Steer clear of these Starbucks drinks if gluten-free.

For those living a gluten-free lifestyle, it’s beneficial to know that Starbucks offers a variety of options. Regardless of whether you avoid gluten by choice or necessity, you’ll discover that many of Starbucks’ drinks are typically gluten-free. However, there are notable exceptions, particularly with blended beverages.

Frappuccinos are particularly likely to contain gluten due to two main factors: cross-contamination and the presence of gluten-containing toppings and add-ins. For instance, the Java Chip Frappuccino’s Frappuccino chips contain wheat. Additionally, be cautious of toppings such as cookie crumble, which is made with wheat flour, and chocolate malt powder that comes from barley. Seasonal items like the holiday sugar sparkles also contain malt extract.

Even with knowledge of which drinks and ingredients to avoid, it’s important for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to recognize that Starbucks does not ensure any of their food or drinks are free from allergens. This is largely due to shared equipment used across stores — meaning that although your drink may not list gluten ingredients, it might still be prepared with tools that have come into contact with gluten. This includes blenders, espresso steaming wands, countertops, and bakery display cases. Packaged items and bottled drinks labeled 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 includes java chips. The wheat-based cookie crumble is found in the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino and the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino.

During the holiday season, be vigilant about drinks incorporating holiday sugar sparkles, such as the Toasted White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, and the hot or cold Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. One solution for these drinks is to order them without the gluten ingredients; simply request no java chips, no cookie crumble, or no sparkles when you order.

A couple of cold brews on Starbucks’ menu also include barley-based chocolate malt powder — these are the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew and the Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. Since the chocolate malt powder contains gluten, these drinks would not taste the same without it.

As a rule of thumb, the more intricate your drink order, the higher the chance of encountering gluten ingredients or cross-contamination. Fortunately, most of Starbucks’ simple beverages, particularly those made with just coffee and milk, are naturally gluten-free. Brewed black coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, Caffè Americano, and Caffè Misto have no gluten on their own. Likewise, hot chocolate, lemonade, and various teas, including black, green, herbal, and iced, are also gluten-free.

Starbucks’ Refreshers drinks are gluten-free, but be aware that fruit inclusions may be stored next to non-gluten items. If this isn’t a concern for you, consider adding sweet cold foam to your Starbucks Refresher for a delightful twist. The foam, excluding the chocolate variant, is gluten-free, and the combination is quite delicious.

Most of Starbucks’ milk options are gluten-free, including regular, soy, almond, and coconut milk. Oat milk can also be gluten-free; however, it varies by brand. Most Starbucks locations use Oatly, which is certified gluten-free, but some may use other brands that are not, so it’s wise to check with your barista regarding the type of milk being used.

You’ll be pleased to find that most flavored syrups are gluten-free. Enjoy options like almond, caramel, cinnamon, coconut, hazelnut, mango, peach, peppermint, and vanilla. If you’re vegan, you can also use these syrups for your plant-based drinks. For those eagerly awaiting the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte, the good news is that it is also gluten-free. However, caution is advised with other seasonal offerings, such as the spiced apple syrup, which does contain gluten from wheat.