Is Tea (plain) Gluten Free?

Gluten Free
Plain black tea with no additives is naturally gluten free.
Tea leaves are dried leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea contains no gluten. Loose leaf or tea bags are both gluten free if no additives are included.

Coeliac Disease

Plain tea is safe. Avoid commercial flavoured blends with additives.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Tea (plain) Not Contain Gluten?

Tea is a plant leaf with no gluten proteins.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

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

United States (FDA)

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

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100 mL ยท Typical serve: 100 mL (brewed, black, no milk)
Energy4 kJ / 1 kcal
Protein0.0g
Fat, total0.0g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate0.3g
Sugars0.0g
Dietary fibre0.0g
Sodium3mg

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 flavoured tea bags may contain gluten from wheat starch, malt, or other additives. Milk and honey added to tea are safe.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Herbal tea, coffee, hot chocolate (GF), iced tea (GF).

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 Tea (plain) gluten free?

Tea leaves are dried leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea contains no gluten. Loose leaf or tea bags are both gluten free if no additives are included.

Can coeliacs eat tea (plain)?

Plain tea is safe. Avoid commercial flavoured blends with additives.

Related Foods in Drinks

Water Coffee (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