K A S H R U T . C O M_©

KOSHER COFFEE & TEA

Information on the Kosher Status of Starbucks

• cRc information on Starbucks

• cRc Video: America Runs on Dunkin, But is it Kosher?
• cRc Guide to Coffe on the Road

Nespresso Kosher certificates

March 12, 2024

Nespresso Kosher certificates:

• Products year-round and Passover
• Products year-round not Passover

Kashrut Alert - Teavana Teas

November 17, 2020 from Starbucks in response to a reader's question:

Teavana Teas are not certified as kosher.

Starbucks Ends Expanded Star-K Kosher Information Program

July 10, 2018 from the Star-K:

Please be advised that starbucks corporation has decided to end the expanded star-k kosher information program.
Consumers are advised that effective immediately the star-k can no longer vouch for the kashrus of items previously listed that do not bear a reliable kosher symbol this includes frappuccinos and all flavored drinks.
Unflavored coffee recommendation remain the same as before.
In addition, the kosher-friendly store program is no longer under Star-K auspices.
The Star-K webpage has been updated to reflect these changes.
Consumers who would like to see this program reinstated should contact starbucks directly.
Customers must confirm kashrus of additives to coffee by themselves by checking for reliable kosher symbols.

Star-K Starbucks recommendations chart.

The Chicago Rabbinical Council Guide to Starbucks Beverages dated January 1, 2017

The following kashrus information is from the cRc on June 30, 2015.

After extensive research, a newly updated Starbucks list has been compiled by the cRc. The following are some of the changes from the previous list:

1. The cRc now can recommend getting a latte in any location as long as one orders a "kiddie latte" - which means to order it prepared at 115 degree Fahrenheit.
2. For those that do not use regular milk, in addition to soy milk, there is also coconut milk available under the OU.
3. Cold brew coffee (a new item) presents a kashrus issue due to kovush.
4. Teavana teas are mostly not yet kosher certified but they are slowly working towards becoming certified. Of course plain, unflavored tea does not need a hechsher.
5. Clover coffee can be ordered if one asks the Barista to use wooden sticks instead of the metal whisk.

Chicago Rabbinical Council Guide to Starbucks Beverages

Chicago Rabbinical Council list of the kosher status of products at Starbucks at www.crcweb.org/Starbucks_List%202011-04-08.pdf (posted 5/24/13).

The following kashrus information is from the Atlanta Kashruth Commission posted on November 1, 2012.

Keurig Coffee Machines (Information based on an OU article by Rabbi Eli Gersten).

There are K-Cup coffee packs that are made to use with Keurig machines. Some are kosher, some are kosher-dairy, and some are not kosher. If one wishes to use a machine that was used with a nonkosher K-Cup, the procedure for kashering is the following:
One should wipe out the cup holder all around (inside and underneath) with damp paper towels and then run hot water through the machine so that it touches all surfaces. It has been found that ripping out the bottom of a styrofoam cup and placing it over the bottom of the cup holder will cause the holder to fill with hot water.
If one purchases a Keurig machine, one should not toivel it as it has a digital component that will get ruined. Rabbi Belsky of the OU says that tevilah is not required.
Current Non-kosher K-cups: Swiss Miss, and Café Escapes

The following kashrus notice is from YeshivaWorld by the cRC on May 24, 2011.

The following is the latest information about Starbucks VIA instant coffee packets: The regular and decaf unflavored are certified by the KSA. The Iced Coffee is also certified by the KSA. The Flavored varieties are now certified by the OU but only with the OU on the label.

The following kashrus notice is from the KSA in response to a reader's question on October 19, 2010.

Currently, KSA certifies the non-flavored Via coffee. The KSA appears on the packets. Starbucks flavored Via coffee is not certified as kosher, at this time.

Due to the flood of consumer inquiries regarding what can and can not be purchased at local coffee shops such as Starbucks, the Star-K has compiled the following information:

• All unflavored, roasted coffees (both regular and decaf.), may be purchased in a disposable cup. Sugar may be added. Milk (not creamer) can be added, and is cholov stam.
• Creamers and flavors may be added separately after the consumer verifies that the label of the original container bears reliable certification.
• Only packaged food items bearing reliable certification may be purchased.
• At Starbucks, bottled beverages bearing a KD are certified kosher, dairy, chalav stam, by R’ Zevulun Charlop.
• Frapuccino, whipped toppings, and other beverages prepared in coffee shops are not recommended since they are made in carafes/pump pots that are not exclusively used for kosher beverages.

• Knowing your Beans, The Kashrus of Coffee by Rabbi Boruch Beyer of the Star-K
• The Kashrus of Tea by Rabbi Boruch Beyer of the Star-K.