Is Sake Gluten Free?

Check the Label
Sake may contain gluten because it is made from barley koji (mold).
Sake is made from rice fermented with koji (a mold). While rice is gluten free, some sake production uses barley koji. Check the specific brand.

Coeliac Disease

Most sake is made from rice koji, but check the brand. Barley koji varieties are not safe.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance. Check the specific brand.

Why Does Sake Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Sake made with barley koji contains gluten. Pure rice-based sake does not.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ advises checking with the sake manufacturer.

United States (FDA)

FDA treats sake as gluten free if made from rice, but check the brand.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100 mL ยท Typical serve: 100 mL
Energy548 kJ / 131 kcal
Protein0.5g
Fat, total0.0g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate5.0g
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

Barley koji in some sake. Check the production method.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Wine, cider, gluten free beer, rum, other alcohol (check).

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 Sake gluten free?

Sake is made from rice fermented with koji (a mold). While rice is gluten free, some sake production uses barley koji. Check the specific brand.

Can coeliacs eat sake?

Most sake is made from rice koji, but check the brand. Barley koji varieties are not safe.

Related Foods in Alcohol

Beer (regular) Beer (gluten free) Beer (gluten removed) Lager Ale Stout Wheat beer Cider

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, ingredient analysis, sake production method

Last reviewed: May 2026