Is Tonic Water Gluten-Free? (We Have the Answer!)


Is Tonic Water Gluten-Free

Tonic water is a crucial ingredient in classic cocktails such as Gin and Tonic.  This sophisticated cocktail has been popular for over a hundred years.  The two flavors have been a pair since colonial times and taste better together than apart.  It’s a chemistry that has been well studied by many gentlemen.

Tonic water is considered gluten-free. The main ingredients in tonic water are carbonated water, sweetener, citric acid, natural flavors, and quinine. Most tonics are not labeled gluten-free, but this could be due to cross-contamination from other products made on their assembly lines. Other gluten-free alternatives to tonic water include Olipop Sparkling Tonic, Perrier, and Zevia Lemon Lime Twist.

Let’s chat about the origins of tonic water, the main ingredient that gives it a unique taste, several tonics on the market and the differences in their ingredients, and then some alternatives to add to your mixed beverages.

History

Before becoming a popular ingredient in mixed drinks, tonic water was recommended to British soldiers to protect them from diseases during their explorations.  Medicinal quinine was mixed with soda and sugar to mask its bitter taste.  Soldiers soon mixed it with their gin rations to make the quinine tolerable and the famous mixed drink was born.

These days tonic is mixed with gin or vodka and includes a squeeze of lemon or lime.  Did you know that you can even buy Gin & Tonic in a can?

If you like the taste, you can drink tonic alone or mix it with fruit juice for a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage.

What is Quinine?

Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree, which is found in Peru.  While traditionally used to treat malaria, it can also be used to treat leg cramps.  It is used in tonic water and bitter lemon drink mixers to give it a unique taste.  Quinine is limited to less than 83 parts per million in beverages sold in the United States.  It does have some risk in large quantities.

Tonic Water Nutritional Information

Canada Dry

A more popular brand of drink mixers, this is less natural due to the addition of high fructose corn syrup.  This gives it a high carbohydrate content, which is mostly sugars.  This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Citric Acid
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Quinine
  • Natural Flavors

Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):

  • 140 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 50mg Sodium
  • 36g Carbohydrates (35g Sugars)
  • 0g Protein

Schweppes

The world’s first soft drink was Schweppes Tonic Water in 1783.  They also have a diet flavor.  This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.

Varieties:

  • Regular
  • Diet

Regular Tonic Water

Ingredients in Regular Tonic Water:

  • Carbonated Water
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Citric Acid
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Quinine
  • Natural Flavors

Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):

  • 130 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 55mg Sodium
  • 33g Carbohydrates (33g Sugar)
  • 0g Protein

Diet Tonic Water

Ingredients in Diet Tonic Water:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Citric Acid
  • Sodium Citrate
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Sodium Saccharin
  • Quinine
  • Natural Flavors

Nutrition (per 12 fl oz):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 105mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates (0g Sugar)
  • 0g Protein

Fever-Tree

This company takes tonic water to an art.  Each is designed to mix with certain alcohols to create the perfect mixed cocktail.  Ingredients are sourced from all over the world.  They are not labeled gluten-free, but there are no gluten ingredients.

Varieties:

  • Citrus
  • Sparkling Lime & Yuzu
  • Premium Indian
  • Refreshingly Light Premium Indian
  • Refreshingly Light Cucumber
  • Elderflower
  • Mediterranean
  • Aromatic
  • Lemon

Citrus Tonic Water

Ingredients in Citrus Tonic Water:

  • Carbonated Spring Water
  • Sugar
  • Acid
    • Citric Acid
    • Natural Flavoring including Natural Quinine
  • Natural Colors
  • Angostura Bark Extract
  • Bitter Orange and Mexican Key Lime Flavors

Nutrition Facts (per 100ml):

  • 35 Calories
  • 8.1g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Protein

Polar Mixers

Founded in 1882, this company makes tonic water, club soda, ginger ale, and sours.  This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.

