Navigating Celiac-Safe Coffee in Italy: What You Need to Know

If you're a coffee lover with celiac disease like me, Italy might seem like both a dream and a potential minefield. While Italy is renowned for its top-tier coffee culture, not all coffee is gluten-free! But don’t worry, as long as you keep a few simple things in mind it’s pretty easy to make celiac-safe choices at Italian coffee shops. In this post, I’ll guide you through the nuances of gluten-free coffee in Italy and before you know it you’ll be ordering like a pro!

1. Avoid "caffè d’orzo"

The absolute number one thing to be aware of is "caffè d’orzo." This coffee substitute is made from barley and should be avoided at all costs. Why do Italians drink this weird gluten-filled coffee substitute? Couldn’t tell ya. But I can tell you that YOU shouldn’t drink it. Fortunately, most coffee shops have a separate machine for caffè d’orzo to minimize cross-contact but if you have concerns, don't hesitate to ask the barista.

2. Milk substitutes

Lactose-intolerant friends, I have great news for you: most Italian coffee shops offer various milk substitutes like almond, soy, and oat. Yay! However, if you’re an oat milk fan, be cautious. We don’t have Purity Protocol oats in Italy, so you need to make sure the package has the wording "gluten-free" to guarantee it contains less than 20 parts per million (PPM) of gluten. It's important to note that Oatly, though celiac-safe in America, is NOT gluten-free in Europe.

3. Stick to the basics

To err on the side of caution, opt for traditional, unadulterated coffee drinks like an espresso, cappuccino, or macchiato. These classics are generally gluten-free as they’re just espresso and milk. If you want to be adventurous and try more elaborate drinks you’ll need to inquire about the ingredients of the different flavors/syrups to ensure they don't contain gluten.

4. Say no to the cookies

It's not uncommon for coffee to be served with a little cookie or biscuit, especially in higher-end bars. Before ordering, take a look around and see if these treats are included with other people’s coffees. If they are, simply let the waiter know that you don't want one.

5. Specify Toppings

When ordering your coffee, make it clear that you don't want any sprinkled toppings like chocolate or cinnamon. I’ve even been to bars that sprinkle cinnamon in the shape of their logo on the foam of my cappuccino. Who knows where those toppings are coming from and if they contain hidden sources of gluten…better to steer clear. 

6. Ask about gluten-free options

Plenty of coffee shops and cafes in Italy offer gluten-free pastries and snacks that are usually pre-packaged and stored separately to avoid cross-contact. It's definitely worth asking if such options are available!

7. Research celiac-safe coffee shops

Before your trip to Italy, do some research to find celiac-safe coffee shops and cafes in your destination. For example, in Florence we have Cortese Cafe 900 which is a completely gluten-free bakery/coffee shop with some delicious options. You’ll probably be surprised by how many dedicated GF bakeries/coffee shops we have around Italy!

8. Learn some basic Italian phrases

Familiarize yourself with a few basic Italian phrases to communicate your dietary restrictions effectively. For example, "Io sono celiaco/a" means "I am celiac," which can help you convey your needs to the staff. Check out my celiac/gluten-free Italian vocab blog post for a crash course!

Enjoying coffee in Italy is a wonderful experience for everyone, celiacs included. By staying informed and knowing what to look out for, you can savor Italian coffee culture without compromising on safety or taste.

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Planning a gluten-free trip to Italy? I’d love to help!

Before “settling down” in Italy, I was a full-time nomad living out of a backpack and in a new country every month. Needless to say, I quickly became a pro at planning celiac-safe travel. And since moving to Italy I’ve translated those skills to learning the ins and outs of the celiac community here. I know (and have eaten at) all the best celiac-safe restaurants, have personal relationships with the chefs, and I’m in an unparalleled position being able to speak both English and Italian.

If you’d like a hand in your trip planning…so it doesn’t become a full-time job…I’d love to help you map out an awesome celiac-safe Italian adventure. You can learn more about my custom celiac travel consulting services here.