Are oat drinks gluten-free? Your guide to finding a gluten-free dairy alternative

As more of us explore the world of plant-based dairy alternatives, ‘are oat drinks gluten-free’ is an increasingly common question.

Whether you’re one of the 1 in 100 people who suffer from Coeliac Disease¹, have a sensitivity to gluten, or have any other dietary considerations, let’s take a closer look at what gluten-free means, whether Alpro oat drinks contain gluten, and what other gluten-free dairy substitutes are out there.

Are all oat drinks gluten-free?

It’s the million-dollar question: are oat drinks gluten-free?

Despite the fact that oats themselves don’t naturally contain gluten, most oat drinks are not gluten-free². Allow us to explain a little further.

What does ‘gluten-free’ really mean?

Gluten is the name for the protein commonly found in wheat, rye and barley³.

Legally, food and drinks can only use ‘gluten-free’ on the label if they contain 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less⁴. That’s a seriously small amount of gluten – and rightly so. For those with coeliac disease or an intolerance to gluten, even a small amount can cause very unpleasant symptoms².

This means that anyone avoiding gluten for any reason can feel totally confident that the foods labelled as gluten-free are just that.

Why are oats considered gluten-free?

Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free. Instead of gluten, they contain a similar protein called avenin, which most people with a gluten intolerance can eat without any issues⁵.

However, it’s always worth checking your oats for that all-important gluten-free label to make sure they’re safe to eat and haven’t been cross-contaminated with gluten during manufacturing.

So, why aren’t oat drinks gluten-free?

Whilst oats themselves don’t technically contain gluten, they can come into contact with other grains, like rye, wheat and barley while they’re being processed, leaving them with some small traces of gluten (we know – sneaky)⁶.

It’s also always worth bearing in mind, though, that a very small number of people who have coeliac disease or an intolerance to gluten can still have a sensitivity to gluten-free oats as a result of the avenin they contain^{5, 7, 8}.

That’s why a lot of oat drinks (including Alpro Oat and Alpro Barista Oat) can’t be legally classed as gluten-free – because potential cross-contamination in the manufacturing process can mean that oat drinks could contain more than 20ppm of gluten.

This is another reason why it’s so important to double-check the label, even on products you might assume are gluten-free, like oat drinks. It’s also a good idea to check whether your local coffee shops use gluten-free milk alternatives before you order your favourite plant-based coffee.

What Alpro alternatives to dairy are gluten-free?

While the oat is mighty, it’s not the only plant-based dairy alternative on the block. There are plenty of delicious, gluten-free dairy substitutes in the Alpro range.

From almond and coconut to soya and hazelnut, take a look at our range of gluten-free drinks perfect for your cereals, smoothies, morning coffees, and more.

Alpro Soya Drink

Naturally lactose, dairy and gluten-free, Alpro Soya Drink is full of that sweet, smooth, irresistible soya flavour that tastes so good and is oh-so-versatile.

Alpro Almond Drink

Delicate in flavour and low in sugar and fat, there’s nothing nutty about switching to gluten-free Alpro Almond Drink, lovingly made from lightly toasted Mediterranean almonds. A source of calcium and iodine, Alpro Almond Drink is also fortified with vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin B12.

Alpro Coconut Drink

Time to add a splash of sunshine to your day with Alpro Coconut Drink. A tropical, gluten-free dairy substitute, it’s made with a simply luscious blend of coconut milk and water.

Alpro Hazelnut Drink

If you’re squirrelling around to find something that really hits the spot as part of your gluten-free diet, go nuts for simply delicious Alpro Hazelnut. We grind whole roasted hazelnuts into a creamy paste, before blending them with water and fortifying them with all the goodness of calcium^* and vitamins B2 and B12^**.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alpro Oat Drink gluten-free?

No. Since the oats used in Alpro Oat Drink could be exposed to gluten during the manufacturing process, it’s not legally classed as gluten-free. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered with a range of other deliciously gluten-free plant-based drinks, including soy, almond and coconut dairy alternatives.

Is Alpro Barista Oat Drink gluten-free?

No. The oats used in Alpro Barista Oat Drink may be exposed to gluten in manufacturing, meaning the drink can’t be legally classed as gluten-free. The good news is that there are plenty of other drinks in the Alpro Barista range that are gluten-free and perfect for your coffee.

Is coconut milk gluten-free?

Yes, coconut products, including coconut milk, coconut water, and other coconut drinks, are usually gluten-free⁹. That includes Alpro Coconut Original, Alpro Coconut No Sugars, and Alpro Coconut Barista.

Are soya drinks gluten-free?

Yes, the majority of soya drinks are gluten-free¹⁰, including Alpro Soya Original and variants like Alpro Soya Chocolate.

Are almond drinks gluten-free?

Yes, Alpro Almond Original and variants like Alpro Almond Barista are naturally gluten-free (and delicious!).

References:

1. Coeliac UK. About coeliac disease [online]. Available at https://www.coeliac.org.uk/about-coeliac-disease/ [Accessed February 2026]
2. NHS. Coeliac disease: Treatment [online 2023]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/treatment/ [Accessed February 2026]
3. NHS Inform (2025). Gluten-free diet [online]. Available at https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/special-diets/gluten-free-diet/ [Accessed February 2026]
4. Coeliac UK. The law and gluten-free [online]. Available at https://www.coeliac.org.uk/about-coeliac-disease/gluten-and-the-law/ [Accessed February 2026]
5. Coaeliac UK. Oats and the gluten-free diet [online]. Available at https://www.coeliac.org.uk/living-with-coeliac-disease/food-and-drink/food-and-drink-information/oats/ [Accessed February 2026]
6. NHS (2023). Coeliac disease: treatment [online]. Available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/treatment/ [Accessed February 2026]
7. Hardy MY, Russell AK, Henneken LM, et alPurified oat protein can trigger acute symptoms linked to immune activation in coeliac disease patients but not histological deterioration. Gut 2025;74:906-917.
8. Gluten Free Society. Is Oat Milk Gluten Free? [Online 2022]. Available at https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/is-oat-milk-gluten-free/ [Accessed February 2026].
9. Beyond Celiac. Is coconut gluten-free? [online] Available at https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/coconut/ [Accessed February 2026]
10. Beyond Celiac. Is soy gluten-free? [online] Available at https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/soy/ [Accessed February 2026]

* Source of calcium. Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are recommended for good health.

** Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.