Living gluten free or with celiac disease undoubtedly has its hardships, especially when it comes to those delicious looking, cookie smothered Starbucks drinks you see on every corner. The good news is that you can order almost any drink gluten free at Starbucks – you just have to be sure to specify to the barista what you can and cannot have in your drink. Check out these gluten free drinks at Starbucks.
Navigating Gluten-Free Options at Starbucks
When ordering gluten-free beverages at Starbucks, keep the following tips in mind:
- Communicate your dietary needs: Inform your barista about your gluten-free requirements to ensure proper handling and preparation of your drink. Ask them to please avoid cross contamination as best as possible.
- Double-check ingredients: Ingredient lists may change, so it's important to stay informed. Ask for current ingredient information and consult the allergen list available in-store or on the Starbucks website.
- Avoid gluten-containing additives: Be cautious with flavored syrups, sauces, and toppings. Always verify that they are labeled gluten-free before adding them to your beverage.
- Choose safe milk alternatives: Starbucks offers various non-dairy milk options, such as almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk. Ensure that the specific brand and source are gluten-free and safe for your consumption.
Plain Hot Beverages to Warm Your Soul
To err on the safe side of caution, if you have a severe allergy, it is best to stick to the basic drinks that have a low risk of gluten cross contamination. Some of these include:
- Black coffee
- Plain tea
- Cappuccino
- Plain hot chocolate
- Bottled drinks (to include fruit juice or the bottled frappuccino), just make sure there is a “gluten free” label if you are unsure.
Other Hot Beverages with a Twist
However, if you have a more vibrant pallet and enjoy all the different kinds of milk available, here are a few more comprehensive gluten free drinks at Starbucks:
Lattes
Some lattes include:
- Plain Caffe Latte
- Caramel Brulee Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
- Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Blonde Vanilla Latte
Flat White
The flat white is a safe option as it only involves two ingredients: espresso and milk. It has a higher volume of espresso than a latte, making the flavor more robust. Another version of this drink is a Honey Almond Flat White if you are looking for something more on the sweet side.
Macchiatos
Macchiatos are an espresso with a splash of steamed milk. You can add a spin to the flavor profile by ordering a caramel macchiato (the caramel syrup is just sweet enough and salty enough to make your taste buds dance).
Hot Chocolate
A mix of cocoa and milk, this drink offers non-coffee lovers and kids an option to indulge.
Hot Tea with a Twist (London Fog)
Starbucks offers an extensive selection of gluten-free hot teas. Whether you prefer black, green, herbal, or white tea, you can find a variety of flavors to suit your taste. You can also order a London Fog, which is tea with steamed milk. Chai tea is also an option.
Chilled Gluten Free Summer Beverages
Frappuccinos
Please note, these are probably the most challenging to order completely gluten free, since they utilize equipment such as blenders which may have cross-contamination from previous orders. Some examples of gluten free frappuccino drinks include:
- Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino®
- Pistachio Frappuccino®
- Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino®
- Caramel Brulée Frappuccino®
- White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino®
- Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino®
- Matcha Crème Frappuccino®
- Chai Crème Frappuccino®
- Strawberry Crème Frappuccino®
- Sugar Cookie Almond milk Crème Frappuccino®
Iced Lattes
Feel free to order any of the hot lattes, but ask for iced instead.
Cold Brew
Cold brew is coffee that has been steeped for a long time (8 to 24 hours). Cold brews are usually safe on the gluten free side.
Iced Tea Lemonade
Lemonade is a great alternative for non-coffee lovers. The ingredients include Teavana Iced Black Tea, lemonade, and optional sweeteners (syrups labeled gluten-free).
Refreshers
Refreshers are lightly caffeinated drinks made with green coffee extract and fruit juice. The ingredients include Starbucks Refreshers base (such as Very Berry Hibiscus or Mango Dragonfruit), water, ice, and optional coconut milk (gluten-free).
Pink Drink
This refreshing strawberry acai-based drink offers a delicious twist to the other refreshers. The three ingredients in this drink include:
- Strawberry acai puree
- Coconut milk
- Freeze-dried strawberries
What NOT to Order
When it comes to selecting your order, it's important to be mindful of certain toppings and mixins that may not be suitable for everyone. While some may be tempted by the crunchy cookie toppings, it's essential to know that there are other options that should also be avoided. Surprisingly enough, even seemingly harmless additions like java chips and sprinkles can contain wheat, making them unsuitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Those sneaky little toppings!
By exercising caution and being aware of the ingredients used in toppings and mixins, you can make more informed decisions about what to order. This attention to detail ensures that you prioritize your health and dietary needs while enjoying your favorite treats. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and opt for alternatives that align with your specific dietary requirements.
Ingredient Lists and Allergen Information
Starbucks prioritizes transparency by providing detailed product ingredient lists and allergen information. You can find this information on the Starbucks website, in-store, or by asking the barista. Take a few moments to review the ingredients and allergens to ensure the drink you choose aligns with your dietary needs.
Remember, the listed ingredients are generally gluten-free, but it's essential to confirm with your barista and review the most up-to-date allergen information. Additionally, be cautious about any potential cross-contamination risks, as shared equipment (like blenders and spoons) may come into contact with gluten-containing products.
Enjoy Your Gluten Free Starbucks Drink Guilt Free
Starbucks caters to gluten-free customers by providing a range of delicious beverages. By following the tips mentioned above and being mindful of ingredient lists and potential cross-contamination risks, you can confidently enjoy Starbucks gluten free. Just because you are gluten free doesn't mean your drink consumption has to be boring! Enjoy the flavorful selections while sipping on your favorite beverage without compromising your dietary needs. Cheers to a gluten-free indulgence at Starbucks!
References
Magan, Valerie. “How To Order At Starbucks If You're Gluten-Free.” Delish.com, 22 March 2022, https://www.delish.com/food-news/g39493265/gluten-free-starbucks/. Accessed 14 June 2023.
“Pink Drink Starbucks Refreshers® Beverage: Nutrition.” Starbucks, https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122275/iced/nutrition. Accessed 14 June 2023.
“Starbucks Gluten-Free Menu Guide 2023.” Eating Works, 24 February 2023, https://www.eatingworks.com/starbucks-gluten-free-menu/. Accessed 14 June 2023.
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