Starbucks???

[NoahsWife]

Yesterday, I went to Starbuck's with my duaghter and ordered a Blackberry Green Tea Frappachino, after being assured that it was gluten-free. Later in the evening I became so sick, I could barely stand up. Still sick today So, I called teh Corporate Headquarters of Starbucks - they assured me the drink was also G/F. So, I'm left to try and figure out what happened. I know everything else I had consumed yesterday was G/F. So, perhaps it was cross-contamination at Starbuck's.... Really frustrated about trying to live G/F, on my second week and have had two different problems with eating out. Trying to be so careful, but can't stay chained to the house to eat...all the time.

Sorry for venting...just trying to get past the withdrawal stage
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Never let your fears become the bounderies of your dreams!

[Torrey]

Hey there,

It could very well be cross-contamination...I worked at SBUX a few years ago, and honestly, those blender containers aren't washed out thoroughly as often as they should be. I know that some of the sprinkles and chips are NOT GF that are used in the frappuccinos...it's quite easy for bits of them to remain in the blender container if it's just rinsed out and not put through the sanitizer...just a thought...

Have you had problems with dairy? That could be another issue...

Again, just my two cents, but I hope it helps!
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~Torrey

August 24, 1975
GF BD July 12, 2004

[NoahsWife]

I have had issues with dairy in the past 1 1/2 years, but always ask for Soy Milk when its available. So, lesson learned I'll stick to coffee when out and use the new Organic Tecchino Blends when home. Their new blends are certified Gluten-free...it's a great alternative to coffee and you can brew it in your coffee pot. www.tecchino.com

Thanks again for the information and the support!
_________________
Never let your fears become the bounderies of your dreams!

[quiltmaven]

I had a similar experience with just a sample of the Blackberry/Green tea item, but I wasn't that ill; just enough so that I knew I had something I shouldn't have. I stick to soymilk with one pump of chocolate and have no difficulty. I have it hot during cold weather and cold with ice in the summer. It's good.
Quiltmaven

[Fidissimus]

I had one of the clerks show me the ingredients in the powdered base they use for their creme drinks and I remember it had some questionable items in it... enough that I won't order any of those drinks. I haven't seen what their corporate stance is on it... ???

I know it's not quite the same but you could order a cream soda, which is basically ice, soda water, milk and an italian flavored syrup... personally I just go for the iced latte's if it's hot out. Haven't had a problem yet.

Sorry about your bad experience... maybe you could ask them to use a clean blender next time [if they're too busy, you could order something else?]
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Cheers!
Jenn

GF BD: Feb. 2001
Free of wheat, barley, rye, oats, dairy, eggs, almonds, pineapple and brewers yeast.
http://graindamaged.blogspot.com/

[SoIhaveAdisease]

[arrannen]

I've also had really bad experiences at starbucks with their mocha's an the like. Just dont go there anymore as the local NON-corporate coffee shops are better here! and they are more likely able to show you exactly whats in your drink!

[elynne]

I have to admit, I kind of like Starbucks. I particularly like their chai tea; I get it with milk (I used to get it with soy, when I thought that I was allergic to milk), hot or iced, and haven't had a problem with it. If I want an extra "kick" of caffeine, I'll have them add a shot of espresso.
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Striving to be GF since 5/06 (with occasional lapses)
http://elynne.livejournal.com

[mcluke633]

One of the first things I did after finding out I have Celiac was finding out if I could still go to Starbucks. (I didn't research the foods, I researched Starbucks! ) I was told to avoid anything with "chips" in it and to be careful with cross contamination in the blenders. Of course, the brownie frappes are off limits... as are the new banana frappes because they have malt in them. I've been sticking with the hot drinks and haven't had any problems. Once in a long while, I'll ask them to thoroughly clean the blender so I can get a frappe. They've been real cool about it and do it without any problem.
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GF since 2/06
Do or do not; there is no try.

[Fidissimus]

[piak4@charter.net]

I can't believe what I just read from all of you about Starbucks!! Thanks for the warning. I absolutely love the Green Tee Blackberry FRap and was so disappointed when I thought I couldn't have them anymore. I called Starbucks Corporate office and heard the same --only the mocha chip and vanilla chip are off-limits--everything else was SAFE!! Ha! I am glad I didn't get over there yet to get one. I thought we could trust the corporate offices to give us accurate info. This really stinks!

[The Edifying Conscience]

Piak4,
I'm sure the corporate offices give accurate information regarding the gluten containing ingredients used in their products. What many corporate offices fail to take into account are cross contamination issues. It's likely what the OP was reacting to was not gluten in the drink, but cross contamination regarding their baked goods or not cleaning the equipment after making a gluten containing drink.

TEC

[Noatak]

I was under the impression that most of the blended drinks and frappy type ones are a no-no. Even some of the iced tea drinks, passion fruit in particular, are not GF. Luckily for me, the only thing I ever order at Buckie's are the latte's. No gluten there. Plus, those blended drinks have about a billion calories in them!

[Fidissimus]

[ostrich]

Dunno if this'll help, but I buy chai tea mix at the store and make it how I want at home. It saves a ton of cash (I've heard Starbucks is expensive). I prefer with milk and a liiiiiittle bit of chocolate sauce.
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of