Ordering tips for PSL season

Whether the weather has gotten the memo or not, fall flavors are in the coffee shops. Thusly, I decided that now would be a good time to pass on advice I’ve received for how to order at Starbucks with a food allergy.

• Notify your barista of any allergies.

• Ask for clean, sanitized shaker or blender to be used. Most are simply rinsed between uses, which won’t cut it for those of us with food allergies.

• Opt for iced rather than hot drinks because iced drinks are usually built in the cup, not a pitcher. You can also specifically ask for drinks to be built in a cup, not a shaker or pitcher.

• If ordering a hot drink, ask for a clean and sanitized pitcher and foaming wand.

• Always double check allergens on bakery items. The top nine allergens are required by law to be bolded on nutrition labels, but sometimes they can be sneaky, so it’s always best to read that label a couple times to be sure.

• Finally, always trust your gut and carry your EpiPens or AuviQs! If you don’t feel comfortable with your drink, you don’t have to drink it. Your safety is the most important thing.