Chicago, IL – Starbucks’ Expanded Offerings Raise Kosher Concerns

Chicago, IL – Starbucks was once a place where most kosher Jews could grab a coffee or cappuccino, but the Houston Kashruth Association has changed its recommendations on Starbucks shops now that they’re serving a lot more than just coffee.

Kiosks and most drink-only locations should be OK, but the full-service Starbucks that now offer sandwiches pose a risk to the kosher requirement of meat-and-dairy separation.

The Houston Kashruth Association, which advises local Jews on dietary laws and certifies local businesses, defers to the Chicago Rabbinical Council’s guidance on a national chain like Starbucks:

“Over the years, Starbucks shops have evolved from simple coffee shops to stores that serve many kosher and non-kosher items, with the most serious non-kosher items being hot meat sandwiches. The standard daily clean up at Starbucks includes a hot wash of all utensils and some parts of that washing are done without soap. This clean up process challenges the kosher status of the otherwise kosher products and each product must be judged by a competent halachic authority.”

Drinks made using shot glasses, metal steaming cups, plastic pitchers, brew baskets or French presses at Starbucks that serve non-kosher items are no longer recommended since these kitchen supplies may be cleaned with the supplies used to prepare sandwiches and foods.