Is Barissimo Cold Brew Cinnamon and Vanilla Coffee Latte Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for when determining if a product is gluten-free is the source of the base ingredients. For the Barissimo Cold Brew Cinnamon and Vanilla Coffee Latte, the foundation is a blend of water and coffee. Coffee beans are naturally gluten-free, so the cold brew extraction process poses no risk of gluten contamination.

The next critical ingredients are Skim Milk and Cream. Dairy products are inherently gluten-free. However, for those with Celiac disease, it is worth noting that while the milk itself is safe, highly processed dairy ingredients are rarely a source of gluten unless a stabilizer derived from wheat is used. In this case, no such stabilizer is present.

We also see Natural Flavors listed. In the food industry, "natural flavors" can sometimes be a gray area, but in the context of a coffee latte, these almost exclusively refer to vanilla and cinnamon extracts or essential oils. These are plant-based and gluten-free. Finally, Potassium Carbonate is used as a pH regulator and stabilizer, which is a mineral salt and completely free of gluten. There are no flags on this label for gluten sources.

Nutritional Value

While the gluten-free verdict is positive, the nutritional profile of this latte is where consumers should exercise caution. This is a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage that prioritizes flavor over nutritional density. The inclusion of Sugar and Cream drives up the calorie count and carbohydrate content significantly compared to black cold brew coffee.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake or following a low-carb diet like Keto, this beverage may not fit your limits. It is designed as a sweet treat rather than a health drink. The fat content from the cream contributes to the creamy mouthfeel but also adds to the overall caloric density. For a strictly gluten-free diet, it passes with flying colors, but for a balanced diet, it should be consumed in moderation.