Steer clear of these Starbucks drinks if gluten-sensitive.

If you live a gluten-free lifestyle, it’s important to know that Starbucks offers a variety of options for you. Whether you avoid gluten by choice or necessity, many of the beverages are gluten-free by default. However, there are notable exceptions, particularly with blended drinks.

Frappuccinos are particularly prone to containing gluten. This is due to two factors: potential cross-contamination and toppings/add-ins that contain gluten. For instance, the Java Chip Frappuccino uses Frappuccino chips that have wheat. Additionally, watch for enhancements like the cookie crumble made with wheat flour and chocolate malt powder, which is derived from barley. Seasonal items such as holiday sugar sparkles also include malt extract.

Even if you know what to avoid, those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should remember that Starbucks doesn’t guarantee any of their foods or drinks are allergen-free. This is because shared equipment is used in their stores, meaning that while your beverage may not contain gluten ingredients, it is likely made using tools that have been in contact with gluten. This includes blenders, espresso steaming wands, countertops, and bakery display cases. Packaged foods and bottled drinks labeled as certified gluten-free can generally be considered safe.

Several other Frappuccino options at Starbucks also contain gluten, such as the Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, which also includes java chips. Wheat-based cookie crumble is present in the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino.

Seasonally, be cautious of drinks made with holiday sugar sparkles, including the Toasted White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, and the hot or cold Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. One way to enjoy these drinks is to order them without the gluten ingredients. When ordering, simply request no java chips, no cookie crumble, or no sparkles according to your preference.

There are also two cold brews on the Starbucks menu that contain barley-based chocolate malt powder: the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew and the Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. Both would lose their appeal without this ingredient.

Generally, complex drink orders increase the likelihood of encountering gluten ingredients or cross-contamination. Fortunately, many of Starbucks’ plain beverages, typically made just from coffee and milk, are naturally gluten-free. Brewed black coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes, flat whites, Caffè Americano, and Caffè Misto do not contain gluten on their own, nor do hot chocolate, lemonade, or teas (including black, green, herbal, and iced).

The exciting Refreshers drinks are completely gluten-free. However, the fruit inclusions are often placed near ingredients that contain gluten. If this is not an issue for you, consider adding sweet cold foam to your Starbucks Refresher for an enhanced experience. The foam is gluten-free (except for the chocolate variety), and it creates a delightful combination.

For drinks prepared with milk, most of Starbucks’ options are GF, including regular, soy, almond, and coconut milk. Oat milk is generally gluten-free too, but occasionally it may not be based on the brand. Most Starbucks locations use the Oatly brand, which is certified gluten-free; however, some stores may use other brands that are not, so it’s wise to ask your barista about the milk type before you order.

You’ll be happy to know that most flavored syrups do not contain gluten. Enjoy selections such as almond, caramel, cinnamon, coconut, hazelnut, mango, peach, peppermint, and vanilla. If you’re also vegan, you can also use many of Starbucks’ syrups for your plant-based drinks. If you’re anticipating the arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte on Starbucks’ fall menu, rest assured that it is gluten-free. However, be cautious with other seasonal options like the spiced apple syrup, which indeed has gluten from wheat.