Caribou Coffee

I’d ordered a black coffee and was waiting while a fresh batch was being brewed. The person helping me began slicing bagels so I told her I had celiac and asked if she could change gloves or wash her hands before getting my coffee. The shift lead or manager stepped in and said he couldn’t guarantee it would be safe. I told him I’d ordered a plain coffee and simply needed someone with clean hands or new gloves to get it for me. Instead of agreeing to help, he again told me he couldn’t guarantee it would be safe. By now everyone behind the counter had stopped working to observe our exchange. I told him I understood, I simply wanted to know if someone with clean hands could pour it - finally the girl cutting bagels said she had no problem putting on another pair of gloves. The lead/manager made me feel humiliated instead offering to help. As a newly diagnosed celiac with a long history at Caribou, this was deeply disappointing. I won’t be back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Sometimes hit or miss depending on the staff but often times staff is knowledgable on their drinks. Most times they are willing to show/read packaging and ingredients in their beverage mixes. Like all places, chance of cross contamination since they do use cookie crumb toppers on some beverages. They also have complete allergen list on website menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

As a chain they have changed thier practices so it is not celiac safe. Very disappointing.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

They have great gluten free coffee and stuff! the gf soufflés are no longer celiac safe

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Their GF items are no longer cooked in a package and gets cooked on the same surface as everything else. There was nothing advertising this change so Celiacs take caution. I got very sick.

Update:Caribou has changed their packaging options on their gluten free breakfast sandwiches. They are no longer sealed to prevent contamination when they are warmed in the oven, which is also used to warm gluten containing items. Unfortunately, these products are no longer safe for people who are sensitive to cross contamination, so I will not be eating these again:(. As for drinks, many can be made gluten free. Milk foamers and blenders are washed after each drink, but there is still a risk of cross contamination as Caribou does serve gluten containing items in house. These drinks are not labeled on the menu, but an allergen information book can be provided if you ask for it. The staff are also quite knowledgeable about gluten free items and cross contamination issues.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None