wheat and a Globe and Mail bestselling author of the cookbook, Ditch the Wheat. She has been eating gluten free since 2010. She loves all things food, natural living, and spiritual. She's also a reiki master and crystal healer.
Gluten Free Resources
Do you need help with gluten free meals?
I recommend this meal-planning app. It makes cooking gluten free dinners extremely easy and family-friendly.
What gluten free snacks can I eat?
Lots! I have a ton of practical gluten free snack recipes in my cookbook.
How can I eat dessert on a gluten free diet?
You can 100% eat dessert while eating gluten free. Try my dessert cookbook for easy gluten free dessert recipes.
How do I know what is gluten free and what isn’t?
I have a whole section is it gluten free?
How do I make substitutions?
If you need substitution advice I created a ton of resources here.
