Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) has become a fall staple for many coffee lovers around the world (especially in the United States and United Kingdom!). But for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the question remains: is starbucks pumpkin spice latte gluten free? Let’s find out!
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Ingredients
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a combination of espresso, milk, sugar, cream, and pumpkin spice sauce. The drink is topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and pumpkin spice seasoning.
The pumpkin spice sauce used in Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with condensed skim milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and natural flavors. It also contains vanilla syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt.
The espresso used in the drink is made from a blend of high-quality coffee beans. The milk used is steamed to create a smooth and creamy texture. The whipped cream used for the topping is made from cream, vanilla syrup, and sugar.
The following table lists the ingredients used in Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte:
| Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|
| Espresso | A blend of high-quality coffee beans |
| Milk | Steamed to create a smooth and creamy texture |
| Sugar | Used to sweeten the drink |
| Cream | Used to create a creamy texture |
| Water | Used to make the espresso |
| Caramel | Used as a topping |
| Cinnamon | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Clove | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Whipped Cream | Made from cream, vanilla syrup, and sugar |
| Pumpkin Spice Sauce | Made with condensed skim milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and natural flavors |
| Vanilla Syrup | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce and whipped cream |
| Pumpkin Puree | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Nutmeg | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Salt | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Caramel Drizzle | Used as a topping |
| Natural Flavors | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Annatto | Used as a colorant |
| Citric Acid | Used as a preservative |
| Potassium Sorbate | Used as a preservative |
| Corn Syrup | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Mono and Diglycerides | Used as an emulsifier |
| Carrageenan | Used as a stabilizer |
| Xanthan Gum | Used as a thickener |
| Gellan Gum | Used as a stabilizer |
| Disodium Phosphate | Used as a stabilizer |
| Sweetened Condensed Nonfat Milk | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| High Fructose Corn Syrup | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Brown Sugar (Sugar, Molasses) | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
| Natural and Artificial Flavors | Used in the pumpkin spice sauce |
It is important to note that the drink contains milk and is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Additionally, the pumpkin spice sauce contains wheat and is therefore, unfortunately, not gluten free.
Is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Gluten Free?
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, it’s important to know whether or not Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is gluten free.
After researching the ingredients of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, I can confirm that, unfortunately, the drink is not gluten free. The sauce used in the latte contains condensed milk and caramel sauce, both of which contain gluten. Additionally, the whipped cream topping on the latte also contains gluten.
Gluten Content in Starbucks Drinks
Starbucks offers a wide variety of drinks, including coffee, lattes, iced coffee, bottled drinks, Frappuccinos, hot chocolate, plain espresso, and more. For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s important to know which drinks are gluten-free.
According to Starbucks, their Pumpkin Spice Latte contains gluten. However, they do offer several gluten-free options, including:
- Dark Roast Coffee
- Blonde Roast Coffee
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Iced Coffee
- Starbucks Doubleshot Energy
- Starbucks Doubleshot
- Bottled Drinks
It’s worth noting that while these drinks are gluten-free, cross-contamination can still occur during preparation. Customers with gluten sensitivity should inform their barista of their dietary needs and ask them to take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Ordering Tips for Gluten Sensitive Individuals at Starbucks
If you are gluten sensitive and looking to order at Starbucks, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the menu and communicate your needs to the barista:
- Check the Starbucks website for allergen information and ingredient lists before you go. This will help you identify which drinks and food items are gluten-free.
- When ordering, let the barista know that you have a gluten sensitivity and ask for their recommendations for gluten-free options.
- Be specific about your needs and ask the barista to use a clean steam wand and avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
- Consider customizing your drink to make it gluten-free. For example, you can request almond milk instead of regular milk to avoid any potential gluten-containing additives.
- Be aware that some syrups and sauces may contain gluten, so ask the barista to check the ingredients or avoid them altogether.
Cross Contamination Risks at Starbucks
Starbucks has stated that they take the issue of gluten cross-contamination seriously. However, it is important to note that they do not have a gluten-free kitchen. Therefore, there is always a risk of cross-contamination, which can occur when gluten-containing foods come into contact with gluten-free foods.
The following are some of the cross-contamination risks that customers with gluten sensitivity should be aware of when ordering at Starbucks:
- Shared Equipment: Starbucks uses shared equipment to prepare their drinks and food. This means that the same equipment is used to prepare both gluten-containing and gluten-free items. For example, the same blender may be used to make a pumpkin spice latte and a frappuccino, which could result in cross-contamination.
- Baked Goods: Starbucks offers a variety of baked goods, including pastries, muffins, and bread. These items are not gluten-free and are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. There is a risk of cross-contamination when these items are prepared and served alongside gluten-free options.
- Sauces and Syrups: Some of the sauces and syrups used at Starbucks contain gluten. For example, the caramel sauce and white mocha syrup both contain barley, which is a gluten-containing grain.
- Oats: Starbucks offers oatmeal as a breakfast option. While oats themselves do not contain gluten, they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. This can result in cross-contamination and make the oats unsafe for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Rye and Barley: Rye and barley are both gluten-containing grains that are commonly used in bread and other baked goods. While Starbucks does not offer any items that contain rye, they do offer some items that contain barley, such as the caramel sauce and white mocha syrup.
It’s important for any of you out there with with gluten sensitivity to inform their barista of their dietary restrictions and to ask for their drink to be prepared in a clean blender or on a clean surface to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any gluten-free options for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Unfortunately, the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks is not gluten free. The drink contains a sauce that is made with condensed milk and contains gluten. However, Starbucks does offer other gluten-free drink options that you can enjoy.
Does Starbucks offer a gluten-free version of their Pumpkin Spice Creamer?
Starbucks does not offer a gluten-free version of their Pumpkin Spice Creamer. The creamer contains natural flavors that may contain gluten.
Which syrups are gluten-free at Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Starbucks offers a variety of syrups that are gluten-free, including vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. However, the Pumpkin Spice syrup contains gluten, so it is not safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Latte gluten-free?
Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is not gluten-free. The drink contains a pumpkin spice syrup that contains gluten.
What gluten-free breakfast options does Starbucks offer?
Starbucks offers several gluten-free breakfast options, including the Sous Vide Egg Bites, the Spinach, Feta & Cage-Free Egg White Wrap, and the Classic Oatmeal. However, it’s important to note that cross-contamination may occur in the preparation process.
Is Starbucks Cold Foam gluten-free?
Starbucks Cold Foam is gluten-free. The foam is made with nonfat milk and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, it’s important to note that cross-contamination may occur in the preparation process.