Malibu Rum is a Caribbean-style rum with a natural coconut flavor. They are committed to the environment as well as creating delicious, flavored rums. Focusing on the subject of this article, many who are needing or want to eliminate gluten from their diet wonder if they can drink Malibu Rum. There is good news.
Some of Malibu Rum’s varieties are gluten-free. Malibu Original, Malibu Black, and Malibu Pouches flavors are all gluten-free. The Malibu Cocktails in a Can and Malibu Splashes contain wheat and are not gluten-free. Other gluten-free alternatives to Malibu Rum Original with the familiar coconut taste include Bacardi Coconut Rum, Cruzan Coconut Rum, and Captain Morgan Coconut Rum.
Let’s talk about gluten and rum, Malibu Rum as a company, their products, and their nutritional value. Then, we’ll give you several alternatives that give you that coconut flavor. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Distilled Spirits and Gluten
Rum is not made from gluten grains like other hard alcohols. It is made from sugar cane or molasses, yeast, and water. These are not gluten ingredients. If there were any other ingredients added, those would be eliminated during the distillation process.
The big thing to worry about with flavored rums is the source of the flavorings. Coconut is gluten-free, so plain rums and coconut rums are gluten-free. Other flavors bear some caution or further research.
For most, rum is a safe alcohol to drink even when trying to avoid gluten.
Malibu has issued a statement about their rums, stating “The processes of distillation should eliminate cereal proteins from distilled spirits drinks and therefore distilled drinks are generally accepted for a gluten-free diet.” They went on to say that they cannot offer specific advice other than to check with your doctor.
There are some Malibu Rum products with gluten. These are pointed out later in this article.
Nutrition Facts for Rum
Rum makers are not required to add ingredients lists or nutrition labels to their products. Rum in general runs around 100 to 120 calories per ounce, with no fat, sodium, carbohydrates, or protein. Coconut rums and other flavors often have added carbohydrates in the form of sugar and a slightly higher calorie count depending on the source of the additives.
History of Malibu Rum
40 years ago, a spirits industry entrepreneur in London got a taste of a coconut-flavored rum drink gifted to him from a friend who had just taken a trip to South Africa. He was so impressed that he bought the company and renamed it Malibu.
Commitment to Sustainability
The rum is made in Barbados, where the company has a unique tie to the environment. The distillery is located near the beach which is also a sanctuary for marine wildlife. Sea Turtles come to nest each year. The commitment to wildlife extends to a partnership with Earthwatch to save the turtles.
The coconuts are sourced from the Philippines where coconut farmers are not always given a fair wage and farming practices are not always sustainable. Malibu Rum is working with the farmers to remedy these situations and bring about change in the way coconuts are grown and harvested. Farmers are also paid a fair wage for the coconuts.
Finally, the plastic and glass used in Malibu Rum bottles are at least partially made from recycled materials, and by 2025, they will be 100% recyclable.
Malibu Rum Varieties
- Malibu Original
- Malibu Strawberry
- Malibu Pineapple
- Malibu Watermelon
- Malibu Lime
- Malibu Mango
- Malibu Passion Fruit
- Malibu Tropical Banana
- Malibu Black
- Pina Colada Cocktail in a Can
- Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail in a Can
- Malibu Splash Watermelon
- Malibu Splash Strawberry
- Malibu Splash Lime & Coconut
- Malibu Splash Passion Fruit
- Malibu Splash Pineapple
- Rum Punch Pouch
- Malibu Blue Hawaiian Pouch
Malibu Varieties that are Gluten Free
Malibu Original
Blend of Sweet Coconut and Island Rum
Nutrition (per 2.5 fl oz):
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
- 140 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 4g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: TREE NUTS
Malibu Watermelon
Blend of Caribbean Rum and watermelon flavor.
Nutrition (per 2.5 fl oz):
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
- 120 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 4g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: NONE
Malibu Black
A darker rum with coconut liqueur.
Nutrition (per 1.5 fl oz):
- 35% Alcohol by Volume
- 103 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 6g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: TREE NUTS
Malibu Blue Hawaiian in a Pouch
A pre-mixed Blue Hawaiian cocktail with coconut, cherry, and pineapple flavors mixed with the original Malibu Rum.
Nutrition (per 5 fl oz):
- 5% Alcohol by Volume
- 153 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 7g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: TREE NUTS
Malibu Rum Products that are Not Gluten-Free
Malibu Splash Pineapple
A sparkling malt beverage with passionfruit and coconut flavors. This does indicate wheat and tree nut allergens. This is not gluten-free.
Nutrition (per 2.5 fl oz):
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
- 120 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 4g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: NONE
Pina Colada Cocktail in a Can
Instead of mixing your own cocktail, all of the ingredients are in a ready-to-drink can. There are wheat and tree nut allergens listed. This is not gluten-free.
