In addition to being a childhood favorite and summertime essential, lemonade is high in vitamins and has several health advantages. Can you still enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of a refreshing glass of lemonade if you exclude gluten from your diet?
Fortunately, homemade lemonade, as well as most commercial lemonades, are gluten-free. However, some lemonade beverages on the market, however, include problematic additives that are unsuitable for gluten-sensitive people, such as high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring.
This article is a deep dive into lemonade, including its health advantages and nutritional significance. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about this delectable beverage and possibly uncover your new favorite gluten-free drink!
How Long Has Lemonade Been Around?
While evidence indicates that lemons have been around for roughly 8 million years, lemonade did not become a popular beverage in the United States until the 18th century. The recipe and the passion for the drink were brought over by European immigrants, and the rest is history.
During Prohibition, lemonade was offered instead of alcohol during state dinners at the White House. Pink lemonade arrived in the United States by way of the traveling circus in the 19th century, thus paving the way for the sweet and tangy beverage to take the country by storm.
What Is The Key To Perfect Gluten-Free Lemonade?
The secret behind gluten-free lemonade is actually what is NOT in the drink. When simply made with lemon juice, water, and sugar, homemade lemonade is gluten-free. Most commercial lemonades are also gluten-free but always check the label.
Recipe For Gluten-Free Lemonade
- 7c water
- 1 ¼ c freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ¼ c lemon simple syrup (1c water, 1c sugar, peeled zest of 1 lemon)
Make the simple syrup by boiling one cup of water in a saucepan and stirring in the sugar. Then peel the lemon with a peeler and place the zest directly into the boiling water. Let the mixture simmer until the sugar has dissolved, and let it cool to room temperature. Leave the zest in the simple syrup for 30 minutes and then remove.
Pour the simple syrup, the 7 cups of water, and the lemon juice into a large pitcher and chill before serving.
Is Lemonade Healthy?
Homemade lemonade made from natural ingredients is a true superfood. Lemonade contains vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as zinc, magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, iron, thiamin, potassium, and niacin.
These vitamins are essential for aiding your immune system in fighting disease and have been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis and arthritis. Lemonade is a great source of antioxidants and can even help prevent cancer cells from dividing.
Due to the pectin contained in the beverage, lemonade can also help decrease hunger and hence aid in weight loss.
Can I Drink Lemonade If I Have Celiac Disease?
Yes. Lemonade made with natural ingredients like water, sugar, and lemon juice is gluten-free. Fortunately, most commercial brands are also gluten-free but make sure to always check the nutrition labels for a certified gluten-free stamp.
Also, be sure to avoid lemonades that are high in high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, as they can be harmful to your digestive system.
Read More >> Is Simply Lemonade Gluten-Free?
What Are Some Other Gluten-Free Beverages?
While lemonade is a great gluten-free beverage (and a fan favorite in the summertime), it can be high in sugar and in calories and can cause heartburn to those with acid reflux. Here is a list of some other gluten-free beverages.
Water
We should all be more hydrated, and pure water is free of any gluten. Whether it’s mineral water, tap water, or flavored water, all are gluten-free.
Fruit Juice
There is no gluten in pure fruit juice, but there is typically a lot of sugar and calories. Even still, most pure fruit juices contain lots of significant vitamins and nutrients for a balanced diet.
Milk
Milk is naturally gluten-free and a great alternative to lemonade. If you are sensitive to lactose, soy milk, oat milk, or almond milk are good options. If you can handle dairy, probiotic drinks are also gluten-free and great for digestive health.
Tea
Pure tea is naturally gluten-free, and should still be gluten-free when milk and sugar are added. Herbal teas, fruit teas, and tea infusions are also typically free of gluten and offer great health benefits.
Coffee
Black coffee is gluten-free, as are most additional syrups, creams, and sugars. Be weary of some flavorings and toppings as most contain gluten. Also, be careful when getting drinks from vending machines, as the chance of cross-contact is pretty high. Always check labels.
Wine and Liquor
Wine, sherry, port, liqueurs, and cider should all be gluten-free. While certain fortified wines may include artificial coloring produced from wheat starch, gluten is not discernible in the finished product, and hence the wine is still considered gluten-free.
With the exception of malt whiskey, which is derived from barley, all liquor is gluten-free unless gluten is introduced after the distillation process.
Read More >> Is Malibu Rum Gluten-Free?
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemonade
Is Lemonade A Vegan Beverage?
Fresh, homemade lemonade is typically regarded as a vegan beverage. Lemonade purchased in supermarkets may include honey, which is problematic for vegans.
The commercially-produced lemonade may contain a coloring buffer created with fish gelatin. Color may also be an issue for vegans because artificial colors are often derived from non-vegan sources. Vegans should avoid the drink if it includes vitamin D , because it is derived from lanolin (sheepskin).
If you want to be sure that your lemonade is vegan, it is best to make it yourself.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Drinking Lemonade?
As nutritious as homemade lemonade might be, you must exercise extreme caution when purchasing professionally prepared lemonade. Store-bought lemonade can be heavy in calories, sugars, and potentially dangerous substances.
Some lemonade drinks include a lot of sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Some commercial brands also include a significant amount of sodium. There are, however, some fantastic commercial lemonade drinks with healthful components. It’s critical to read the label of any store-bought lemonade carefully.
Is Lemonade Gluten-Free?
Lemonade has stolen the hearts of many Americans. The sweet and tangy drink represents nostalgic days of childhood and cherished summer memories. When made with natural ingredients, lemonade is a gluten-free drink that can quench any thirst.