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A label note for dairy allergy

Coffee Bean Latte: what the available label data says

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This is not a safety clearance. Compare it with the current physical package.

For a child with a dairy allergy, the Coffee Bean Latte is generally considered unsafe as a standard offering. Traditional coffee shop lattes, including those from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, are made with milk as a primary ingredient. This means they contain significant amounts of dairy, which can cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with a dairy allergy. Even if you request a dairy-free milk alternative, there is a significant risk of cross-contamination in a busy cafe environment. Shared equipment like blenders, espresso machines, and milk pitchers can easily transfer dairy proteins to your child's drink, even if made with a dairy-free base.

It is crucial to understand that while The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf does offer dairy-free milk alternatives such as soy, almond, or oat milk, these are typically prepared in the same area as dairy milk. This means that even with a dairy-free milk, there's a risk of airborne particles or residual milk on utensils. Therefore, for a child with a diagnosed dairy allergy, it is best to avoid the standard Coffee Bean Latte altogether. If you choose to proceed, you must have a detailed conversation with the barista about their specific preparation methods for allergen orders and the steps they take to prevent cross-contamination. Be aware that despite these precautions, the risk may still be too high for a severe allergy.

Options to investigate

Starting points only. Formulations and facilities change, so verify the product in your hand.

  1. Option 1

    Dairy-Free Latte (with specific milk alternative like Oat or Soy)

    When ordered with a certified dairy-free milk alternative and with strict cross-contamination protocols observed by the cafe staff, this can be a safer option. Always confirm the milk type and preparation methods.

  2. Option 2

    Black Coffee

    Black coffee contains no dairy and is prepared with only coffee and water, eliminating the risk of dairy cross-contamination during preparation.

  3. Option 3

    Iced Tea (unsweetened)

    Most iced teas are made with tea, water, and ice, and do not contain dairy. Ensure no dairy-based syrups or toppings are added.

  4. Option 4

    Fruit Juices

    Pure fruit juices are naturally dairy-free and are a safe beverage option for those with dairy allergies.

Questions people ask

Does Coffee Bean Latte contain dairy?

Yes, a standard Coffee Bean Latte is made with dairy milk and therefore contains dairy. Even when requesting a dairy-free milk alternative, there is a risk of cross-contamination.

What are safe alternatives to Coffee Bean Latte?

For a dairy-free option, consider ordering a latte with a confirmed dairy-free milk alternative (like soy, almond, or oat) and ensuring strict cross-contamination protocols are followed. Alternatively, opt for black coffee, or drinks made with water or fruit juices. Many cafes in Singapore, such as Starbucks and local roasters, offer a wider range of dairy-free milk options and may have more robust allergen protocols. You can also find dairy-free milk alternatives at major supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage to make your own at home.

Can I eat Coffee Bean Latte with a dairy allergy?

It is not recommended to consume a standard Coffee Bean Latte if you have a dairy allergy due to the presence of dairy milk and the high risk of cross-contamination. While dairy-free milk options are available, the preparation environment in most cafes poses a significant risk.

What should I ask the server/vendor about Coffee Bean Latte?

When ordering, you must inform the server about the dairy allergy and ask specific questions about their preparation process. Inquire about: 1. The availability of certified dairy-free milk alternatives (e.g., soy, almond, oat). 2. Whether they use separate, clean equipment (pitchers, blenders) for dairy-free orders. 3. How they prevent cross-contamination from shared surfaces, utensils, and steam wands. 4. If they have specific allergen protocols in place. Be aware that even with these questions, the risk of cross-contamination in a busy environment may remain.

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