Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Is Tea Gluten Free?

dinali63

Recommended Posts

dinali63 Rookie
dinali63
Posted

Hi!

I was diagnosed with celiac over one year ago and have been feeling pretty well. However, in the past week, I've gotten severe gastrointestinal symptoms that today have me staying in the house. The only difference in my diet is that I tried a new black tea. Can black tea (not flavored) contain gluten? I saw a nutritionist in NY that told me I would be ok with any plain tea or coffee? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

Just as I thought...It is the tannins in the tea that are a GI irritant. Google:

tannins + tea + gastrointestinal

You will find lots of support for this.

Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

It really shouldn't. Check the ingredients. I once had the same problem with a certain brand of black tea but couldn't ever figure out why.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Some tea companies use gluten in the manufacturing of certain flavored or herbal teas. In that case, there is a chance of cross contamination.

I stick with Stash teas--they don't use gluten in any of their teas.

Out of curiosity, which brand of tea gave you problems?

dinali63 Rookie
dinali63
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for the replies! The tea is an English brand PG tips. I had it in England a couple of years ago before my diagnosis and really liked it. I found it in the grocery store here, and thought it would be safe. It makes sense that it could be something in the manufacturing process. I tried to call the company but didn't get through.

I sent an email, but didn't hear back yet. I'm very strict with my diet and have been feeling great. This is the only new item that's been introduced in the last couple of days and yesterday I had two cups. Today I'm miserable so I'm taking it out of my diet and I'll see if I start feeling better. I know that I'm very very sensitive to gluten and have had severe reactions if I get even the slightest bit of gluten. I felt this way last holiday season when I had a flavored coffee (one I thought was gluten free, but maybe wasn't brewed correctly in the shop). I'm going to try the tea suggested and stick to ones where the company states it's gluten free.

It's amazing to me that I forgot how bad I could feel with the slightest bit of gluten in my system. Unfortunately I should have called and made sure before I tried something. It sometimes is so hard to keep checking when it seems like everyone around me can eat or drink what they want..............

Thanks again for the help!

  • 4 weeks later...
ztu Newbie
ztu
Posted

Did you hear back from them, dinali63? Now that I look at the PG Tips bags again I am totally suspecting gluten from the glue used to seal them! I just sent an email and will post if I hear back.

I've been having some problems of late as well, and I recently have been drinking some of this tea, and a tea called Egyptian Licorice by brand Yogi Teas (delicious, by the way, assuming it is gluten-free, as other posts seem to indicate, at least according to the company...)

Thank you for the replies! The tea is an English brand PG tips. I had it in England a couple of years ago before my diagnosis and really liked it. I found it in the grocery store here, and thought it would be safe. It makes sense that it could be something in the manufacturing process. I tried to call the company but didn't get through.

I sent an email, but didn't hear back yet. I'm very strict with my diet and have been feeling great. This is the only new item that's been introduced in the last couple of days and yesterday I had two cups. Today I'm miserable so I'm taking it out of my diet and I'll see if I start feeling better. I know that I'm very very sensitive to gluten and have had severe reactions if I get even the slightest bit of gluten. I felt this way last holiday season when I had a flavored coffee (one I thought was gluten free, but maybe wasn't brewed correctly in the shop). I'm going to try the tea suggested and stick to ones where the company states it's gluten free.

It's amazing to me that I forgot how bad I could feel with the slightest bit of gluten in my system. Unfortunately I should have called and made sure before I tried something. It sometimes is so hard to keep checking when it seems like everyone around me can eat or drink what they want..............

Thanks again for the help!

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

All the Republic of Tea teas are gluten-free.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mindwiped Rookie
mindwiped
Posted

Watch out for the celestial seasonings holiday teas!! A couple have barley in them, but at least CS will label their gluten-free teas as gluten-free right on the box.

ztu Newbie
ztu
Posted

Info from Yogi Teas:

Thank you for the email. Since we make cereal here also the chance for air-born cross contamination is 1 to 2 parts per billion. There are 4 teas in which barley malt is added. They are the Fasting Tea, Calming Tea, Kava Stress Relief Tea and the Stomach Ease Tea.

We use heat to seal the tea bags. No glue.

