While temperatures are rising into the triple digits up and down the West Coast, much of the country if enjoying some early fall weather. And, you know what that means: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte season is almost here. Gluten-intolerant people may be wondering: Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte gluten-free? Just because you can't have gluten doesn't mean you aren't craving this epic pumpkin spice drink that has become synonymous with changing leaves, fun fall fashion, and the start of the holiday season.
Unfortunately, if you have celiac disease you might have to skip the Pumpkin Spice Latte. "We cannot guarantee that any of our products are free from allergens (including dairy, eggs, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and others) as we use shared equipment to store, prepare and serve them," Starbucks noted on its website. While Starbucks has reported previously they there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the Pumpkin Spice Latte, that doesn't mean cross contamination can't happen because the same equipment is made to create other drinks that might contain gluten.
If you don't have celiac disease, and are just sensitive to gluten, you can use Nima to test your food and drinks for the presence of gluten. Though, because Starbucks does not claim any of their drinks to be gluten free, if your Pumpkin Spice Latte does test positive for gluten, you'll have to make the decision to take your chances, or gift it to someone who doesn't have a gluten intolerance. And, while it's sad to give away your pumpkin drink, you'll likely make someone else's day. What you decide really depends on how bad your Pumpkin Spice Latte FOMO is, and what you're willing to endure to have one.
"Starbucks doesn't provide ingredient lists for its various syrups and other mixes used to create beverages such as the holiday Pumpkin Spice Latte and Caramel Hot Chocolate, in part because ingredients can vary from store to store and at different times," Jane Anderson reported for Very Well.
If simply have to have something pumpkin spice related, ZÜPA NOMA superfood soup is a great alternative. ZÜPA NOMA is releasing a Pumpkin Cinnamon Sage ZÜPA NOMA cold soup in a bottle Sept. 11, which is indeed gluten free, according to an email to Bustle.
I tried it, and it's pretty fantastic. Pumpkin Cinnamon Sage ZÜPA NOMA contains organic vegetables, fruits and spices including pumpkin, butternut squash, apple, yams, apple cider vinegar, nutmeg, rosemary, turmeric, and much more. While it won't give you the caffeine boost that the Pumpkin Spice Latte will, it can give you your pumpkin-spice fix.
If you have celiac disease, and you get "glutened" Very Well described it as a days-long, full-body flu, though symptoms can vary for each gluten-sensitive person.
"Beyond diarrhea, constipation, and reflux, it's normal to experience brain fog when you've been glutened, and many people report recurrent bouts of gluten-caused depression that seem to clear up as soon as other symptoms clear up," Anderson reported. "Gluten-induced fatigue is another problem that's frequently mentioned."
This sounds pretty unpleasant. So, if you are a celiac sufferer, of you're seriously gluten intolerant, and you don't want to experience the above symptoms for your beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's probably best to choose a gluten-free alternative — like making your own — to get your fall pumpkin-spice fix.
Additionally, Mashable reported that Starbucks is releasing Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee featuring notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg so you can make it at home, and you can make sure it's gluten free.