Varieties:

  • Regular
  • Diet
  • Tonic Water with Lime
  • Diet Tonic Water with Lime

Tonic Water with Lime

Ingredients in Tonic Water with Lime:

  • Carbonated Water
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavors
  • Quinine

Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):

  • 120 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 32g Carbohydrates (31g Sugars)
  • 0g Protein
  • 0mg Potassium

Zevia Mixers Tonic Water

Mixers made with Stevia are zero-calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and vegan.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Natural Flavors
  • Citric Acid
  • Stevia Leaf Extract
  • Quinine

Nutrition Facts (per can – 222ml):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Protein

Q Tonic

All-natural, non-GMO, and kosher with high levels of carbonation.  Less sweet due to the use of real sugar as opposed to high fructose corn syrup.  This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.

Varieties:

  • Classic
  • Light Tonic
  • Elderflower Tonic

Elderflower Tonic

Ingredients in Elderflower Tonic:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Sugar
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavor
  • Quinine

Nutrition Facts (per 7.5 fl oz can):

  • 80 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 20g Carbohydrates (19g Sugar)
  • 0g Protein

365 by Whole Foods Tonic Water

This is labeled organic and uses more natural ingredients.  This is not labeled gluten-free, but the ingredients are gluten-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Invert Cane Sugar
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavor
  • Quinine

Nutrition Facts (per can – 355ml):

  • 160 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 40g Carbohydrates (38g Sugar)
  • 0g Protein
  • 0mg Sodium

Alternatives

Cushiedoos Quinine Free Tonic

Out of Scotland comes a tonic that does not use the traditional quinine.  There are no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no “nasties” (their word – love it!).  It also boasts 24% less sugar than the leading premium tonic.

Ingredients inferred from their website:

  • Scottish Heather
  • Scottish Silver Birch
  • Yellow-flowering Gentian
  • Wormwood
  • British sugar beet
  • Pure Scottish Water

Nutrition information is not available.

Olipop Sparkling Tonics

OLIPOP - Ginger Lemon Sparkling Tonic, Healthy Soda, Prebiotic Soft Drink, Aids Digestive Health, Contains Prebiotics & 9g of Plant Fiber, Caffeine Free, Low Calorie, Low Sugar (12 oz, 12-Pack) This company makes sparkling tonics that are a drink by themselves.  They are gluten-free, low-sodium, and vegan.  They do not contain quinine.

Varieties:

  • Strawberry Vanilla
  • Cinnamon Cola
  • Ginger Lemon

Strawberry Vanilla

OLIPOP - Strawberry Vanilla Sparkling Tonic, Healthy Soda, Prebiotic Soft Drink, Aids Digestive Health, Contains Prebiotics & 9g of Plant Fiber, Caffeine Free, Low Calorie, Low Sugar (12 oz, 12-Pack) Ingredients in Strawberry Vanilla flavor:

  • Purified Water
  • Strawberry Juice Concentrate
  • Olismart
    • Chicory Root
    • Jerusalem Artichoke
    • Kudzu Root
    • Cassava Fiber
    • Cassava Syrup
    • Marshmallow Root
    • Slippery Elm Bark
    • Nopal Cactus
    • Calendula Flower
  • Apple Juice
  • Lemon Juice
  • Stevia
  • Pink Rock Salt
  • Vanilla Bean Essence
  • Strawberry Essence

Nutrition Facts (per 12 fl oz):

  • 35 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 25mg Sodium
  • 13g Carbohydrates (9g Fiber, 3g Sugar)
  • 0g Protein

Seltzers

Seltzers are a great alternative to drink alone or add to mixed drinks.  Plain seltzer water adds carbonation, while those with natural flavors add zing without adding calories.  Seltzers are naturally gluten-free, and this one is labeled as such.

