Pure tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant is naturally gluten-free, making most traditional teas safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Our signature tea blend, Cosmic Hue, is also gluten free. However, some flavoured and specialty blends may contain hidden sources of gluten through additives or cross-contamination during processing.

Before you brew your next cup, learn the essential facts about tea and gluten to protect your health and enjoy your favourite beverage with confidence.

Understanding Tea and Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some other grains that can trigger serious reactions in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

While pure tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are naturally gluten-free, the growing popularity of flavoured and specialty blends has introduced new concerns about gluten in tea products.

Some manufacturers add barley malt as a flavouring or process teas in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients, creating risks of cross-contamination that tea drinkers need to be aware of.

While pure tea leaves are naturally gluten-free, modern manufacturing processes and flavouring additions have complicated what was once a straightforward gluten-free beverage.

Types of Tea and Their Gluten Status

Pure Traditional Teas

Traditional pure teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant, including black, green, white, and oolong varieties, are naturally gluten-free in their unaltered state. These teas are simply processed leaves from the same plant and contain no additional ingredients that could introduce gluten.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas require more careful consideration, as they often combine multiple ingredients. While many common herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are naturally gluten-free, some blends may include barley, wheat grass, or other gluten-containing ingredients.

Flavoured Teas

Flavoured teas pose the highest risk for gluten exposure. Manufacturers may use barley malt as a sweetener or flavouring agent, and artificial flavours can sometimes contain hidden sources of gluten. Additionally, tea blends processed in facilities that handle wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients may be subject to cross-contamination.

Cosmic Hue

Fifth Ray's signature blend, Cosmic Hue, is certified gluten-free and processed in a dedicated facility that handles no gluten products. This carefully crafted mix combines pure, organic ingredients with traditional herbs, offering a safe option for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

The gluten safety of tea varies dramatically across categories, from completely safe pure teas to potentially risky flavoured blends, making product selection crucial for those with gluten sensitivity.

Sources of Hidden Gluten in Tea

Roasted barley tea (mugicha) is a traditional Asian beverage that naturally contains gluten.

Barley malt extract is used as a natural sweetener in some tea blends.

Malt flavouring in tea is typically derived from barley.

Wheat-based anti-caking agents are used, particularly in some matcha powder products.

Wheat grass or barley grass are sometimes added as "healthy" grain-based additions in wellness tea blends.

Cross-contamination can occur during processing in facilities that also handle wheat products.

Artificial flavourings may contain gluten-based carriers or ingredients.

How to Identify Gluten-Free Tea

Reading Labels

Always check the ingredients list carefully on any tea product. Look beyond just "tea" to examine all additives, flavourings, and supplemental ingredients. Be particularly wary of terms like "natural flavours," "malt," or "grain extracts" which may indicate hidden gluten sources.

Certification Labels

Look for trusted gluten-free certification symbols on packaging e.g. Coeliac UK and GFCO. These indicate that the product has been tested and meets strict standards of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Contamination Awareness

Even naturally gluten-free teas can be at risk if processed in facilities that handle wheat, barley, or other gluten-containing ingredients. If you're unsure about their processing methods or facility protocols, contact manufacturers directly.

Shopping Tips

When possible, choose pure, single-ingredient teas, as they're naturally gluten-free. Stick to reputable brands that clearly label their gluten-free status. Consider loose-leaf over bagged varieties, as they typically contain fewer additives. When trying new brands or blends, start with those that explicitly state their gluten-free status on the packaging.

Successful gluten-free tea selection requires a combination of label literacy, certification awareness, and brand trust, going beyond simple ingredient lists.

Expert Tips from Manny's Journey

Manny's battle with Crohn's Disease for 16 years shaped Fifth Ray's approach to gut health. After his life-changing surgery in 2016, he discovered the healing power of pure, plant-based teas, which became a cornerstone of his recovery and eventual transformation to a medication-free life.

Manny's personal experience is the source of the company's commitment to gluten-free products. Having witnessed the challenges of gut health firsthand, Fifth Ray carefully sources each component of Cosmic Hue, ensuring not only their gluten-free status but also their potency and quality. This attention to detail helps support optimal gut health and overall wellbeing.

For those looking to improve their gut health while enjoying delicious, gluten-free tea, Cosmic Hue offers a scientifically-backed solution. This blend combines traditional wisdom with modern safety standards, offering a safe haven for those with gluten sensitivity while delivering powerful benefits for digestive health.

Conclusion

While pure tea is naturally gluten free, the modern tea market requires careful navigation to ensure your cup remains safe and enjoyable. Always check ingredient labels, look for certified gluten-free products, and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks in flavoured or specialty blends.

Choose teas from manufacturers who prioritise gluten-free production for complete peace of mind. Fifth Ray's Cosmic Hue offers a perfect example, combining the benefits of traditional herbs with rigorous gluten-free manufacturing standards.

Experience the difference a truly gluten-free tea can make in your daily wellness routine - try Cosmic Hue today.

Sources

Camellia sinensis | tea plant Shrubs/RHS Gardening. (n.d.).

Gluten free product certification. (n.d.). Coeliac UK.

New GFCO Certification Mark. (n.d.). GIG® Gluten Intolerance Group®.