Is Mirin gluten-free?

When it comes to gluten content in various food items one of the common questions we encounter is – “Is Mirin gluten-free?” To this the straightforward answer would be maybe. While Mirin, a type of sweet rice wine used in Japanese cuisine, is generally made from glutinous rice, this doesn’t necessarily mean it contains gluten. ‘Glutinous’ in this case refers to the sticky nature of the rice and not its gluten content. However, not all brands are the same and some may contain additives or be processed in facilities that also handle gluten containing products, thereby introducing the risk of cross-contamination. Thus it is always advisable to check the label or with the manufacturer directly.