Steer clear of these Starbucks drinks if you’re gluten-free.

For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, Starbucks offers various options. Whether your gluten avoidance is a choice or a necessity, many drinks are typically gluten-free. However, there are exceptions, particularly concerning blended beverages.

Frappuccinos are especially likely to have gluten due to cross-contamination and gluten-containing toppings. For instance, the Java Chip Frappuccino includes Frappuccino chips that have wheat. Additionally, be cautious of cookie crumbles made from wheat flour and chocolate malt powder sourced from barley. Seasonal items like holiday sugar sparkles also contain malt extract.

Even if you’re informed about which drinks to avoid, individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should note that Starbucks doesn’t guarantee allergen-free items. Due to shared equipment in their stores, while your drink may lack gluten ingredients, it may still be prepared with tools that have been in contact with gluten, including blenders, espresso wands, countertops, and bakery displays. Packaged foods bearing a certified gluten-free label can be considered safe.

Several other Frappuccino varieties also contain gluten, such as the Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, which has java chips. The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino also contain wheat-based cookie crumble.

During the holiday season, avoid beverages made with holiday sugar sparkles, including the Toasted White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, as well as hot or cold Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. A workaround is to request these drinks without gluten ingredients by specifying no java chips, cookie crumble, or sparkles when ordering.

Additionally, a couple of cold brews on the menu include barley-based chocolate malt powder: the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew and the Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. Both wouldn’t be as enjoyable if ordered without the malt powder.

Generally, the more complicated your drink order, the higher the risk of gluten ingredients or cross-contamination. Fortunately, most of Starbucks’ simple beverages made with just coffee and milk are gluten-free. Brewed black coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes, flat whites, Caffè Americano, and Caffè Misto are gluten-free by themselves, as are hot chocolate, lemonade, and various teas, including black, green, herbal, and iced.

The enticing Refreshers drinks are gluten-free. However, the fruits used may be stored near non-gluten ingredients. If this isn’t a concern, try enhancing your Starbucks Refresher with sweet cold foam, which is gluten-free (except for the chocolate variation) and makes a delightful combination.

Most milk-based beverages at Starbucks are gluten-free, including regular, soy, almond, and coconut milk. Oat milk is generally gluten-free as well, although this can depend on the brand. Most locations use Oatly, which is certified gluten-free, but some stores may carry other brands, so it’s wise to ask your barista before ordering.

You’ll be happy to know that most flavored syrups do not contain gluten. You can enjoy options like almond, caramel, cinnamon, coconut, hazelnut, mango, peach, peppermint, and vanilla. If you’re vegan, rejoice — most Starbucks syrups are suitable for plant-based drinks too. If you’re eagerly awaiting the Pumpkin Spice Latte’s return to Starbucks’ fall menu, you’ll be pleased to know it’s gluten-free. However, exercise caution with other seasonal syrups such as spiced apple syrup, which does contain gluten in the form of wheat.