What’s Gluten-Free at Costa Coffee in the UK?

In the bustling world of British coffee culture, Costa Coffee has cemented its place as a firm favourite among caffeine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Whether you’re dashing in for a quick espresso on your morning commute, taking a well-deserved afternoon break with a latte, or meeting friends for a leisurely catch-up, there’s a Costa on nearly every high street ready to keep you warm and caffeinated. But if you’re one of the many people who have to (or choose to) avoid gluten, that familiar pit-stop might bring questions:

“Which treats are safe?” “Can I trust the beverages?” “Is cross-contamination an issue?”

Fortunately, Costa has taken steps in recent years to ensure it can serve customers with all sorts of dietary preferences and requirements – including those who must avoid gluten. From sweet indulgences to savoury snacks, and from hot coffees to cool refreshers, there’s more variety than you might suspect.

Still, with any mainstream café chain, it’s essential to do your homework. Below, we’ll look at what’s gluten-free at Costa Coffee in the UK, highlight items that are often considered safe for those with gluten sensitivities, and walk you through a few tips to ensure your next Costa run is carefree and delicious.

Costa Coffee’s Approach to Gluten-Free Offerings

Costa Coffee is a household name with thousands of locations across the UK. With such a wide reach, they naturally serve a diverse customer base – including those with coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or other dietary restrictions. While Costa is not a dedicated gluten-free establishment, it does make an effort to accommodate these needs. The brand periodically updates and expands its range of gluten-free-friendly snacks, plus it includes allergen information for those who want to make informed decisions.

Part of this commitment involves staff training and clear labelling. You’ll typically find that Costa’s menus, both in-store and online, give you a basic indication of which items contain major allergens like gluten, soy, or nuts. Additionally, many Costa branches keep an allergen guide – usually in the form of a booklet or a reference chart – that outlines each product’s allergen content. If you can’t see a guide, don’t hesitate to ask a barista or manager for assistance, as it should be available for public reference.

Allergen Guide Availability

For more detailed information, you can check Costa’s official website, where they offer downloadable PDF guides specifying which menu items contain allergens. It’s updated fairly regularly – though it’s still prudent to ask staff if you have any doubts, as occasional recipe tweaks or supplier changes can occur without much fanfare.

A crucial note is that many of the available gluten-free items are labelled as “No gluten-containing ingredients” rather than explicitly certified gluten-free. This distinction means that while gluten isn’t intentionally used in the product, the possibility of cross-contamination can’t always be ruled out. Coeliacs and those extremely sensitive to traces of gluten may wish to exercise additional caution.

Potential Cross-Contamination Risks

Because Costa sells a variety of pastries and baked goods, it’s impossible to guarantee a pristine, gluten-free environment in the kitchens or behind the counters. Croissants, sandwiches, and other wheat-based items are prepared and handled every day, meaning that crumb transfer or shared surfaces can be an issue. Milk steamers, tongs, trays, and display counters all see multiple uses over the course of an average morning, and busy staff might not have time to follow strict protocols for separate gluten-free zones.

If your sensitivity is severe, you’ll want to consider these risks. However, if your gluten intolerance is less acute or if you’re simply reducing gluten intake, Costa’s allergen labelling and staff awareness can help you choose items more confidently. In all cases, it’s wise to mention to the barista that you’re avoiding gluten, so they can take extra care when preparing your items.

Gluten-Free Food Options at Costa Coffee

Though savoury gluten-free menu items can sometimes be limited, Costa’s sweet and snack selections are often more bountiful than you might guess. Below is an overview of the treats you’ll want to keep an eye out for – but remember, individual store stock and availability can vary, especially with seasonal offerings.

Sweet Treats

1. Belgian Chocolate Brownie

   • Rich, fudgy, and indulgent, Costa’s Belgian Chocolate Brownie is a crowd-pleaser if you’re craving something sweet alongside your coffee. This brownie is frequently marked as having no gluten-containing ingredients, and it’s packaged separately in many stores. That said, do check the label or ask a member of staff – sometimes packaging or recipes can change without notice.

2. Millionaire’s Shortbread

   • Characterised by its crumbly base, gooey caramel centre, and luscious chocolate topping, a Millionaire’s Shortbread might seem off-limits at first glance if you’re avoiding gluten. However, Costa’s version is often made with a gluten-free biscuit layer. That means you can still sink your teeth into one of these decadent squares! Be sure to confirm on the day, though – it’s easy to mix up a standard version with a gluten-free version if your local Costa also stocks other shortbreads.

3. Mince Tart (Seasonal; Also Vegan)

   • During the festive season, Costa often stocks a Mince Tart that doubles as vegan and has no gluten-containing ingredients. Filled with sweet mincemeat and boasting a flaky pastry-like exterior, it’s a taste of Christmassy comfort without the wheat. As with all seasonal products, availability and recipe details can change from year to year, so keep your eyes peeled and ask staff about the allergen specifics.

4. Gluten Free Life / Foodicted.co.uk Range

   • In certain stores, you might encounter pre-packaged goodies branded as part of a “Gluten Free” line or from a collaboration with external brands, like Foodicted.co.uk. These items typically include brownies, bars, or cakes that are sealed to minimise cross-contamination. Check the packaging carefully to verify the claims, and be mindful of any “may contain” disclaimers.

Snacks

For those who prefer something less sweet or more portable, Costa also carries a small range of crisps and popcorn that often fit the gluten-free bill:

1. Lightly Sea Salted Crisps

   • A classic snack for the crisp connoisseur. Usually made from just potatoes, oil, and salt, these crisps are a safe and simple choice if you’re avoiding gluten. Just glance at the label to confirm no cross-contamination warnings are present.

2. Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Crisps

   • Another variety that typically doesn’t contain gluten in the recipe. Perfect if you want a savoury crunch to balance out a latte or cappuccino. Again, always double-check packaging for any changes in ingredients or disclaimers.

3. Sweet & Salty Popcorn

   • The sweet-and-salty popcorn phenomenon is still going strong, and Costa often stocks small bags of it by the till. As popcorn is naturally gluten-free (assuming it hasn’t been dusted with wheat-based flavourings), this can be a tasty, lower-calorie pick for those wanting to nibble without the pastry guilt.

Gluten-Free Beverage Options

It’s not just about the food when you go to Costa. One of the biggest draws is, of course, the coffee and other drinks. Fortunately, most coffee and tea beverages are inherently gluten-free, so the main considerations revolve around milk choices and potential shared equipment.

Hot Drinks

1. Espresso & Americano

   • If you’re a coffee purist, espresso is an easy gluten-free option – it’s just finely ground coffee beans and water. Americanos add a splash more water. Simple, classic, and gluten-free.

2. Latte & Cappuccino

   • These popular milky coffees don’t typically contain gluten. Standard cow’s milk is gluten-free, as are many other dairy variants. Where you might encounter a pitfall is if the barista uses oat milk, which typically contains gluten unless labelled gluten-free (and even then, cross-contamination can be an issue).

3. Teas

   • Costa has a decent range of teas – from English Breakfast to fruit blends. Tea on its own is almost always gluten-free, unless there’s a speciality tea with added barley or other gluten-containing ingredients (very rare, but worth glancing at the box or allergen guide).

Iced Beverages

1. Iced Latte & Iced Americano

   • Just like their hot counterparts, these chilled coffees are generally gluten-free if made with standard milk or a safe milk alternative. Keep an eye out for limited-edition syrups that might include hidden ingredients, although most flavoured syrups are typically safe. Ask staff or check allergen info if you’re not sure.

2. Select Fruit Coolers

   • Costa frequently launches seasonal Fruit Coolers or lemonades, many of which don’t include gluten. However, certain bases or flavour additives might use barley or other cereals in the manufacturing process. Check the allergen details for that specific cooler to verify.

Considerations for Gluten-Free Customers

Milk Alternatives

While cow’s milk and almond milk are both usually gluten-free, you’ll want to be cautious with oat milk. Standard oat milk almost always contains gluten, as oats are commonly contaminated with wheat. Even if the oats are certified gluten-free, cross-contact in a busy café environment might still happen. Additionally, Costa staff often use the same milk steamer jug for different kinds of milk, so if the jug was previously used for oat milk, that’s a potential contamination point.

Most baristas will accommodate you if you ask them to thoroughly rinse or use a clean jug. Still, it’s wise to mention your gluten-free requirement every time you place an order, especially if you see them reaching for the oat milk or if the store is particularly busy.

Cross-Contamination Risks

• Shared Equipment: The steam wands, blender jugs (for Frappés or iced drinks), and even the counters can see contact with pastries or sandwich crumbs. If you’re highly sensitive, you might want to request that staff wipe down surfaces or use fresh utensils.

• Storage & Display: Pastries and pre-packaged items often share display shelves. So, while your Belgian Chocolate Brownie might be wrapped, it could still pick up small bits of gluten if not handled carefully.

• Busy Environments: In rush-hour or peak times, staff might be less able to follow a special protocol. If you visit Costa during off-peak hours, you may get more thorough attention to detail. Regardless, it never hurts to be polite and upfront about your dietary needs.

Communicate with Staff

If you’re coeliac or severely sensitive, let the barista know at the start of your order. Ask them to confirm whether certain items are still gluten-free and mention you’d appreciate extra precautions to avoid contamination. You’ll find that many Costa staff are used to these kinds of requests – it’s not unusual in modern high street coffee culture. The more transparent you are, the easier it is for them to help you.

Concluding Thoughts on What’s Gluten-Free at Costa Coffee in The UK

Costa Coffee may be synonymous with frothy cappuccinos and tempting pastries, but that doesn’t mean gluten-free diners are left without choices. Between indulgent brownies, shortbread squares, and savoury crisps, there’s usually something on offer that fits into a gluten-free diet – though you’ll need to keep an eye on cross-contamination. Costa’s allergen guide is your first port of call; it spells out which items have no gluten-containing ingredients. From there, it’s a matter of checking packaging, chatting with the staff, and being mindful of those shared milk steamers and surfaces.

Of course, menu items and recipes are subject to change. Seasonal additions (like the mince tart) may appear one year and vanish the next, or a beloved gluten-free treat might get replaced by something new. If you’re ever unsure, double-check the allergen information on Costa’s website, consult the in-store allergen booklet, or quiz your barista. A little bit of communication goes a long way towards ensuring that your Costa break is both tasty and safe.

At the end of the day, the UK’s coffee culture is thriving, and Costa has made notable strides in catering to diverse dietary needs. That said, if you have coeliac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, caution is key. By choosing pre-packaged snacks, verifying beverage ingredients, and clarifying the use of milk alternatives, you can indulge in that comforting coffeehouse experience without compromising your well-being. So go ahead and enjoy that creamy latte – just keep your eyes peeled for cross-contamination, and always raise any concerns with the Costa team. With a bit of care, your next Costa visit can be as blissfully satisfying as ever.