#i take food allergens super seriously hence the long ass response like i don't fuck around with that

[mace-from-outerspace]

Hey, former Starbucks barista/barista trainer here! Baristas are supposed to be trained to inform customers that they can't guarantee products to be 100% allergen free due to shared utensils and cross contamination. While some stores may be willing to wash and sanitize utensils, it won't be a guarantee across the board (especially depending on how busy the store is and the experience level of the bar barista on shift). All food items are put in the same oven, use the same pair of tongs. All drinks are prepared on the same machines, same pitchers, etc. If you want to double check ingredients in their food/drink items I have a link to the menu here.

If you have an allergy, sensitivity or other dietary restriction, I encourage you to inform the barista. It sucks to have to disclose that, but it gives you and the barista the opportunity to figure out how to best serve you, whether it is sanitizing a blender, purchasing something packaged and allergen free, or if it's not worth the risk at all, you know your body best and most baristas will work with you. I've had several instances in which customers would offhand mention an allergen and when I'd disclose our use of shared utensils, they would be surprised because they'd never been informed at all.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend someone with specific dietary needs get their coffee at Starbucks. There's a lot of inconsistencies I've noticed between stores even in my old district (i.e. the store I worked at took safety very seriously and put in a lot of effort to keep it clean, but in the same district I covered at a store where they never changed their sanitizers once for an 8 hour shift -- it needs to be changed out every 2 hours max) additionally around the time I left there was the start of severe under-staffing going on which in turn effects the outcome of drinks. You also never know who's making your drinks -- one day it might be the barista who's been there for 5 years the other it could be someone still not confident on the bar and prone to mistakes under high pressure. (Not to mention all the ethical issues surrounding the company hence recent boycotts)

I hope this information could be of good use. Last thing I want is someone to get sick because of not being informed, your safety and well being is the most important in this situation.

Text: PSA to anyone with a tree nut allergy who frequents starbucks. We have a new drink called the pistachio cold foam cold brew and our pistachio sauce not only has real pistachio in it, the syrup sticks inside the blender and will 100% not fully wash off with the rinsers we use (its just water). I highly suggest if you want a cold foam drink during Jan-March you request it done in a sanitized blender to lower the chance of having a reaction if you are at risk.