Is Coffee (plain) Gluten Free?

Gluten Free
Plain black coffee with no additives is naturally gluten free.
Coffee beans are roasted seeds of the coffee plant. Black coffee contains no gluten. Instant, ground, or whole-bean coffee are all gluten free if no additives are added.

Coeliac Disease

Plain black coffee is safe. Avoid commercial coffee drinks with additives.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Coffee (plain) Not Contain Gluten?

Coffee beans are a plant seed with no gluten proteins.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ treats plain coffee as gluten free. Australian coffee is safe.

United States (FDA)

FDA recognises plain coffee as gluten free. US coffee is safe.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100 mL ยท Typical serve: 100 mL (brewed, black)
Energy8 kJ / 2 kcal
Protein0.3g
Fat, total0.0g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate0.0g
Sugars0.0g
Dietary fibre0.0g
Sodium2mg

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.

What to Watch For

Some fancy coffee drinks (frappuccinos, lattes with added syrups) may contain gluten from malt, biscuit crumbles, or wheat-based additives. Plain black coffee is safe.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Tea, herbal tea, hot chocolate (GF), black tea.

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

Is Coffee (plain) gluten free?

Coffee beans are roasted seeds of the coffee plant. Black coffee contains no gluten. Instant, ground, or whole-bean coffee are all gluten free if no additives are added.

Can coeliacs eat coffee (plain)?

Plain black coffee is safe. Avoid commercial coffee drinks with additives.

Related Foods in Drinks

Water Tea (plain) Herbal tea Soft drinks or soda Fruit juice Coconut water Energy drinks 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 guidelines, Coeliac Australia

Last reviewed: May 2026