Skip These Starbucks Drinks If You’re Gluten-Intolerant.

For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, knowing which Starbucks options are safe can be crucial. Many of the beverages offered by Starbucks are gluten-free by default, making it convenient for those who avoid gluten for health reasons or personal choice. Nevertheless, certain drinks, particularly blended beverages, can pose a risk.

Frappuccinos are notably where gluten is most likely to be found. This arises from both cross-contamination and the inclusion of gluten-containing toppings and ingredients. Take, for instance, the Frappuccino chips in the Java Chip Frappuccino, which contain wheat. Additional ingredients to be cautious of include the cookie crumble made from wheat flour and chocolate malt powder derived from barley. Seasonal items, such as holiday sugar sparkles, also incorporate malt extract.

Even if you are cognizant of which beverages and ingredients to avoid, it’s vital for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to be aware that Starbucks cannot guarantee that any of their products are allergen-free. This uncertainty stems from the shared equipment used in stores, meaning that even if your drink doesn’t include gluten ingredients, it may be prepared using equipment that has come into contact with gluten. This includes blenders, espresso machines, countertops, and display cases for baked goods. Packaged products and bottled beverages marked as certified gluten-free are generally considered safe.

Many other Frappuccino varieties at Starbucks may also contain gluten, such as the Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, which includes java chips. The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino utilize a wheat-based cookie crumble.

During the holiday season, be cautious with beverages that feature holiday sugar sparkles, like the Toasted White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, and both hot and cold versions of the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. One strategy to enjoy these drinks is to request them without any gluten-containing ingredients. If you’re craving one of these options, simply ask for no java chips, no cookie crumble, or no sparkles when you order.

A few cold brews on Starbucks’ menu also contain barley-based chocolate malt powder, like the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew and the Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. Omitting this ingredient would significantly alter the flavor.

Generally, the complexity of your drink order correlates with the likelihood of encountering gluten ingredients or cross-contamination. Fortunately, many plain beverages from Starbucks, such as those made simply with coffee and milk, are naturally gluten-free. Brewed black coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, Caffè Americano, and Caffè Misto are gluten-free on their own, as are hot chocolate, lemonade, and various teas, including black, green, herbal, and iced.

Starbucks Refreshers are entirely gluten-free. However, the fruits used may be stored near glutenous ingredients. If that concern doesn’t affect you, why not enhance your Starbucks Refresher with sweet cold foam? The foam is gluten-free (except for the chocolate version), and the combination is delightful.

Most milk-based drinks at Starbucks are gluten-free, including regular, soy, almond, and coconut milk. While oat milk is generally safe, it’s worth checking the brand used, as some may not be gluten-free. Starbucks locations typically use Oatly, which is certified gluten-free. However, some stores may use different brands, so inquire with your barista before ordering.

You’ll be glad to know that most flavored syrups do not contain gluten. You can enjoy options like almond, caramel, cinnamon, coconut, hazelnut, mango, peach, peppermint, and vanilla. If you follow a vegan diet, take comfort in knowing that most of Starbucks’ syrups are suitable for plant-based drinks as well. And for those eagerly anticipating the Pumpkin Spice Latte each fall, you can enjoy it knowing it’s gluten-free. However, be cautious with other seasonal offerings, such as the spiced apple syrup, which contains gluten from wheat.