Starbucks
www.starbucks.com
Last verified 12/08
1-800-23-LATTE, Ext. 0
The following information was given by a Customer Service Department
representative for Starbucks via telephone. They require you to call to receive
information
about their gluten-free menu items, rather than email.
The following ingredients are not GF -
Chips -
Java Chip, Chocolate Chip, International Beverage Chip, Universal Chip
Toppings - Graham Crunch, Pie Crust, Shortbread Cookie Topping, Cinnamon Dulce*
Syrups - Dulce de Leche, Shortbread
Malt
Vanilla Bean Powder
*Starbucks' Cinnamon Powder is gluten-free. The Cinnamon Dulce, however has a "wheat component" which is "denatured" to remove the gluten protein. They recommend that those who are extremely sensitive not risk consuming it.
Any drink containing any of the above ingredients is not considered gluten-free. The Eggnog drink is also not considered gluten-free.
All beverages that do not contain the above ingredients are considered gluten free. The representive did mention that the Peppermint Curls and Crystlized Ginger Topping are GF.
Note: Although Starbucks routinely rinses pitchers after each drink is made, the customer service representative said gluten-free customers can request that the pitcher go through a sanitizer before their drink is made.
The following was posted on the My Starbucks Idea site on 4/17. To see it on the site, you may need to register, and then click on "Ideas in Action".
"Hi, it's Erin on the Food team. I am so excited today to share an update on our blog about Gluten-free offerings. Starting May 5 we will be launching the Gluten-free Orange Valencia Cake with Almonds. And even better you are among the first to know! Who better to get the first scoop than you who helped make it happen? This product was inspired by the passionate responses we heard from you on My Starbucks Idea.
The Orange Valencia Cake is a delicious moist citrus cake bursting with Valencia oranges and topped with crunchy almonds. Not only is it gluten-free, it is also prepared with 7 simple ingredients: Whole Eggs, Valencia Orange Pulp, Almonds, Sugar, Orange Peel, Gluten Free Baking Powder, and Orange Oil. Plus it delivers 30% of your daily value of vitamin C.
Keep on the look out for it in the pastry case with a sign that says "gluten-free." A single cake will be displayed unwrapped so you can see it clearly, but don't worry. They all come individually packaged to prevent cross contamination. And with the ingredient list right on the package, it's easy to see exactly what you are eating. Whether you are gluten-sensitive or not, this product is delicious and satisfying and I hope you will all enjoy it soon."
Chef Chris Charles describes how the new GF cake is made and what has been done to insure it is gluten-free. 5/5 http://blogs.starbucks.com/blogs/customer/default.aspx
"Ellyse and I went to Starbucks tonight and had the GF Orange Valencia Cake! It was really good. It cost $2.00, had a ton of calories, but was really a nice treat for Ellyse." S.G., San Diego 5/09
"I took my teenage sons who have Celiac to Starbucks this morning and we all had the gluten free orange cake and it was incredibly moist and delicious. I'm hoping that this is only the beginning of other gluten free treats to come..." Isabel in CA to SillyYak site, 5/09
"I just learned that the cinnamon sugar topping used at Starbucks is not gluten free. They have added flour to avoid clumping. If you visit Starbucks you will definitely want to avoid the cinnamon sugar topping used on their holiday specials."
Shari Johns,
co-chair CSA Chapter #14
"This explains why I had a bunch of canker sores awhile back, after trying a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. No wonder they taste so good!
I would recommend, however, for the workers to clean out the Frappuccino blenders/cups/etc. because if they used a gluten flavor ahead of you, it's more than likely contaminated. Here in Casper, they rinse them out, but don't use soap, that I have noticed. Also, when I asked about the regular Chocolate Chip flavor at the store, the girl went back and grabbed a bag of chocolate chips - wheat flour was an ingredient. I don't know about you all, but the chocolate chips I buy at Wal-Mart do not contain gluten - why do the Starbucks ones have to? My husband said that flavor is delicious."
Kelli from Casper, WY to the SillyYaks site 3/13/07
