Do scooters have gluten-free drinks and options?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Scooter's Coffee's official blog, nearly all of their drinks are gluten-free, with the notable exception of the Cookie Blender. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, understanding the difference between gluten-free ingredients and the risk of cross-contact is crucial when determining, "Do scooters have gluten-free?".

Quick Summary

Scooter's Coffee offers many gluten-free drink options, but not all products are safe for severe allergies or celiac disease due to cross-contact risks. Customers should check the official allergen chart, communicate with staff, and be mindful of potential cross-contact, especially for blenders and shared equipment.

Key Points

Cookie Blender: The Cookie Blender is the primary drink that is explicitly not gluten-free at Scooter's Coffee.
Cross-Contact Risk: Due to shared equipment like blenders and steam wands, cross-contact is a significant concern, especially for individuals with celiac disease.
Mocha Sauce: Standard mocha sauce contains gluten-containing ingredients and should be avoided or replaced with a gluten-free chocolate syrup alternative.
Oat Milk Caution: Some oat milk brands are not certified gluten-free, so it is recommended to confirm the brand used or opt for a different milk alternative like almond or coconut.
Communicate Clearly: Inform the barista of your gluten allergy to ensure they take extra precautions during preparation, such as using clean, sanitized equipment.
Check Official Charts: Always refer to Scooter's official nutritional and allergen chart for the most up-to-date and accurate information before ordering.

Navigating Scooter's Coffee Gluten-Free Menu

For individuals following a gluten-free diet, especially those with celiac disease, visiting a coffee shop requires careful attention to ingredients and preparation methods. Scooter's Coffee, a popular drive-thru coffee chain, provides resources to help customers make informed choices, but severe sensitivities demand extra caution. Understanding which drinks are made with inherently gluten-free ingredients and where cross-contact might occur is the key to a safe experience.

Identifying Safe Gluten-Free Drinks

Scooter's is transparent about its menu offerings, providing an official allergen chart for detailed nutritional information. While most of their core drinks are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients, some require specific requests or modifications. The company itself notes that all drinks are gluten-free except for the Cookie Blender, a specialty item that contains gluten. This makes many of their staple beverages reliable choices for those avoiding gluten. When ordering, it's a good practice to double-check with the barista, but the following are generally considered safe bets:

Brewed Coffee: The foundation of most coffee shops, plain brewed coffee at Scooter's contains no gluten.
Americanos and Lattes: Espresso-based drinks like Americanos and Lattes are typically made with simple ingredients (espresso, water, and milk) and are gluten-free. Be mindful of added sauces or syrups.
Fruit & Ice Smoothies: For a refreshing, non-coffee option, Fruit & Ice Smoothies are a solid gluten-free choice.
Teas: Both hot and iced teas are naturally gluten-free at Scooter's.
Flavored Syrups: Most of the standard flavored syrups, like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut, are listed as gluten-free. However, always confirm with staff, especially for seasonal flavors.

Potential Risks and Cross-Contact

While many ingredients are gluten-free, the shared preparation environment poses a significant risk of cross-contact, especially for those with celiac disease. A customer review on Find Me Gluten Free even reported finding gluten in their drink despite asking for precautions. Taking extra precautions during your visit is essential for safety.

High-Risk Items and Practices

Blenders: Items like the Cookie Blender are made in shared blenders. Even after rinsing, residual gluten can remain. Request a clean blender for your drink.
Mocha Sauces: Unlike the syrups, many of the rich sauces contain allergens. The mocha sauce, for example, is not gluten-free. If a drink normally comes with mocha sauce, request a chocolate syrup substitute instead.
Oat Milk: As noted by a gluten-free dietitian on Instagram, some brands of oat milk are not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination during production. Always confirm the specific brand they are using meets your standards or choose a different non-dairy milk like almond or coconut.
Espresso Equipment: The espresso machine's steam wand is typically rinsed between uses, but if you have a high sensitivity, ask staff for additional sanitation measures.

How to Order Safely at Scooter's

To ensure the safest possible experience, follow these steps when placing your order:

Check the Allergen Chart: Before you go, review Scooter's official allergen chart on their website.
Order Carefully: Choose a drink known to be low-risk, such as a basic latte with almond milk and a non-sauce syrup.
Specify Your Needs: Clearly state you have a gluten allergy. Many staff members are trained to take extra precautions.
Request Clean Equipment: For blended drinks, always ask for a fresh, clean blender.
Avoid High-Risk Ingredients: Steer clear of all Cookie Blenders and any drinks containing mocha sauce unless you confirm a safe alternative.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Options at Scooter's


Item Category	Safe Gluten-Free Options	High-Risk Options/Add-ons	Precautions	Risk Level for Celiacs
Coffee	Brewed Coffee, Americano, Plain Espresso	Blended drinks, flavored coffees with toppings	Request clean equipment for blended drinks. Avoid malt powders.	Low-Moderate
Lattes & Drinks	Flavored Lattes with safe syrups, Chai Tea Latte	Cookie Blender, drinks with mocha sauce or malt	Request chocolate syrup instead of mocha sauce; use a clean blender.	Moderate-High
Non-Dairy Milks	Almond Milk, Coconut Milk	Oat Milk (unless brand confirmed certified GF)	Inquire about the brand of oat milk used.	Moderate-High
Smoothies	Fruit & Ice Smoothies	Fruit & Cream Smoothies (contain ice cream base), blenders	Ask for clean blender. Use dairy-free substitution if needed.	Moderate

Conclusion

Navigating a coffee shop with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can be challenging, but Scooter's Coffee provides a number of delicious and inherently gluten-free drink options. By understanding the menu, checking their official allergen chart, and communicating clearly with staff about potential cross-contact, you can significantly reduce your risk. While they are not a dedicated gluten-free facility, their commitment to providing allergy information allows for a more informed and safer dining experience for those who need to avoid gluten. For more detailed information, consult the official Scooter's Coffee website and its specific nutritional guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Scooter's is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. While many ingredients are naturally gluten-free, there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing items during preparation.

The main item to avoid is the Cookie Blender, which Scooter's confirms contains gluten. Additionally, their standard mocha sauce is not gluten-free.

Most of the standard flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, etc.) are labeled as gluten-free. However, you should always check the official allergen chart or ask a barista about specific seasonal flavors.

To minimize cross-contact in blended drinks, request that the barista use a new, clean blender for your order, especially since blenders are shared equipment.

You should use caution with oat milk. Some brands are not certified gluten-free. It is best to ask the staff which brand they are using or choose a different non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk.

When ordering, clearly state that you have a 'gluten allergy' or 'celiac disease.' This communicates the severity of your dietary restriction and prompts staff to take extra precautions.

At present, Scooter's food options are limited for those with strict gluten requirements. While they may offer some items with gluten-free ingredients, they are not guaranteed to be Celiac-safe due to preparation in a shared space.