Best wishes,

V Crowley

Customer Service Representative

Golden Temple, Peace Cereal, Yogi Tea

Websites: www.peacecereal.com, www.yogitea.com

www.whaguruchew.com

I have yet to hear from PG Tips. I'm pretty sure I reacted to their tea...

Did you hear back from them, dinali63? Now that I look at the PG Tips bags again I am totally suspecting gluten from the glue used to seal them! I just sent an email and will post if I hear back.

I've been having some problems of late as well, and I recently have been drinking some of this tea, and a tea called Egyptian Licorice by brand Yogi Teas (delicious, by the way, assuming it is gluten-free, as other posts seem to indicate, at least according to the company...)

GFqueen17 Contributor
GFqueen17
Posted

I would love to know why it is necessary for barley malt to be added to tea...? seems really silly if you ask me.

  • 2 weeks later...
ztu Newbie
ztu
Posted

According to the manufacturer, PG Tips is gluten free:

Hello from PG tips!

Thank you for your recent email.

I can inform you that we do not use any glue in the process of sealing our

tea bags. Our tea bags are free from wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again in the future if you require any

further information or assistance.

Kind regards,

B Hirani

Careline Advisor

Unilever UK Limited

Registered in England & Wales; Company No 334527

Registered Office: Walton Court, Station Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

KT12 1UP

Did you hear back from them, dinali63? Now that I look at the PG Tips bags again I am totally suspecting gluten from the glue used to seal them! I just sent an email and will post if I hear back.

I've been having some problems of late as well, and I recently have been drinking some of this tea, and a tea called Egyptian Licorice by brand Yogi Teas (delicious, by the way, assuming it is gluten-free, as other posts seem to indicate, at least according to the company...)

strawberrygm Enthusiast
strawberrygm
Posted

We use Lipton Tea at our house. Regular Tea. Anyone have issues with that? We are still new and learning each day.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. tiffanygosci
      - tiffanygosci posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      Hello all! My life in the last five years has been crazy. I got married in 2020 at the age of 27, pregnant with our first child almost two months later, gave birth in 2021. We had another baby in April of 2023 and our last baby this March of 2025. I had some issues after my second but nothing ever made me think, "I should see a doctor about this." After...
    2. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      On the AIP diet, all processed foods are eliminated. This includes gluten-free bread. You'll be eating meats and vegetables, mostly. Meats that are processed, like sausages, sandwich meats, bacons, chicken nuggets, etc., are eliminated as well. Veggies should be fresh, or frozen without other ingredients like sauces or seasonings. Nightshade vegetables...
    3. Yaya
      - Yaya replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

      Thank you for responding and for prayers. So sorry for your struggles, I will keep you in mine. You are so young to have so many struggles, mine are mild by comparison. I didn't have Celiac Disease (celiac disease) until I had my gallbladder removed 13 years ago; at least nothing I was aware of. Following surgery: multiple symptoms/oddities appeared including...
    4. larc
      - larc replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

