If you have a food allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease, checking the Costa allergen menu before ordering is an important step. Costa Coffee offers a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, breakfast items, cakes, pastries and snacks, but different products can contain different allergens.
Costa provides an official Allergen and Nutritional Information (ANI) guide to help customers identify ingredients and allergens in its food and drinks. The guide covers common allergens, including milk, eggs, soya, nuts, peanuts, sesame and cereals containing gluten.
Whether you are looking for dairy-free coffee, gluten-free food, vegan drinks or information about nut allergies, this guide explains how to check Costa’s allergen information and what to consider before placing an order.
Important: Costa cannot guarantee that its handcrafted drinks and unwrapped food are completely free from allergens because shared equipment and preparation areas can create a risk of cross-contamination.
Costa Allergen Menu: What You Need to Know
Costa Coffee provides allergen information for its current food and drink products through its official website, in-store product guides and packaging labels.
The allergen information is particularly useful when choosing from these menu categories:
- Hot drinks: Lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, mochas and hot chocolates.
- Cold drinks: Iced coffees, frappés, iced teas and other chilled beverages.
- Breakfast: Breakfast sandwiches, toasties and other morning options.
- Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, paninis and other savoury food.
- Pastries and sweets: Muffins, cookies, brownies, cakes and pastries.
- Snacks: Packaged crisps, biscuits and other small snacks.
The ingredients and allergen content can differ between products, sizes, recipes and customised drinks. Always check the latest information rather than assuming that similar products have the same ingredients.
You can access the official information here:
Official Costa allergen information: https://www.costa.co.uk/sustainability/nutrition/allergens
Official Costa menu: https://www.costa.co.uk/menu
What Are the 14 Major Allergens at Costa Coffee?
UK food businesses are required to provide information about 14 regulated allergens. Costa’s allergen information covers these categories to help customers identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
| Allergen | Where You May Encounter It |
|---|---|
| Cereals containing gluten | Bread, pastries, cakes and oat-based ingredients |
| Milk | Lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate and dairy-based food |
| Eggs | Cakes, muffins, pastries and some sandwiches |
| Peanuts | Certain ingredients and manufactured products |
| Tree nuts | Nut-based cakes, toppings and ingredients |
| Soya | Milk alternatives, sauces and other ingredients |
| Sesame | Bread, seeds and selected savoury products |
| Mustard | Sauces, dressings and savoury fillings |
| Celery | Certain savoury ingredients and prepared foods |
| Fish | Selected savoury products |
| Crustaceans | Certain seafood ingredients |
| Molluscs | Certain seafood ingredients |
| Lupin | Some flour-based products |
| Sulphur dioxide and sulphites | Certain ingredients and preserved products |
Not every allergen is present in every product. The purpose of the allergen guide is to show which allergens are ingredients and which may be associated with cross-contamination during manufacturing.
How to Read the Costa Allergen Chart
Costa’s Allergen and Nutritional Information guide uses specific labels to explain the allergen status of individual products.
Understanding these labels makes it easier to read the allergen chart.
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| YES | The allergen is present in the product. |
| N | The allergen is not an ingredient of the product. |
| C | The allergen is not an ingredient, but there is a cross-contamination risk during manufacturing or through the supply chain. |
For example, if a product has YES under the milk column, milk is an ingredient. If it has C under the nut column, nuts are not listed as an ingredient, but there is a potential cross-contamination risk.
Important: An N entry does not guarantee that a product is completely free from allergen contact during in-store preparation. Costa uses shared equipment, and additional cross-contamination risks may exist.
Always read the explanatory notes at the beginning of the latest allergen guide.
Costa Dairy-Free Menu: Can You Get Dairy-Free Drinks?
Costa offers dairy alternatives for customers who prefer plant-based drinks or want to avoid traditional dairy milk.
However, choosing a dairy alternative does not automatically make every drink dairy-free.
Some drinks contain milk-based ingredients in their sauces, toppings, powders or other components. These ingredients may remain in the recipe even when the standard milk is replaced.
Costa specifically warns that certain handcrafted drinks cannot be made dairy-free, even with a dairy alternative.
If you have a milk allergy:
- Tell the barista about your milk allergy before ordering.
- Check the full ingredient and allergen information for your chosen drink.
- Ask whether any sauces, powders or toppings contain milk.
- Discuss the preparation process with the barista.
- Check the identification sticker on your finished drink.
Costa uses separate, colour-coded jugs for dairy and dairy alternatives. Plant-based handcrafted drinks should also receive an identification sticker on the takeaway lid or dine-in napkin.
However, Costa uses the same steam arm for dairy and alternative milks. Although staff clean and purge the steam arm when switching between milk types, this may not remove every trace of potential allergens.
For severe milk allergies, steamed milk drinks may therefore be unsuitable.
