Is Sake Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Sake: Check the Label

Check the Label Sake

Traditional sake is gluten free, but check for added ingredients.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Sake is brewed from rice using rice koji, a mould grown on rice, not barley, so traditional sake contains no gluten. Some cheaper or flavoured sake adds brewing alcohol or other ingredients, so check those varieties.

Coeliac Disease

Plain traditional sake is generally safe. Check flavoured varieties and choose reputable brands.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Sake Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Sake is brewed from rice using rice koji (a mould grown on rice), not barley, so traditional sake contains no gluten. Some cheaper or flavoured sake adds brewing alcohol or other ingredients worth checking.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires gluten-containing cereals to be declared. Traditional sake is rice-based and gluten free.

United States (FDA)

The FDA treats rice-based sake as gluten free. Check flavoured varieties.

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

Added flavourings in flavoured sake, and cross-contamination. Traditional junmai sake is rice, rice koji, water and yeast.

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 brewed from rice using rice koji, a mould grown on rice, not barley, so traditional sake contains no gluten. Some cheaper or flavoured sake adds brewing alcohol or other ingredients, so check those varieties.

Can coeliacs eat sake?

Plain traditional sake is generally safe. Check flavoured varieties and choose reputable brands.

Related Foods in Alcohol

Not GF, not gluten free Beer (regular)GF, gluten free Beer (gluten free)Check the label Beer (gluten removed)Not GF, not gluten free LagerNot GF, not gluten free AleNot GF, not gluten free StoutNot GF, not gluten free Wheat beerGF, gluten free 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, Coeliac Australia, Celiac Disease Foundation

Last reviewed: July 2026