      When I accidentally consume gluten it compromises the well-being of my heart and arteries. Last time I had a significant exposure, about six months ago, I had AFib for about ten days. It came on every day around dinner time. After the ten days or so it went away and hasn't come back. My cardiologist offered me a collection of pharmaceuticals at the time...
    5. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      So I should not eat my gluten free bread? I will try the vitamins. Thank you all so very much for your ideas and understanding. I'm feeling better today and have gathered back my composure! Thank you kitty kitty I am going to look this diet up right away. And read the paleo diet and really see if I can make this a better situation then it currently...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,920
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Serena Rodriguez
    Newest Member
    Serena Rodriguez
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • tiffanygosci
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Hello all! My life in the last five years has been crazy. I got married in 2020 at the age of 27, pregnant with our first child almost two months later, gave birth in 2021. We had another baby in April of 2023 and our last baby this March of 2025. I had some issues after my second but nothing ever made me think, "I should see a doctor about this." After having my last baby this year, my body has finally started to find its new rhythm and balance...but things started to feel out of sorts. A lot of symptoms were convoluted with postpartum symptoms, and, to top it all off, my cycle came back about 4m postpartum. I was having reoccurring migraines, nausea, joint pain, numbness in my right arm, hand and fingers, tummy problems, hives. I finally went to my PCP in August just for a wellness check and I brought up my ailments. I'm so thankful for a doctor that listens and is thorough. He ended up running a food allergy panel, an environmental respiratory panel, and a celiac panel. I found out I was allergic to wheat, allergic to about every plant and dust mites, and I did have celiac. I had an endoscopy done on October 3 and my results confirmed celiac in the early stages! I am truly blessed to have an answer to my issues. When I eat gluten, my brain feels like it's on fire and like someone is squeezing it. I can't think straight and I zone out easily. My eyes can't focus. I get a super bad migraine and nausea. I get so tired and irritable and anxious. My body hurts sometimes and my gut gets bloated, gassy, constipated, and ends with bowel movements. All this time I thought I was just having mom brain or feeling the effects of postpartum, sleep deprivation, and the like (which I probably was having and the celiac disease just ramped it up!) I have yet to see a dietician but I've already been eating and shopping gluten-free. My husband and I have been working on turning our kitchen 100% gluten-free (we didn't think this would be so expensive but he assured me that my health is worth all the money in the world). There are still a few things to replace and clean. I'm already getting tired of reading labels. I even replaced some of my personal hygiene care for myself and the kids because they were either made with oats or not labeled gluten-free. I have already started feeling better but have made some mistakes along the way or have gotten contamination thrown into the mix. It's been hard! Today I joked that I got diagnosed at the worst time of the year with all the holidays coming up. I will just need to bring my own food to have and to share. It will be okay but different after years of eating "normally". Today I ordered in person at Chipotle and was trying not to feel self-conscious as the line got long because they were following food-allergy protocols. It's all worth it to be the healthiest version of myself for me and my family. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little overwhelmed and a little overloaded!  I am thankful for this community and I look forward to learning more from you all. I need the help, that's for sure!
    • knitty kitty
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      On the AIP diet, all processed foods are eliminated.  This includes gluten-free bread.  You'll be eating meats and vegetables, mostly.  Meats that are processed, like sausages, sandwich meats, bacons, chicken nuggets, etc., are eliminated as well.  Veggies should be fresh, or frozen without other ingredients like sauces or seasonings.  Nightshade vegetables (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers) are excluded.  They contain alkaloids that promote a leaky gut and inflammation.  Dairy and eggs are also eliminated.   I know it sounds really stark, but eating this way really improved my health.  The AIP diet can be low in nutrients, and, with malabsorption, it's important to supplement vitamins and minerals.  
    • Yaya
      Does anyone here also have Afib

      By Yaya · Posted

      Thank you for responding and for prayers.  So sorry for your struggles, I will keep you in mine.  You are so young to have so many struggles, mine are mild by comparison.  I didn't have Celiac Disease (celiac disease) until I had my gallbladder removed 13 years ago; at least nothing I was aware of.  Following surgery: multiple symptoms/oddities appeared including ridges on fingernails, eczema, hair falling out in patches, dry eyes, upset stomach constantly and other weird symptoms that I don't really remember.  Gastro did tests and endoscopy and verified celiac disease. Re heart: I was born with Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and an irregular heartbeat, yet heart was extremely strong.  It was difficult to pick up the irregular heartbeat on the EKG per cardiologist.  I had Covid at 77, recovered in 10 days and 2 weeks later developed long Covid. What the doctors and nurses called the "kickoff to long Covid, was A-fib.  I didn't know what was going on with my heart and had ignored early symptoms as some kind of passing aftereffect stemming from Covid.  I was right about where it came from, but wrong on it being "passing".  I have A-fib as my permanent reminder of Covid and take Flecainide every morning and night and will for the rest of my life to stabilize my heartbeat.   
    • larc
      Does anyone here also have Afib

      By larc · Posted

      When I accidentally consume gluten it compromises the well-being of my heart and arteries. Last time I had a significant exposure, about six months ago, I had AFib for about ten days. It came on every day around dinner time. After the ten days or so it went away and hasn't come back.  My cardiologist offered me a collection of pharmaceuticals at the time.  But I passed on them. 
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      So I should not eat my gluten free bread?  I will try the vitamins.  Thank you all so very much for your ideas and understanding.  I'm feeling better today and have gathered back my composure! Thank you kitty kitty   I am going to look this diet up right away.  And read the paleo diet and really see if I can make this a better situation then it currently is.  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.