Costa Oat Milk Allergen Information
Oat milk is a popular alternative for customers who want a plant-based coffee. However, it is important to understand its gluten-related risks.
According to Costa’s official allergen guidance, its oat milk may contain gluten. This means it is not suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
There is also a potential cross-contamination risk when baristas prepare steamed drinks using shared equipment.
If you avoid gluten, do not assume that an oat milk latte or cappuccino is suitable for you simply because it contains plant-based milk.
Check the current allergen guide and discuss your requirements with the barista before ordering.
Does Costa Coconut Milk Contain Soya?
Yes. Costa’s official allergen guidance states that its coconut dairy alternative contains soya.
This is particularly important for customers who have a soya allergy.
Although coconut-based drinks may sound like an alternative to traditional milk, the presence of soya means they are not automatically suitable for everyone.
Always check the current ingredient information before ordering a drink made with coconut dairy alternative.
Is Costa Coffee Gluten-Free?
Costa offers some products that may be suitable for customers avoiding gluten, but not every drink or food item is gluten-free.
Gluten can be present in cereals such as wheat, rye, barley and some oat-based ingredients.
Customers with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance should pay particular attention to:
- Sandwiches and wraps.
- Breakfast products.
- Cakes and pastries.
- Biscuits and packaged snacks.
- Oat-based drinks and ingredients.
- Products prepared using shared equipment.
Costa advises customers to consult its current ANI guide or packaging labels for detailed information about cereals and gluten.
Some pre-packed products may be gluten-free, but suitability must be confirmed using the latest product information.
Remember: Gluten-free ingredients do not necessarily mean a product is protected from cross-contamination during preparation.
Costa Vegan Menu and Allergens
Costa has a selection of vegan food and drink options, but vegan products are not automatically suitable for people with food allergies.
Vegan means that a product does not contain animal-derived ingredients according to its dietary classification. It does not mean that the product is free from milk, soya, nuts, gluten or other allergens in every relevant preparation or manufacturing context.
For example:
- A vegan product may contain soya.
- A plant-based drink may contain an allergen in its flavouring or sauce.
- A vegan cake may contain nuts.
- A product may have a cross-contamination warning.
If you follow a vegan diet and also have a food allergy, check both the dietary suitability and allergen information before purchasing.
Are Costa Coffee Syrups Allergen-Free?
Costa states that none of its syrups contain any of the 14 major food allergens. This includes its hazelnut and butter pecan cookie syrups, which Costa says do not contain nuts.
However, this does not mean that every drink containing those syrups is automatically allergen-free.
Other ingredients in the drink, such as milk, sauces, toppings or powders, may contain allergens.
Costa also explains that some of its sauces contain allergens, including milk and soya.
Therefore, customers should check the complete drink recipe rather than relying on the syrup ingredients alone.
Costa Allergen Information for Food
Costa’s food menu includes breakfast options, sandwiches, savoury products, cakes, pastries and snacks. Different food categories can contain different allergens.
Here is what to consider when checking each category.
1. Costa Breakfast Allergens
Breakfast products can contain several common allergens, depending on their ingredients.
Bread, breakfast fillings, sauces and other components may contain:
- Gluten.
- Milk.
- Eggs.
- Soya.
- Mustard.
Check the allergen information for the complete breakfast product rather than looking at individual ingredients alone.
2. Costa Sandwiches and Lunch Allergens
Sandwiches, paninis and wraps may contain allergens in their bread, fillings, dressings and sauces.
Pay particular attention to gluten, milk, eggs, mustard and sesame.
For pre-packed food, check the packaging label before eating. Costa advises customers to use the product’s own packaging information because recipes can change.
3. Costa Cakes and Pastries Allergens
Cakes, brownies, muffins, cookies and pastries may contain multiple allergens.
Common ingredients to look out for include:
- Wheat flour.
- Milk and butter.
- Eggs.
- Almonds and other tree nuts.
- Soya.
- Oats.
Some products may also carry manufacturing cross-contamination warnings.
Do not assume that a cake is safe simply because its name does not mention nuts, milk or gluten.
4. Costa Snacks Allergens
Packaged snacks have allergen details on their packaging labels.
Always check the label on the actual product you intend to purchase. This is especially important when products are reformulated or replaced with newer varieties.
How to Check the Costa Allergen Menu Online
You can use Costa’s official website to check the allergen information for food and drinks before visiting a store.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Costa menu.
- Browse the drinks or food category.
- Select the product you want to check.
- Open its nutritional and allergen information.
- Review the listed allergens and dietary information.
- Use the available allergen-filtering function to narrow down your choices.
- Check the information again before ordering because recipes and ingredients can change.
You can also access the information through QR codes displayed at Costa stores or ask a barista to show you the printed Allergen and Nutritional Information guide.
For packaged food and drinks, always check the product’s packaging label.