Polar 100% Natural Seltzer

POLAR 100% Natural Seltzer Jr 24 ct Variety Pack The Impossibly Good Collection (Unicorn Kisses, Pixie Lights, Mermaid Songs, Dragon Whispers) Varieties:

  • Original
  • Lime
  • Lemon
  • Black Cherry
  • Cranberry Lime
  • Raspberry Lime
  • Ruby Red Grapefruit
  • Orange Vanilla

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Natural Flavors

Nutrition Facts (per 8 fl oz):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates (0g Sugars)
  • 0g Proteins

Club Soda

Another popular mixer for drinks is soda water or club soda.  Soda water can be very simple or mixed with sweeter ingredients.  It lacks a more bitter taste that mixes with some hard liquors.

Q Mixers Club Soda

Q Mixers Club Soda, Premium Club Soda, 7.5 Fl oz, 24 Cans This is very natural with few ingredients, and no artificial flavors or preservatives.  It is certified non-GMO and kosher.  It is also labeled gluten-free.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Himalayan Sea Salt

Nutrition Facts (per 7.5 fl oz):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 55mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Protein

Perrier

Perrier Lime Flavored Carbonated Mineral Water, 8.45 Fl Oz (30 Pack) Slim CansThis is often mixed in cocktails as well.  It comes in original and many flavors.  Original and Natural Flavors varieties are a great no-calorie option.

Varieties:

  • Original
  • Natural Flavors
    • Pineapple
    • Peach
    • Watermelon
    • Strawberry
    • Lime
    • Pink Grapefruit
    • L’Orange
    • Lemon
    • Cucumber
  • Fusions (mixed with real fruit juices)
    • Pineapple & Mango
    • Peach & Cherry
    • Strawberry & Kiwi
    • Lemon & Guava

Original and Natural Flavors

Ingredients in Original and Natural Flavors:

  • Carbonated Mineral Water
  • Natural Flavors

Nutrition Facts:

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Protein

Lemon-Lime Sodas

For fizz, sugar, and some citrus flavor, sodas such as 7-up or Sprite are often mixed with drinks as well.

Zevia Lemon Lime Twist

Zevia Zero Calorie Soda, Lemon Lime Twist, 12 Ounce Cans (Pack of 24) This is gluten-free, kosher, low sugar, vegan, and keto-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavors
  • Stevia Leaf Extract

Nutrition Facts (per 1 can – 355ml):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Protein

Ginger Ale

Often mixed with liquors for a delightful cocktail.

Zevia Ginger Ale

Zevia Zero Calorie Soda, Ginger Ale, 12 Ounce Cans (Pack of 24) Gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and keto-friendly.

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water
  • Citric Acid
  • Stevia Leaf Extract
  • Natural Flavors
  • Ginger Extract

Nutrition Facts (per 1 can – 355ml):

  • 0 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 0mg Sodium
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Protein

Related Questions

Is Tonic Water Vegan?

In its purest form, tonic water is just carbonated water with some flavorings.  The origin of those flavorings will determine whether the tonic you choose is vegan.  Some vegans object to high-fructose corn syrup found in some tonic waters due to pollution caused by corn production.  This doesn’t make it non-vegan, but less ethical.

What Else Can I Mix Tonic With?

Besides Gin & Tonic, Vodka Tonics are popular.  A popular Spanish drink called Light Flight mixes cold brew coffee, tonic, and fernet (a 70 proof liqueur made from roots and spices).  A drink called the Witches’ Coffee House was created in a New Jersey tavern that adds scotch, coffee, and black lime syrup.  If you are a quasi fan of Gin & Tonic, many variations add juices or syrups for a less harsh flavor.

Is Tonic Water Healthy?

Due to the added sugars, tonic water is not the healthiest mixer available.  Diet tonic waters have artificial sweeteners which are not great either.  In an occasional mixed drink, it’s ok to enjoy in moderation.  There are plenty of healthier alternatives that give you the fizz and some flavor, such as seltzers, club soda, a natural lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water.

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Kimberly Burton

Kim Burton is a certified Nutrition Coach and freelance writer living in the mountains of Colorado. She believes in a Qualitarian diet and that the path to a healthy lifestyle begins inside of each one of us. After years of struggling with her own health, she found that changing the way she eats and moves made all the difference. She uses what she learns to empower others to think of food as medicine.

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