Portuguese Phrase
Esta sobremesa é sem glúten?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the dessert being served contains any gluten. It is a direct, polite way to check for a dietary restriction, especially for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
When to use
Use this question in restaurants, cafés, or at a friend’s house when you need to confirm that a sweet dish is safe for a gluten‑free diet. It works both in formal settings (talking to a waiter) and informal ones (asking a host).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estasobremesaésemglúten?
Esta (demonstrative adjective)
Used to point to a specific feminine singular noun that is close to the speaker.
sobremesa (noun)
Means “dessert”; it is a feminine noun, so it matches the demonstrative “esta”.
é (verb ser)
The third‑person singular present of “ser”, used for permanent or defining characteristics such as being gluten‑free.
sem (preposition)
Means “without”; it is followed directly by a noun without an article.
glúten (borrowed noun)
A loanword from English, pronounced with a nasal vowel in Portuguese.
🗨In Conversation
Esta sobremesa é sem glúten?
Is this dessert gluten‑free?
Sim, é sem glúten. Fizemos com farinha de arroz.
Yes, it’s gluten‑free. We made it with rice flour.
✕Common Mistakes
Esta sobremesa está sem glúten?
Use “é” (ser) for permanent characteristics; “está” (estar) would imply a temporary state, which sounds odd for gluten content.
Esta sobremesa é sem o glúten?
The article “o” is not used after the preposition “sem” when talking about ingredients.
Esta sobremesa não tem glúten?
While understandable, the negative form can be confusing; the affirmative “é sem glúten?” is clearer and more common.
↔Alternatives
Esta sobremesa não tem glúten?
Does this dessert not have gluten?
Esta sobremesa é livre de glúten?
Is this dessert free of gluten?
Esta sobremesa contém glúten?
Does this dessert contain gluten?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the term “glúten” is widely understood, but older generations may still refer to “trigo” (wheat) when talking about gluten‑containing foods. When ordering, it’s polite to say “por favor” and thank the staff after they confirm. Many cafés now label gluten‑free items on the menu, but it’s always good to ask, especially in smaller towns where the concept is still gaining traction.