Kosher options at Starbucks for passover

When passover comes around, there is a different kosher standard for those who observe the holiday to follow and the Chicago Rabbinical Council recently issued a statement warning that consumers should be careful about what they order to drink at their local Starbucks. This seems like it wouldn’t be that difficult to do, but you might be surprised at how many people don’t really know what is used to make their coffee drinks, whether it is syrups, flavored powders, creamers or even milk. It is worth being extra vigilant if you are being strict about something like the Passover guidelines, or have a strict diet to follow in the first place.

The Rabbinical Council offers these guidelines to consumers, and while they seem particularly concerned with Starbucks, these guidelines might even be more helpful at other coffee shops that aren’t as standardized as Starbucks stores:

• Espresso: Ask that it be prepared in a disposable cup rather than a reusable shot glass.
• Flavored syrups: Check specific flavor for kosher certification (many are).
• Frappuccino: Not recommended.
• Hot chocolate: Not recommended.
• Iced coffee: Not recommended.
• Iced latte: Request preparation in a disposable cup.
• Iced tea: Not recommended.
• Latte/cappuccino: Not recommended.
• Lemonade: Not recommended.
• Cold milk: Recommended.
• Steamed milk: Not recommended
• Smoothie: Not recommended
• Soy milk: Recommended
• Hot tea: Check specific flavor for kosher certification.