Frequently Asked Questions
What are the kosher standards of KosherStarbucks.com?
KosherStarbucks.com relies only on the most widely accepted kosher certifying agencies, such as the OU, Star-K, OK, etc. and those that they recommend. We generally present kashrus issues to kashrus professionals and halachic authorities from the above mentioned agencies.
How do we determine when a drink is kosher?
We ascertain that the contents and machines used in all of the recommended beverages are kosher. We also visit various stores on a daily basis and are in touch with various store employees to ensure that we always have the most updated information on any store procedures that can have an effect on the kosher status of a product.
What about the non-kosher coffee flavors, how do they affect the kosher status of store products?
Starbucks does not make any flavored coffee beans. All flavors offered in the store are syrups that are added to the coffee after it is brewed.
Can the non-kosher espresso beverages make the espresso equipment non-kosher?
The only products heated on the machine are espresso, milk, half & half, heavy cream, and soy milk. At this time heavy crème and half & half are the only questionable ingredients. In all regions that we have researched the heavy crème and half & half were kosher. These regions include the NY-NJ Metropolitan area, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Atlanta. In any other area it is advisable to confirm that they are kosher. Please note that as long as these two products do not contain dyglicerides, they are kosher even without a kosher symbol.
What about when the equipment is cleaned?
There are many reasons why this doesn’t cause a kashrus concern, here are a few:
- There are very few utensils used with non-kosher products.
- All equipment is wiped with sanitizing solution constantly.
- Soap is pre-mixed with the water when cleaning.
- All the equipment is sanitized after being cleaned.
Can the rag used to wipe the equipment be a kashrus concern?
No, the rags are always saturated with sanitizing solution which deems any leftover food non-edible. Additionally, rags are designated for specific areas of the store.
Why is the pre-packaged coffee frappuccino recommended, but the store made one not recommended?
The pre-packaged frappuccino is made by the Pepsi Company and under kosher supervision. The coffee blended frappuccino made in the store uses an ingredient that is not kosher certified.
Can I assume that the topping on a recommended drink is recommended as well?
No, some of the recommended drinks come with non-kosher toppings. Make sure to check the topping list.