Allie
Manages: Celiac and tree nut, milk, shellfish, and avocado allergies
Go-to Drinks: Flat White or Latte with coconut milk
Tips on how to order safely: I always make sure that any added flavors don’t have gluten or dairy. I only order drinks with coconut or almond milk, as some oat milks are not certified gluten-free.
What she always avoids: I avoid oat milk whenever possible, especially if I don’t recognize them using a certified gluten-free brand.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Maggie’s Farm Espresso, Laughing Man, Stumptown, Cafe Lyria, Matchaful
Where to find her: Spokin: @alutin, Insta: @the_edible_table, Tiktok: @the_edible_table
See her how-to video: Allie’s Video
Alyssa
Manages: A peanut allergy
Go-to Drinks: Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso or Vanilla Latte with oat milk and cinnamon
Tips on how to order safely: I often order drinks that are on tap (ex. Foxtrot Nitro Cold Brew) to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Also, I try to go during non-peak hours so staff can pay more attention to my needs!
What she always avoids: I completely avoid coffee shops that use any sort of peanut-flavored products, like syrups or toppings. I’m always double-checking seasonal offerings, too!
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks, Foxtrot, Dom’s Grocery
Where to find her: Spokin: @alyssabauder, Insta: @allthingsallergies
See her how-to video: Alyssa’s Video
Amanda
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, fish, and shellfish allergies
Go-to Drink: Iced Matcha Latte
Tips on how to order safely: I usually order iced lattes instead of hot lattes if it’s my first time at the coffee shop, so I can check out their process and gauge my comfort level (unless the coffee shop is fully vegan/plant-based—then I feel comfortable ordering hot lattes because I know there won’t be cross-contamination with dairy). I let the barista know I have an allergy, and I always check with them when I pick my drink up to make sure they used a non-dairy milk.
What she always avoids: I avoid blended drinks.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Rooted Coffee and Fiddlehead Fern Cafe
Where to find her: Spokin: @amandayoung03, Insta: @youngnwanderlust
See her how-to video: Amanda’s Video
Audrey
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, egg, wheat, legume, barley, seed, shrimp, and lupine allergies
Go-to Drink: Matcha Latte
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask for the ingredients if I’m trying a new drink and have them clean the blender again if it’s used for the drink.
What she always avoids: I avoid ordering coffee when they have nut flavors on their menu.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks, Dunkin, Cafe Zio, Semicolon Cafe, Akihi, Gong Cha
Where to find her: Spokin: @audreycha, Insta: @allaboutallergies, Tiktok: @audreydiaries
See her how-to video: Audrey’s Video
Ava
Manages: Peanut and tree nut allergies
Go-to Drinks: Cold Brew with 2% milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup or an Iced Shaken Espresso
Tips on how to order safely: When I first order my coffee, I always mention that I have a peanut and tree nut allergy. When I pick my coffee up, I confirm that they used the correct milk, as almond milk is very popular. Another helpful tip is to order a drink that is mixed directly in the cup to limit the risk of cross-contamination.
What she always avoids: I avoid any drink that requires a frother or stirrer to be mixed and most syrups.
Favorite Coffee Spot: The Optimist and 321 Coffee
Where to find her: Spokin: @avawisniewski, Insta: @liavaeats, Tiktok: @avalikesroses
See her how-to video: Ava’s Video
Brooke
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, egg, and shellfish allergies
Go-to Drinks: Iced Coffee with 2% milk or a Cappuccino with 2% milk
Tips on how to order safely: I don’t order any drinks that are mixed in blenders, and I always make sure clean equipment is used. I also always watch to make sure the correct milk is used.
What she always avoids: I avoid any blended drinks.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Frame Coffee, Flowers on the Park, Modern Bread & Bagel, Shakespeare & Co.
Where to find her: Spokin: @bha474, Insta: @nutfreenewyorker, Tiktok: @brookeeehope
See her how-to video: Brooke’s Video
Carlin
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, milk, shrimp, and sesame allergies
Go-to Drinks: Cold Brew with vanilla syrup and oat milk, an Iced Oat Milk Latte, or Iced Coffee made with flavored beans (versus a syrup!)
Tips on how to order safely: I always mention my allergies and ask them to pour my drink directly into a to-go cup instead of using a shaker or any other cup. I also always ask them not to stir my drink, unless it’s with a disposable, single-use straw or something I know has been very well-cleaned. Finally, I ask to read the label on any syrups used. Typically, if it’s a new spot, I like to call ahead at a non-peak hour before I go to talk to someone about how to navigate their menu.
