Does Matcha at Starbucks Have Gluten? Understanding the Risks

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Starbucks' official allergy disclaimers, the company cannot guarantee that any unpackaged products, including drinks, are allergen-free due to shared equipment and workspaces. For this reason, while the matcha powder itself is free of gluten-containing ingredients, the answer to 'does matcha at Starbucks have gluten?' is more complex and requires careful consideration of cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

The matcha powder used by Starbucks does not contain gluten ingredients, but the risk of cross-contact from shared shakers, blenders, and nearby ingredients is high. Due to a non-certified gluten-free environment, celiacs must take precautions when ordering to minimize risks.

Key Points

Inherent Safety: The matcha powder used by Starbucks is inherently gluten-free by ingredients, not containing any wheat, barley, or rye.
Cross-Contamination: The primary risk is cross-contamination from shared equipment like blenders, shakers, and steam wands used for drinks containing gluten.
Shared Storage: Gluten-containing toppings like java chips and cookie crumbles are often stored near matcha powder, increasing cross-contact potential.
Mitigation Steps: For safe ordering, ask the barista to use a clean shaker or prepare your drink directly in the cup.
Celiac Caution: Individuals with celiac disease should be extremely cautious, as Starbucks cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment for its non-packaged items.
Best Alternatives: The safest options include bottled Starbucks drinks, sealed gluten-free snacks, or making matcha at home with pure, certified ingredients.

The Core Ingredient: Is Starbucks Matcha Powder Gluten-Free?

On its own, pure matcha powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves and is naturally gluten-free. The matcha powder supplied to Starbucks is believed to be gluten-free by ingredients. For individuals with a mild sensitivity or those simply choosing to avoid gluten, this means the primary component of their drink is safe. However, this fact only addresses part of the issue. The real concern for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance lies in what happens to that powder in a fast-paced retail environment.

The High Risk of Cross-Contamination

Starbucks stores are not certified gluten-free, and cross-contamination is a significant and documented risk. The preparation process involves shared equipment that is used to create many different drinks, some of which contain gluten ingredients. A cursory rinse between uses is often insufficient to eliminate all traces of allergens for someone with celiac disease.

Shared Equipment and Processes

Blenders: Frappuccinos containing gluten, like the Java Chip or Mocha Cookie Crumble, are made in the same blenders used for matcha-based beverages. Unless a barista is explicitly asked to use and properly sanitize a clean blender, cross-contact can occur.
Shakers: Iced matcha lattes and other shaken beverages use the same shakers. The chocolate almond milk shaken espresso, for example, contains malt powder, a known gluten ingredient. Baristas may quickly rinse, but not thoroughly wash, the shakers between orders.
Steam Wands: While less of a direct risk for matcha drinks made with cold milk, hot matcha lattes use steam wands. Since these wands are used for all types of milk and beverages, there is a risk of transfer from gluten-containing drinks.

Problematic Ingredient Storage

In some locations, baristas and former employees have reported that gluten-containing ingredients are stored in close proximity to the matcha powder.

Java Chips and Cookie Crumbles: These gluten-filled items are sometimes stored right next to open containers of matcha powder, increasing the risk of airborne or utensil-based cross-contact.
Malt Powder: Some drinks contain malt powder, and the tools or scoops could transfer residue to other ingredients.

Customizing Your Order for Safety

For those with celiac disease, simple ingredient substitutions are not enough. It is critical to communicate your needs clearly and understand what is realistically possible.

To mitigate the risks, consider these steps:

State your dietary needs: Inform your barista that you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. This alerts them to take extra care during preparation.
Request a clean shaker or blender: Ask the barista to use a freshly cleaned and sanitized shaker and/or blender for your drink. This is a key step, especially for iced or blended versions of matcha drinks.
Order in the cup: Request that your iced matcha latte is prepared directly in the cup with a new scoop and stirred with a fresh spoon rather than being shaken.
Avoid toppings: Steer clear of any toppings, like cookie crumbles or java chips, and double-check for seasonal glitters or sprinkles which might contain gluten.
Choose your milk carefully: While Starbucks uses certified gluten-free oat milk (Oatly) in many locations, this is not guaranteed everywhere and can be subject to change. It's always best to ask your barista which brand they are using or to opt for dairy or soy milk, which are generally considered safer options.

Comparison: Starbucks Matcha vs. Pure At-Home Matcha


Feature	Starbucks Matcha Drink	At-Home Pure Matcha Drink
Gluten-Containing Ingredients	Matcha powder is gluten-free, but potential gluten-filled additions exist.	No gluten-containing ingredients if using pure matcha powder.
Cross-Contamination Risk	High, due to shared equipment and ingredient storage.	Virtually zero, with proper handling of your own ingredients and tools.
Customization Control	Dependent on the barista's attention and cooperation.	Total control over ingredients, preparation, and milk choice.
Ingredient Purity	Matcha powder often contains added sweeteners to increase shelf life.	Varies by brand, but pure, ceremonial-grade matcha is readily available.
Cost	Higher price per serving due to retail overhead.	Lower cost per serving when purchasing bulk powder.

Conclusion: Navigating Starbucks Matcha with Celiac Disease

In summary, while the matcha powder itself is free of gluten-containing ingredients, ordering a matcha drink at Starbucks is not without risks for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity due to the high potential for cross-contamination. The shared use of blenders, shakers, and proximity of gluten-containing ingredients make it an environment where allergen control cannot be guaranteed. For the most vulnerable individuals, the safest options are bottled drinks, packaged gluten-free snacks, or preparing matcha at home. If you choose to order, being specific, patient, and polite with your barista about requesting clean equipment is paramount to minimizing risk. For more information on managing a gluten-free diet, resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation offer valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the matcha powder itself is considered gluten-free, as it's made from finely ground green tea leaves without gluten-containing ingredients. The risk comes from cross-contamination in the preparation process at the store.

The biggest risk is cross-contact from shared equipment, particularly the blenders used for Frappuccinos with gluten ingredients and the shakers used for other beverages containing malt powder.

To order safely, inform your barista you have a gluten allergy and ask them to use a freshly sanitized shaker or, even better, to prepare the drink directly in the cup with a clean utensil.

Most milks, including dairy, almond, coconut, and soy, are gluten-free. However, it is important to confirm the brand of oat milk used, as it varies by location. Some Starbucks stores use certified gluten-free oat milk (like Oatly), but this is not universal.

Yes, if you have celiac disease, you should avoid blended matcha drinks or request a freshly sanitized blender. The risk of cross-contamination in shared blenders is very high.

No, Starbucks is not a certified gluten-free environment. They do not guarantee any unpackaged food or drinks are allergen-free due to shared equipment and workspaces.

The safest options are bottled drinks, like bottled Frappuccinos or juices, and simple brewed items like hot black coffee or tea, as they avoid shared equipment.