Gluten-Free at Starbucks [Updated 2020]

2023 Update: If you're reading this in 2023, please note that this blog post is from 2020 and ingredients/allergens have likely changed. Please make sure to do your own research, reference their allergen guide, and ask appropriate questions before trying anything from Starbucks.

Happpy Wednesday! 

Wednesday means coffee. Well, every day means coffee.... but that’s okay.

After being diagnosed with celiac disease, I did a lot of my own research on what’s gluten-free at Starbucks - and found a lot of what I found really contradictory and just... confusing. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite gluten-free drinks at Starbucks, and some things to avoid. I typically stick to boring black coffee or green tea as they are the safest options, but its always fun to try new drinks - and black coffee isn’t your only option at Starbucks! 

PLEASE NOTE: I reached out directly to Starbucks, and they told me there’s always a chance of cross-contamination at it is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, this is the note I received in return: Unfortunately, we do not carry any certified gluten free products outside of some packaged snack foods. The products that have received gluten-free certification will be marked clearly on the packaging. Throughout our stores, we openly handle gluten containing ingredients and other allergens. While we take precautions to keep ingredients separate, we cannot guarantee that any of our beverages and foods are allergen free as we use shared equipment to store, prepare and serve them. Thank you for reaching out and I hope you have a great day.

Before ordering, be mindful that cross-contamination is a possibility, but some drinks are very safe while others are not (which I will dig deeper into!). Starbucks does its best to ensure the safety of its customers, but nothing is guaranteed. I’ve included my five favorite drinks that I know are gluten-free, and five things to avoid: but these aren’t necessarily the only gluten-containing drinks at Starbucks, so do your own research or consult  your barista before trying something new!

gluten-free at starbucks

iced blonde americano

If you haven’t tried Starbucks blonde roast, this is a must-try. Smoother than their regular espresso roast, with the same kick - their blonde is so good and requires less milk/cream/sugar. I tried it a year ago, and haven’t turned back since. Iced blonde americano is my go-to coffee order during the week, because it gives me the caffeine I need without all the empty calories like their lattes, frappuccinos, etc.

Note: this is one drink that is generally a safe option from Starbucks if you’re erring on the side of caution. Americano is water, ice, and espresso shots, meaning there is not much room for error, and no need to have contact with blenders or other similar equipment. In this list would also include other black coffees, lattes, iced teas, and their (gluten-free) hot teas.

unsweetened green iced tea

My original Starbucks order, since even before I drank coffee (fun fact: I used to hate coffee. Times have changed, quickly!). I still order this pretty frequently, especially when I’m looking for something cold and refreshing, without the amount of caffeine a coffee would give me. I order it unsweetened because I don’t want the added sugar or sweetness!

iced blonde latte with soy milk

Everything I said about the blonde americano, but in latte form. The Starbucks blonde is so good in an iced latte, it tastes just sweet enough with no added sweeteners or syrups, because it lacks the bitter taste of their regular espresso roast. I avoid dairy as much as I can, so I never order lattes with regular milk. I’ve tried all of Starbucks dairy-free milk options in this drink, and I’ve found soy milk to taste the best in a latte.

strawberry acai refresher

For me, this one is definitely a treat. The Starbucks refreshers are sweet and filled with sugar, so aren’t an everyday drink (at least for me!). The strawberry acai refresher are gluten-free, as well as their other refreshers. However, please note: some people love to order these with lemonade instead of water. As good as it may sound, the Starbucks lemonade is not gluten-free, so make sure you don’t make this change! (edited to add: as of February 2023, the Starbucks allergen list displays some drinks made with the lemonade as non-gluten-containing. Remember, Starbucks uses the same shakers for every drink so use your own judgment).

unsweetened iced coffee (with almond milk and one pump of hazelnut)

I very rarely order this drink, but it’s always good when I do! I know this post is about Starbucks, but at Dunkin’, my coffee order is an iced coffee with hazelnut and almond milk. Sometimes I’m not necessarily going to pass a Dunkin’ or I’m in a rush, and I order this at Starbucks. I don’t love that their hazelnut syrup has sugar, (I get the flavor shots at Dunkin), but it’s gluten-free, and good if I’m in the mood for hazelnut! I order this with almond milk, because it mixes well with the hazelnut flavor.

cold brew with cascara cold foam

Here’s a bonus drink because it’s that good. Starbucks cascara cold foam is gluten-free, and so good! It’s different than other tastes you find at Starbucks, and not as heavy as a latte or frappuccino. You can add cold foam to any coffee, but it tastes great with their cold brew. A must-try!

guava white iced tea

Just make sure you get it with no lemonade! This is so good - and it’s better unsweetened! Guava juice sweetened with fruit, without added sugar, mixed with white iced tea. Just sweet enough, with very little caffeine!

pink drink

If you haven’t tried this, where have you been?! A strawberry refresher, with coconut milk instead of water. It’s a favorite at Starbucks, but just a bit too sweet for me.

plain black coffee or americano

Boring? Nah. You can never go wrong!

not-so-gluten-free: things to avoid at Starbucks

caramel syrup

caramel macchiato

Whether hot or iced, this is not gluten-free.

maple macchiato

sandwiches - even gluten-free

Even if your local Starbucks has gluten-free breakfast sandwiches (mine does not), be careful with these! They use the same equipment to heat them up as their gluten-filled sandwiches… which defeats the purpose if you’re celiac and you’re cross-contaminated. Either take it home to heat up, or avoid altogether!

frappuccinos

While some (read: most) ARE gluten-free, they’re all blended in the same blenders (with the caramel syrups, cookie bits, etc). If you’re not celiac there shouldn’t be an issue - but if you are, make sure the blender is sanitized if you’re ordering a frappuccino.

tazo hot teas

Believe it or not, the following Tazo Teas (the brand Starbucks uses) DO contain gluten:

Green Ginger

Tazo Honeybush

Lemon Ginger

Tea Lemonade

Note: both the black and green iced teas are gluten-free!

Java chips

Unfortunately, not gluten-free.