Yes, pure distilled vinegar is gluten-free. Flavored and seasoned vinegars may contain gluten, most typically in the form of malt, so ingredient lists should be carefully read. If wheat protein is contained in vinegar, the label will say so. The single word “vinegar” on a food label implies cider/apple vinegar and is gluten-free. Malt vinegar is not gluten-free, as malt is derived from the gluten-containing grain barley.
For a more in-depth breakdown on the gluten-free status of vinegar, visit GlutenFreeDietitian.com, which is maintained by celiac disease and gluten-free diet expert Tricia Thompson, MS, RD.