Nutrition (per 12 fl oz):
- 7% Alcohol by Volume
- 335 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 6g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: WHEAT AND TREE NUTS
Strawberry Daiquiri in a Can
Instead of mixing your own cocktail, all of the ingredients are in a ready-to-drink can. There are wheat allergens listed. This is not gluten-free.
Nutrition (per 12 fl oz):
- 7% Alcohol by Volume
- 292 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 3g Carbohydrates
- 0g Proteins
- ALLERGENS: WHEAT
Alternatives
There are several rums on the market with the signature coconut taste. They pair well with tropical drinks or by themselves on the rocks. It’s like escaping to the beach even if you are not able to get there in person.
Koloa Kaua’i Coconut Rum
This rum comes from Hawaii rather than the Caribbean. Tasting notes of toasted coconut, lime, and caramelized pineapple.
Ingredients:
- Rum made with sugarcane
- Young coconut
- Toasted coconut
- Cocoa flavors
- Water from Mount Wai’ale’ale which are filtered through volcanic strata
Nutrition:
- Not listed, but 40% alcohol by volume makes this a more potent spirit
Don Q Coco Rum
Puerto Rican-aged rum, first made in 1865. Tastes of Molasses, Mango, and Pineapple.
Ingredients:
- Rum
- Extraction from Real Coconut
- Aged 1 – 1 ½ year
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
Bacardi Coconut Rum
Gluten-free. Originates in Puerto Rico as well. Tastes of fresh coconut, vanilla, and brown sugar.
Ingredients:
- White Rum
- Essence of Coconut
Nutrition (per 1 oz):
- 35% Alcohol by Volume
- 100 Calories
- 5g Sugars
- 5g Carbohydrates
Bacardi makes rums in many flavors, including:
- Tropical
- Limon
- Lime
- Coconut
- Dragonberry
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Raspberry
Parrot Bay Coconut Caribbean Rum
Rum with natural coconut flavors.
21% Alcohol by Volume
Other flavors made by Parrot Bay are:
- Key Lime
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Strawberry
- Passion Fruit
Rude Bwoy Ultra Premium Coconut Rum
Rum from Jamaica is made with pure cane sugar. The company also makes a white rum and a gold rum.
Ingredients:
- Rum made with pure cane sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Honey Sugars
- All-Natural Coconut Water
Nutrition:
- 35% Alcohol by Volume
- No other nutrition information listed
Hard Truth Distilling Toasted Coconut Rum
Located in Nashville, Indiana, this distillery has been in existence since 2015. They also make a toasted coconut rum cream. Has a salted caramel taste alongside the coconut.
Ingredients:
- White Rum
- House-toasted flaked coconut
- Cane sugar
- Natural sea salt
Nutrition:
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
Captain Morgan Caribbean Coconut Rum
Taste of fresh coconut with notes of citrus and tropical fruit. Famous for its spiced rum, it also makes these flavors:
- Pineapple
- Coconut
- Vanilla Twist
- Tropical Punch
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mai Tai
Cruzan Coconut Rum
Cruzan makes several rum flavors besides coconut:
- Mango
- Black Cherry
- Pineapple
- Vanilla
- Tropical Fruit
- Aged Light
- Aged Dark
- 151
- Single Barrel
- Black Strap
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Peach
- Key Lime
- Passion Fruit
- Strawberry
- Banana Rum
- Citrus Rum
- Raspberry
- Guava
- Estate Diamond Dark
- Estate Diamond Light
- 9 Spiced
- Hurricane Proof
Cruzan Coconut Rum Nutrition (per serving):
- 21% Alcohol by Volume
- Approximately 100 Calories
Sugar Island Coconut Rum
From the Virgin Islands, this rum is 21% alcohol by volume and is a sweeter taste than some of the other rums on this list. Tastes of creamed coconut, tropical fruits, and caramel give you the option of sipping it solo or adding a mixer.
Coconut Cartel
This rum is designed to be sipped. Originating in Guatemala, the rum is aged for four to 12 years in white oak barrels before finishing with locally sourced coconut water. Tastes of vanilla, caramel, toasted coconut, and dark chocolate make this the perfect after-dinner drink. This lands at 40% alcohol by volume.
Related Questions
Is Malibu Rum Keto?
The definition of keto-friendly is higher in fat and lower in carbs. Malibu Rum has no fat and 13g of Carbohydrates, which would make it less suitable for a keto diet plan.
What can Malibu Rum be Mixed With?
Malibu Rum is great in tropical drinks such as pineapple juice, other fruit juices, RumChata, Cranberry Juice, Cola, or ginger beers.
Is Malibu Rum Vegan?
Yes, Malibu Rum is a vegan-friendly adult beverage. Be careful what you mix with it to keep it vegan.
Is Malibu Rum Healthy?
Alcoholic spirits have little nutritional value. While they have no fat, they are filled with empty calories and a few carbs. Rum generally only has about 100 Calories which is not bad for a drink, but if you add it to a cocktail, the calories can certainly add up quickly.