The Core Ingredients: A Mixed Bag
At its heart, a standard Costa cappuccino is made from espresso and frothy milk, with a dusting of chocolate. While plain coffee beans and standard dairy milk do not contain gluten, a cappuccino's safety depends on multiple factors beyond the core ingredients.
The Espresso and Dairy Milk: A Naturally Safe Foundation
The coffee used in Costa's signature espresso blend is inherently gluten-free. Similarly, the standard semi-skimmed dairy milk contains no gluten. For those who can tolerate dairy and are simply avoiding gluten, a simple espresso with standard milk would theoretically be safe, provided there are no external contaminants.
The Risky Additions: Alternative Milks and Toppings
The danger increases significantly when customizing an order. Costa offers various dairy-free milk alternatives, such as AdeZ oat, coconut, and soy milks. In 2022, Costa switched to AdeZ oat milk, which is explicitly not gluten-free. The AdeZ coconut and soy milks carry a "may contain" gluten warning, making them unsafe for people with celiac disease. Toppings like chocolate dustings or sprinkles can also contain hidden gluten ingredients or be prone to cross-contamination.
The Primary Risk: Cross-Contamination in the Cafe
The single greatest threat to a celiac's health when ordering a Costa cappuccino is the preparation environment. Costa's official allergen guide explicitly states, "We cannot guarantee that our food or drinks are allergen free. Due to the use of shared equipment... there is a risk of cross contamination". This is not a theoretical risk but a very real and documented danger.
The Steam Wand Danger
Baristas use the same steam wand to froth all milk types, including both gluten-free and gluten-containing options like AdeZ oat milk. Even with wiping, protein residues from gluten can remain on the wand, contaminating the next drink that is steamed. Testing by external bodies has shown that wiping alone is often insufficient to remove all allergens from steam wands.
Shared Surfaces and Utensils
The risk extends beyond the steam wand. Baristas handle various ingredients and food items throughout the day, including sandwiches, cakes, and other baked goods that contain gluten. The potential for gluten traces to be transferred to hands, surfaces, jugs, and serving utensils is high. A coffee prepared using a contaminated jug or stirrer poses a serious risk, even if the base ingredients are safe.
How to Order a Safer Cappuccino at Costa
Given the documented risks, a celiac cannot safely order a standard cappuccino at Costa. The following strategy, though not 100% foolproof, offers the highest level of safety.
The Safest Approach: An Americano with Sealed Milk
The safest option for a coeliac is to order an Americano with a carton of suitable milk on the side. This avoids any contact with the steam wand and minimises a barista's interaction with the final drink. The customer can then pour the milk from the carton themselves.
Communication and Precautions
If you must have a milky coffee, clearly communicate your allergy. Some stores might have stricter cleaning protocols, though this cannot be guaranteed. Ask if they can use a separate, clean jug and ensure the steam wand is thoroughly cleaned, but remember this may still be insufficient. You may need to ask for milk from a fresh, unopened carton.
Your Gluten-Free Coffee Order Comparison
| Feature | Standard Costa Cappuccino | Safest Celiac-Friendly Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Base Coffee | Standard espresso | Standard espresso |
| Milk Source | Shared jug, steamed with shared wand | Americano base with milk from a sealed carton |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | High, from steam wand, shared equipment | Low, as long as a clean cup is used |
| Toppings | Chocolate dusting, can be contaminated | None, avoids additional risk |
| Preparation | In-store by barista | Self-poured milk at the table |
Steps to Ensure a Safe Order at Costa
Here are the recommended steps for coeliacs to minimise risk when ordering at Costa:
- State your dietary needs clearly: Inform the barista you have a serious gluten allergy (celiac disease), not just a preference.
- Choose the safest drink: Opt for a plain Americano.
- Request milk on the side: Ask for a milk carton (e.g., standard dairy, AdeZ almond, but not AdeZ oat, soy, or coconut milk) to be provided separately.
- Request a fresh cup and stirrer: Ask for a clean, fresh cup and a stirrer directly from its packaging to avoid contact with shared utensils.
- Avoid toppings: Decline any toppings like sprinkles or chocolate dust.
- Check the packaging: Always check the ingredient list on any pre-packaged items for allergens.
Conclusion
While the pure coffee beans at Costa are naturally gluten-free, a standard cappuccino cannot be considered a safe option for someone with celiac disease due to significant and unavoidable cross-contamination risks. The use of shared steam wands and the presence of gluten-containing products in-store make it impossible for Costa to guarantee an allergen-free drink. By understanding the specific risks and taking careful steps, coeliacs can still enjoy a safe coffee by opting for a plain Americano with separately provided, sealed gluten-free milk. For more information on new gluten-free offerings at Costa, you can check official updates from organisations like Coeliac UK.
Note: The information regarding Costa's milk supplier and allergen warnings was updated in January 2022. Always check the most recent allergen guides directly with Costa or their official website, as ingredients and suppliers can change.
