Are Wheat Straws Gluten-Free? What People With Celiac Should Know
Our Original wheat straws are made from the stem of the wheat plant, not the grain, and they're independently tested to confirm undetectable gluten levels. If you'd rather avoid wheat altogether, our reed straws contain no wheat at all.
It's a fair question, since "wheat" is right there in the name. Here's the longer answer.
Where gluten lives in wheat
Gluten is a protein found in the grain, the kernel that gets milled into flour. The stem, the hollow stalk that holds the grain up, is a different part of the plant. After harvest, the grain is removed, and the leftover stalks are what we cut, clean and sort into Original HAY! Straws.
How we check
Because cross-contact with grain is possible in any farm product, we don't rely on the theory alone. Our Original straws are tested by an independent lab, and the results show gluten below detectable levels. They're also produced in FDA-registered facilities and go through food-contact testing. You can read more on our ingredients and certifications page.
The no-wheat option
For guests or owners who want zero wheat involvement, our reed straws are the simple answer. Standard Reed, Wide Jumbo and Boba straws are cut from a reed plant, a different grass with no wheat in it. Some restaurants keep a small box of reed straws behind the bar for guests who ask.
What about grass or hay allergies?
Everyone's allergies are different. If you have a serious grass or wheat allergy, check with your doctor before using any plant-based straw, or choose our reed straws, which contain no wheat.
Do compostable straws have gluten?
It depends on what they're made of. Paper and PLA straws don't normally contain wheat. Wheat-stem straws are the ones that raise the question, because they come from the wheat plant. That's why we test our Original straws rather than just saying "stems don't have gluten" and leaving it there.
If a straw is labeled gluten-free, look for who tested it. If the brand can't tell you, a reed, paper or bamboo straw is the safer bet for someone with celiac disease.
Are wheat straw plates and cups the same thing?
No. Wheat straw plates, cups and bowls are usually wheat fiber mixed with plastic resins and pressed into shape. A HAY! Straw is a single cut stem with nothing added. If you're checking a product for gluten or plastic, read the label carefully, because "wheat straw" can mean very different things.
Telling your guests
Servers get this question, so it helps to give them one simple line. "They're made from the wheat stem, not the grain, and they're tested gluten-free. We also have reed straws with no wheat at all." That covers almost every conversation.
Working out how many of each to stock? Our straw calculator handles both wheat and reed straws. Or request a free sample of each.
Quick answers
Can people with celiac disease use HAY! Straws?
Our Original straws test below detectable gluten levels. For extra peace of mind, choose reed straws, which contain no wheat at all.
Do the straws taste like wheat or hay?
Most people notice no taste. The Original wheat straws are neutral in almost all drinks.
Are the wheat stems genetically modified?
No. The wheat used for our straws is not genetically modified.
Are the straws treated with chemicals?
No. They're cleaned and cut plant stems, with no plastic, binders or coatings.
Where can I see the test results?
Our straw ingredients and certifications page has details. You can also email hello@haystraws.com.
This article is general information. If you have celiac disease or a severe allergy, talk to your doctor about what's right for you.
