Is Starbucks chocolate malt powder gluten-free?

If you love chocolate, then you have probably had a Starbucks drink made with chocolate malt powder. However, is it safe for those with celiac disease? Is Starbucks chocolate malt powder gluten-free? Let’s find out.

No, the Starbucks chocolate malt powder is not gluten-free, as its ingredients are not entirely free from gluten. The natural malt flavor in this powder is obtained from barley, a rich protein gluten source.

I discovered that chocolate malt powder is not gluten-free a few years ago when my doctor noticed I am gluten-intolerant. Before then, I had eliminated most foods and drinks with gluten from my diet because of my fitness obsession nature. However, I did not know something insignificant as the chocolate malt powder affected my health. After an intensive cross-check of everything I consume, we agreed that I had to drop the chocolate malt powder as it has gluten. Keep reading to know if this powder has any other allergens.

Table of Contents

What makes Starbucks chocolate malt powder gluten-free?

Starbucks chocolate malt powder is not gluten-free as its ingredients are not entirely free from gluten. This powder is made of cocoa powder processed with alkali, sunflower oil, cane sugar, natural flavors, and natural malt flavor. The natural malt flavor contaminates this powder and eliminates it from the gluten-free list, as it is extracted from barley.

Can you have Starbucks chocolate malt powder while following a gluten-free diet?

Is Starbucks chocolate malt powder gluten-free? — Gluten free diet. Image source: Pixabay

You should not have chocolate malt powder if you follow a gluten-free diet. As mentioned above, this powder is made with the natural malt flavor obtained from barley. Barley is rich in protein gluten; hence it will disrupt your gluten-free diet. Additionally, you should inspect any drink you order at Starbucks to ensure it does not have chocolate malt powder to maintain the purity of your diet.

Can you have Starbucks chocolate malt powder when you have celiac disease?

No, you should not have Starbucks chocolate malt powder when suffering from celiac disease. The natural malt flavor is extracted from barley, which is a rich source of the protein gluten. Anyone intolerant to gluten should not consume foods with barley, rye, or wheat, as the gluten in these foods triggers an autoimmune response, causing more harm to their condition.

Final thoughts

Anyone on a gluten-free diet or suffering from celiac disease should avoid chocolate malt powder or drinks made with it, as this powder is not entirely free from gluten. Mostly if your allergy to gluten gets severe, even the smallest amount of gluten can cause much harm to you. So, better safe than sorry.

FAQ Section

Does Starbucks chocolate malt powder contain other allergens?

Besides gluten, the Starbucks chocolate malt powder contains no other allergens.

Are all ingredients in Starbucks chocolate malt powder gluten-free?

No, not all ingredients in the Starbucks chocolate malt powder are gluten-free. This powder is made with a natural malt flavor extracted from barley. Barley, rye, and wheat have high gluten content.

Can you make a gluten-free drink with Starbucks chocolate malt powder?

No, you cannot make a gluten-free drink with the Starbucks chocolate malt powder as this powder is processed with a gluten-rich ingredient. The natural malt flavor added to this drink is extracted from barley which has high gluten content.