Is Captain Morgan Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know
Imagine this: you’re eyeing a bottle of Captain Morgan, dreaming of a spiced rum cocktail that hits all the right spots, but your gluten-free lifestyle has you pausing, label in hand, wondering is Captain Morgan gluten free?
Let’s cut to the chase.
Is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Gluten-Free or Not?
Mostly yes, but not always. While Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is generally safe, some flavored varieties may contain hidden gluten or be exposed to cross-contamination during production.
According to Beyond Celiac, distilled spirits like unflavored rum are typically gluten-free. But once additives enter the mix, things can change.
Is Rum Gluten-Free? What to Know About How Captain Morgan Is Made
Yes, most rum is gluten-free. Rum is distilled from sugarcane or molasses, not wheat, barley, or rye. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, making unflavored rums, like Captain Morgan’s Original and White varieties, generally safe.
For a more detailed breakdown, see the FDA’s explanation on gluten in distilled spirits.
However, questions like “does Captain Morgan have gluten” come up because some flavored and spiced versions contain ingredients such as:
- Natural flavors
- Caramel coloring
- Spices that may include gluten-derived ingredients

Want a complete guide to gluten-free alcohol?
Which Captain Morgan Rums Are Gluten-Free? A Complete List
✅ Gluten-Free Captain Morgan Rums (Safe Choices)
These are considered safe for gluten-free drinkers:
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- Captain Morgan White Rum
- Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum
- Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum
These varieties are distilled and unflavored, with no gluten-containing additives reported by the brand. You can verify product details directly on the Captain Morgan official website.
🚨 Captain Morgan Flavored Rums That May Contain Gluten
These may pose a risk due to added flavors or coloring:
- Captain Morgan Sliced Apple
- Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
- Captain Morgan Private Stock
- Captain Morgan Coconut Rum
- Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum
- Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spiced
- Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist
- Captain Morgan Spiced Gold
None of these varieties are certified gluten-free, and Captain Morgan does not make a formal gluten-free claim.
Rule of Thumb: If it’s flavored, double-check before you sip!
Can You Drink Captain Morgan on a Gluten-Free Diet? Best Practices
Yes, but stick with unflavored versions unless you’re absolutely sure. Here’s what to watch for:
- No gluten-free label on the bottle? Call the brand.
- Look for clear ingredient info, some labels list “natural flavors” without specifics.
- Cross-contamination risks from shared aging barrels may be minimal, but not zero.
Hidden Gluten in Rum: What Celiacs Should Watch Out For
If you’re highly sensitive to gluten, consider these additional risks:
- Oak barrel aging – Some barrels may have previously held gluten-based liquors.
- Pre-mixed cocktails – Store-bought mixers can contain gluten-based additives like malt syrup or thickeners.
- “Natural flavors” – This vague term may include gluten unless otherwise specified.
Learn more about ingredient labeling from the FDA’s gluten-free labeling rule.
Top Gluten-Free Rum Brands to Try If You’re Avoiding Captain Morgan
If you want guaranteed gluten-free rum options, try these:
- Bacardi – All core and flavored rums are gluten-free.
- Malibu – Known for its coconut rum, which is also gluten-free.
- Mount Gay – Aged Barbados rum with no gluten ingredients.
- Havana Club – Generally safe, but not certified.
- Sailor Jerry – Unconfirmed; contact the brand if you’re celiac.
TLDR
✔️ Yes, Captain Morgan Original Spiced and White Rum are gluten-free
⚠️ Flavored varieties like Coconut, Sliced Apple, or Spiced Gold may contain gluten
💡 Choose Bacardi or Malibu if you want certified gluten-free rum
Final Thoughts: Sip Safely, Celiacs
Now that you know which Captain Morgan rums are gluten free, you can make safe choices without sacrificing your favorite cocktails. For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, stick with certified brands or unflavored classics like Captain Morgan White Rum.
📌 Bookmark this post so you’ll know exactly what to grab (or avoid) next time you’re browsing the liquor aisle.
Share this with your gluten-free friends, everyone deserves a good drink without worrying.
FAQ Is Captain Morgan Rum Gluten-Free?
Is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum gluten-free?
Yes, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum is considered gluten-free since it is distilled from sugarcane, and the distillation process removes gluten proteins. However, Captain Morgan does not make a formal gluten-free claim, so those with severe gluten sensitivities should proceed with caution.
Which Captain Morgan rums are gluten-free?
The following Captain Morgan rums are widely considered gluten-free:
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Captain Morgan White Rum
Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum
Captain Morgan Silver Spiced Rum
Which Captain Morgan rums might contain gluten?
Flavored rums may contain gluten due to added ingredients. These include:
Captain Morgan Sliced Apple
Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
Captain Morgan Private Stock
Captain Morgan Coconut Rum
Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum
Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spiced
Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist
What are the best gluten-free rum brands?
If you want a guaranteed gluten-free rum, here are some top choices:
Bacardi (all varieties, including flavored)
Malibu (all flavors are gluten-free)
Havana Club
Mount Gay
Tanduay
Can I drink Captain Morgan if I have celiac disease?
Most plain Captain Morgan rums are considered safe for celiacs. However, Captain Morgan does not officially certify their rums as gluten-free, so those with extreme sensitivity should stick to brands explicitly labeled gluten-free like Bacardi.
What are some gluten-free cocktails I can make with Captain Morgan?
You can enjoy gluten-free cocktails using Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced or White Rum. Here are a few ideas:
Gluten-Free Spiced Rum & Coke – Captain Morgan Spiced Rum + Coke + Lime
Tropical Captain & Pineapple – White Rum + Fresh Pineapple Juice + Ice
Coconut Mojito – White Rum + Mint + Lime Juice + Coconut Water + Soda
Check out our ultimate gluten-free beer guide.
Please note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.