How to Order Safely at Costa If You Have a Food Allergy
Costa has an in-store allergen ordering process designed to help customers communicate their allergies and understand how their orders will be prepared.
The process involves five steps:
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tell the barista about your allergy or intolerance. |
| 2 | The barista refers to the printed allergen and nutrition guide. |
| 3 | The barista explains the preparation process. |
| 4 | You decide whether you are comfortable proceeding with the order. |
| 5 | The barista prepares and serves your drink or food. |
Always communicate your allergy clearly, even if you have ordered the same product before.
If the preparation process does not provide enough confidence for your level of allergy, you can choose not to proceed with the order.
Does Costa Guarantee Allergen-Free Food and Drinks?
No. Costa does not guarantee that its food and drinks are completely free from allergens.
Its stores use shared equipment and preparation areas, which can create a risk of cross-contamination.
This is particularly important for:
- Customers with severe nut allergies.
- People with milk allergies.
- Customers with coeliac disease.
- People with severe gluten intolerance.
- Customers with multiple food allergies.
Even when an allergen is not listed as an ingredient, there may be a risk of contact during manufacturing, storage or in-store preparation.
If you have a severe allergy, consult the latest allergen information and discuss the preparation process with Costa staff. You should make the final decision based on your individual allergy requirements.
Costa Allergen Information for Delivery Orders
Ordering Costa through a delivery service does not remove the risk of allergen exposure.
Costa explains that it cannot guarantee that food will not come into contact with other allergens during delivery. Couriers may carry other Costa orders or products from different businesses at the same time.
If you have a food allergy, check the ingredients before ordering and consider whether the delivery process is suitable for your needs.
For severe allergies, contact Costa directly if you need additional information about a particular product or preparation method.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find the Costa allergen menu?
You can find Costa’s official allergen information on its website under Nutrition and Allergens. You can also check the online menu, scan in-store QR codes or ask a barista to show you the printed Allergen and Nutritional Information guide.
2. Does Costa have an allergen chart?
Yes. Costa provides an allergen chart through its ANI guide. It identifies the allergens present in individual products and highlights potential cross-contamination risks.
3. Does Costa offer dairy-free drinks?
Yes. Costa offers dairy alternatives for handcrafted drinks. However, some drinks contain other milk-based ingredients, so they cannot be made dairy-free simply by changing the milk.
4. Is Costa oat milk gluten-free?
No. Costa states that its oat milk may contain gluten. It is therefore not suitable for customers with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
5. Does Costa coconut milk contain soya?
Yes. Costa confirms that its coconut dairy alternative contains soya. Customers with a soya allergy should avoid assuming that this alternative is suitable.
6. Are Costa coffee syrups nut-free?
Costa states that none of its syrups contain the 14 major allergens, including nuts. Its hazelnut and butter pecan cookie syrups do not contain nuts. However, other drink ingredients may contain allergens, so check the complete recipe.
7. Are Costa vegan products suitable for people with allergies?
Not necessarily. Vegan products can still contain allergens such as soya, nuts or gluten. Always check the allergen information separately from the vegan label.
8. Does Costa use separate milk jugs?
Yes. Costa uses separate, colour-coded jugs for dairy and dairy alternatives. Handcrafted drinks made with plant-based milk should also receive an identification sticker.
9. Does Costa use the same steam arm for dairy and plant-based milk?
Yes. Costa uses the same steam arm but cleans and purges it when switching between dairy and dairy alternatives. However, this may not completely remove potential allergen particles.
10. Can Costa guarantee that its food is allergen-free?
No. Shared equipment, preparation areas and manufacturing processes can create cross-contamination risks. Costa does not guarantee that its products are completely allergen-free.
11. How do I tell Costa staff about my allergy?
Tell your barista about your allergy before placing your order. They can refer to the printed allergen guide and explain the steps they will follow when preparing your drink or food.
12. Does Costa provide allergen information for packaged food?
Yes. Pre-packed food and drinks have allergen information on their packaging labels. Always check the label on the actual product because recipes and ingredients may change.
13. Can I check Costa allergens before visiting a store?
Yes. You can use Costa’s official online menu and allergen information pages to check products before visiting.
14. What should I do if I have an allergy not listed in the 14 major allergens?
Contact Costa Customer Services for product-specific ingredient information. The company can help with questions about ingredients beyond the 14 major allergens.
Final Thoughts on the Costa Allergen Menu
The Costa allergen menu is an important resource for anyone who needs to check food and drink ingredients before ordering. Its official ANI guide provides detailed information about the 14 major allergens, dietary choices and potential manufacturing cross-contamination.
Whether you are choosing a latte with alternative milk, ordering a sandwich or selecting a cake, always check the latest product information.
Remember that vegan, dairy-alternative and apparently gluten-free options are not automatically suitable for people with allergies. Tell the barista about your allergy before ordering and discuss the preparation process, particularly if your allergy is severe.
Useful official resources: