Which Costa Drinks Are Gluten-Free? Your Complete Guide

Did you know that some dairy-free alternatives at Costa Coffee, including their AdeZ oat milk, are not gluten-free and carry cross-contamination risks? Understanding which Costa drinks are gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease requires a careful approach, beyond just checking the main ingredients.

Quick Summary

Many Costa drinks can be made gluten-free, including most coffees and teas, provided precautions are taken against cross-contamination from shared steam wands and specific milk alternatives. Awareness of ingredient changes and seasonal toppings is also crucial for safe ordering.

Key Points

• The Oat Milk is Not Gluten-Free: Costa uses a standard AdeZ oat milk that is not certified gluten-free and is unsafe for celiacs.

• Watch for Cross-Contamination: All hot drinks with milk face a cross-contamination risk due to the shared steam wand used for all milks.

• Standard Syrups are Generally Safe: Most classic Costa flavour syrups are gluten-free, but seasonal and special toppings can contain gluten.

• Safest Options are Black and Cold: To minimize risk, stick to black coffee, plain tea with water, or cold fruit coolers.

• Communicate Your Allergy Clearly: Always inform the barista about your gluten intolerance or celiac disease and ask them to use a clean jug and a wiped steam wand.

• Check Seasonal Additions: Be extra cautious during holiday seasons, as special drinks often come with toppings or flavourings containing gluten.

Navigating the menu of a busy coffee chain can be a challenge for anyone following a gluten-free diet, especially those with coeliac disease. At Costa Coffee, while many base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, hidden risks can lurk in seasonal flavours, toppings, and the way drinks are prepared. This guide provides a detailed breakdown to help you enjoy your next coffee safely.

Understanding the Gluten Risks at Costa

Costa's main source of gluten cross-contamination comes from its milk alternatives and the equipment used to prepare them. For customers with celiac disease, this poses a significant risk. The risk primarily comes from:

The Oat Milk Issue

Unlike many cafes, Costa's standard AdeZ oat milk is not certified as gluten-free and is unsuitable for coeliacs. The AdeZ soya milk and coconut milk also carry a 'may contain gluten' warning, making them high-risk choices. The safer, non-dairy option is the AdeZ almond milk, which is considered gluten-free.

The Shared Steam Wand

All milk types, including the non-gluten-free oat milk, are frothed using the same steam wand. While baristas are trained to clean the wand, wiping it briefly does not eliminate all traces of gluten residue. This poses an unavoidable cross-contamination risk for any hot drink containing frothed milk, regardless of which milk is chosen. Strict coeliacs might find this unacceptable.

Risky Syrups and Toppings

While Costa's standard syrups are generally gluten-free, some special or seasonal varieties may not be, and biscuit or cake crumb toppings are a clear gluten risk. Always check the allergen guide for seasonal promotions, such as gingerbread flavours or festive hot chocolates with questionable toppings.

A Guide to Safe Gluten-Free Costa Drinks

By choosing your drink carefully and communicating with your barista, you can minimize the risk. Here is a list of typically gluten-free base drinks, with specific instructions for safe ordering.

Hot Drinks (Highest Cross-Contamination Risk)

• Americano: A safe choice if ordered without milk, or with cold milk from a separate container. Avoid steamed milk due to the shared wand.
• Espresso: Naturally gluten-free. The coffee itself contains no gluten.
• Black Coffee (Filter): A very safe option as it avoids the milk steaming process entirely.
• Tea (English Breakfast, Herbal): Most teas are gluten-free. Ask for it to be made with water only.
• Hot Chocolate (Classic/White): The powder is generally gluten-free, but only safe if made with water or cold milk, and ordered without toppings.

Cold Drinks (Lower Cross-Contamination Risk)

• Iced Americano/Espresso: Safe if prepared with cold water and served black or with cold, safe milk.
• Fruit Coolers: The Red Summer Berries and Mango & Passionfruit coolers are gluten-free and a refreshing, safe option.
• Frappés: Frappés are blended, not steamed. The blenders should be cleaned between uses, lowering the risk, but ask for no toppings or risky syrups.
• Cold Brew Coffee: Generally a safe choice as it doesn't involve the steamer.

How to Order Safely

• Communicate Clearly: Inform your barista that you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Ask them to use a clean jug and clean the steam wand thoroughly if you are ordering a hot drink with milk.
• Opt for Cold Milk: For coffee with milk, request cold milk to avoid the steamer risk entirely.
• Skip the Toppings: Always request your drink without sprinkles, chocolate flakes, or any other crunchy additions.
• Consult the Guide: Costa's official allergen guide is available online and should be checked for the most current information, especially for seasonal menus.

Gluten-Free vs. Cross-Contamination: A Comparison

This table outlines the difference between a drink's inherent gluten status and the potential risks during preparation at Costa.

Drink Base	Standard Ingredients (GF)	Potential Gluten Risk (Add-ons/Cross-Contamination)
Americano	Coffee, Hot Water	Cross-contamination from steamed milk via shared wand.
Classic Hot Chocolate	Hot Chocolate Powder, Milk/Water	Shared steam wand for milk, chocolate flakes, seasonal toppings.
Latte/Cappuccino	Coffee, Milk	Significant cross-contamination risk from shared steam wand.
Frappé	Blended Ice, Syrup, Milk	Some toppings (biscuits, crumbs) and cross-contamination from non-GF oat milk via blender (ask for cleaning).
Fruit Cooler	Fruit Syrup, Water, Ice	Generally low risk, but still wise to confirm preparation.
Tea (Herbal/Standard)	Tea Bag, Hot Water	Very low risk if made with just water.

Conclusion: Ordering Safely at Costa

For a coeliac or someone with a severe gluten intolerance, ordering a drink at Costa requires diligence. The safest options are black coffee, tea with water, or a fruit cooler, as these avoid the primary cross-contamination threat posed by the shared steam wand and non-gluten-free oat milk. For any drink requiring milk, a clear conversation with the barista about your allergy and requesting cold, safe milk (like cow's or almond) is essential. While Costa provides allergen information, it is ultimately the customer's responsibility to manage the cross-contamination risk by requesting specific preparation steps.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Costa Allergen Guide online or ask a team member in-store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Costa coffee drinks automatically gluten-free?

No, not all Costa drinks are gluten-free, primarily due to the risk of cross-contamination from the shared steam wand and non-certified oat milk.

Is Costa's oat milk gluten-free?

No, Costa's standard AdeZ oat milk is not gluten-free and is not safe for people with celiac disease.

Which milk alternatives are safe for gluten intolerance at Costa?

Cow's milk and the AdeZ almond milk are considered gluten-free options. The AdeZ soya and coconut milks have a 'may contain' warning and are not recommended for celiacs.

Can I get a gluten-free hot chocolate at Costa?

Yes, but you must specify that you want it made with water or a safe cold milk alternative (like almond milk) and request no toppings, to avoid cross-contamination from the steam wand and toppings.

Are Frappés at Costa safe for a gluten-free diet?

Frappés have a lower cross-contamination risk because they are blended and not steamed, but you must ensure they have no gluten-containing toppings. Always ask the barista to use a thoroughly cleaned blender.

What is the main cross-contamination risk at Costa?

The primary risk comes from the shared steam wand used for all hot milk drinks, as it is exposed to non-certified oat milk.

How can I ensure my hot coffee is gluten-free at Costa?

Order a black coffee or Americano without milk. If you require milk, ask for a safe cold milk (cow's or almond) to be added directly, avoiding the steam wand.