Starbucks?

[barbie_doll]

I adore starbucks coffe in the winter time, and now that it's getting cold out I surely will be starting my daily trips there soon. I always order White chocolate mochas or carmel macchiatoes. Does anyone know if these, or anything else from there is safe? I always assumed so but just want to make sure.

[aklap]

Hi,

I moved this here for better visibility. People might not look for it in the recipe section

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I know several people here that are...I'm sure they'll chime in.

It's best never to assume a product is GF - you're better off with the "guilty until proven innocent" approach when it comes to gluten
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[cardine45]

As far as I know, the majority of their drinks are gluten-free unless they contain chips (ex. mint mocha chips). You're also supposed to be careful with frappachino's and other blended drinks unless you have them thoroughly clean the blender. I think it has something to do with some sort of brownie frappachino that they make.

I would recommend calling them to see if they've updated any of their information. I always get a soy decaf caramel latte, but I've recently discovered I have issues with soy too, so I'm gonna have to hope my dairy issues go away soon so I can indulge again.

[rpf1007]

I know that not all their blended drinks are GF (vanilla chip rings a bell) and they just kind of rinse and re-use the blenders so I have steered clear. I would talk to them though and make sure they use a clean blender. I honestly can't remember which ones are ok and which aren't. The info isn't directly on their website-so you'll need to contact them.
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Rachel

[sa2asl]

I contacted Starbucks tonight, wanted to check on the status of some new drinks they have. I spoke with Megan and got a list of items that are NOT gluten free. Of course their disclaimer is that there is a possibility of cross contamination on all of the other drinks. (story of my life)

So here is the list of items that ARE NOT GF: (a few go without saying, but thought I'd add them)

dolce de leche
frappucino chips
graham crunch topping
international beverage chip
anything malt
pie crust topping
shortbread cookie topping
shortbread syrup
universal chocolate chip
egg nog- may contain gluten
vanilla bean powder (dry ingredient added to some beverages)
java chips


She said to avoid the chocolate shavings for toppings as they are from the international chocolate chips. (she was a little fuzzy on this so I'm opting out of the chocolate) I ordered frappuccinos all summer, just ask them to use a clean blender, they are happy to do it. You can easily tell which ones they use over and over through out the day and rinse only, the clean ones are usually stored above/below the area or they run in back and put it through the sanitizer.


I hope this helps. Enjoy!

[GlutenFreeFeroni]

I have found Starbucks to be SUPER Celiac-Friendly (ie. cleaning the blender - never a problem for them!) and TODAY finally got to try their new GLUTEN FREE VALENCIA ORANGE CAKE... Not only does it taste better than any regular Gluten-Filled muffin I ate years ago but it's SUPER MOIST, better than any cake or pastry I've had in years. Ridiculously good. I want to order a CASE. I think I just developed a 2 dollar-a-day Muffin habit!!!
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~ Nikki Feroni
Syracuse, New York
Diagnosed March 2005

[forinajoy]

Ina loves them too!
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Connie, mom to Ina, 14 y/o with CD

[GFPolarBear]

I've had good luck at Starbucks - but the one on State Street close to UW-Madison has a celiac on staff, so they may be "better trained" than the others. That particular Starbucks is fantastic for Celiac-friendliness, though, and I've had reasonably caring/attentive help at others I've visited.

At any rate - the latest I know about anything I drink is avoid anything with "Chip" in it, avoid the toppings except whipped cream (probably wise policy anyway), avoid the Vivanos, and ask them to clean the blender or use a freshly cleaned one (any more, the busier Starbucks have several sitting around). Also, calling Starbucks corporate is not a problem; I've never had to wait very long and they're always friendly and seemingly eager to help/answer questions. ** I've never asked about the vanilla bean or strawberry frappos because I don't drink them. Anyone else know? I do know the signature hot chocolates and pumpkin spice lattes are fine - and sadly, so does my waistline! **

Something else for all the coffee nuts - the Independents are often willing to work with you too, and will usually make the effort to try to keep your business, especially if you're a regular. (My favorite coffeehouse, the Firefly in Oregon, WI, is an independent that worked with its GF regulars to address everything down to CC concerns; they use Hormel meats for sandwiches, breads from the Silly Yak in Madison, thorough foil wrapping/using squeeze bottles for sandwich toppings/changing gloves to prevent CC on prep, etc. )

Happy sipping/dining!