What she always avoids: Hot drinks. I find that milk frothers are very hard to clean and sanitize well, and they pose too much of a cross-contamination risk.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Marylou’s, The Coffee Shack, Sorelle’s, Tatte, or Cafe Nero
Where to find her: Spokin: @carlinhanley, Insta: @sweetlifeofcarlin
See her how-to video: Carlin’s Video
Daphne
Manages: A tree nut allergy and avoids dairy
Go-to Drink: Cold Brew with oat milk and a flavored syrup
Tips on how to order safely: I always double check the brand of oat milk and syrups. And I always ask them to not stir my drink.
What she always avoids: I avoid hot beverages because of cross-contamination with the frother.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Kaldi’s Coffee, Tempest Coffee Collective, All Tied Up
Where to find her: Spokin: @daphlevy, Insta: @daphsfoodfinds
See her how-to video: Daphne’s Video
Delly
Manages: A milk allergy
Go-to Drink: Oat Milk Latte with vanilla
Tips on how to order safely: I always mention my dairy allergy before ordering, they then confirm they clean everything before making the beverage.
What she always avoids: Using the mobile app. It is too difficult to communicate allergies effectively.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Caribou and Globe Coffee & Plaza
Where to find her: Spokin: @tealdelly, Insta: @kegs1973 & @tealdelly
See her how-to video: Delly’s Video
Emma
Manages: Celiac and peanut and tree nut allergies
Go-to Drink: Chai Latte with skim milk
Tips on how to order safely: I always check the allergen list if there is one, and I ask the barista to rewash cups and wipe down frothers.
What she always avoids: I avoid syrups and cold foams.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks
Where to find her: Spokin: @nutsfornogluten, Insta: @nutsfornogluten
See her how-to video: Emma’s Video
Izzy
Manages: Tree nut, sesame, and salmon allergies
Go-to Drink: Chai Latte with oat milk
Tips on how to order safely: I let them know about my allergy and ask them to clean the machine in between.
What she always avoids: Syrups.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Birch Coffee or Sorella
Where to find her: Spokin: @izzytri12
See her how-to video: Izzy’s Video
Jenna
Manages: Milk, egg, and red meat allergies
Go-to Drinks: Hot or iced green tea if it’s a chain restaurant because I don’t trust them with my dairy allergy due to past experiences. If it’s a vegan coffee shop, I’ll get a Matcha Latte or Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Tips on how to order safely: I tell them that I have a severe dairy allergy and ask for my drink to be made in a to-go cup, even if I’m sitting there to have coffee, to avoid any risk of cross-contact or lingering allergens on dishes. I typically stick with hot tea because of the severity of my dairy allergy, but if I feel that the barista is competent with allergies after sharing mine with them, I may get an iced matcha latte with oat milk and ask them to not stir or sweeten my drink.
What she always avoids: I avoid all drinks that are made with a frother or blended. I also avoid drinks that use milk because of the risk of cross-contact or accidentally using dairy milk, especially if I’m unable to watch them make it.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Little Barn Coffee House, Wood Coffee, The Grain Cafe
Where to find her: Spokin: @jennatso8, Insta: @tsoyum, Tiktok: @tsoyum
See her how-to video: Jenna’s Video
Jess
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, wheat, tomato, and pineapple allergies and sensitivities to seeds, fish, and shellfish
Go-to Drinks: Emperors Cloud and Mist Tea with honey
Tips on how to order safely: I typically order pretty simple drinks that can just be mixed directly in the cup.
What she always avoids: I avoid syrups and drinks that are made in a frother.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks
Where to find her: Spokin: @nutfreejessica, Insta: @nutfreementality
See her how-to video: Jess’s Video
Kayla
Manages: Celiac and a tree nut allergy, and avoids dairy
Go-to Drink: Extra hot Latte with oat milk, 1 shot caramel flavor shot, 2 shots brown sugar flavor shot, cinnamon on top (if Starbucks), extra hot Latte with oat milk, and vegan salted caramel flavoring (if not at Starbucks).
Tips on how to order safely: I ask what brand of flavor syrups they have and only use ones I know are gluten-free, and I ask to see the oat milk, so I know it’s a brand that is gluten-free and safe.
What she always avoids: I read the seasonal Starbucks guides to see what to avoid when ordering.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Sunday Motor Co., Lokl, or Starbucks
Where to find her: Spokin: @kaylacappiello, Insta: @kaylacappiello, Tiktok: @kaylacappiello
See her how-to video: Kayla’s Video
Kelsey
Manages: Celiac and peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, wheat, rye, barley, crustacean, and fruit allergies
Go-to Drink: Iced Coffee with a splash of oat milk
Tips on how to order safely: First thing, I always mention my dairy and nut allergy before ordering. I ask questions about the brand of oat milk they use.
What she always avoids: Anything with steamed milk. Those frothers are not cleaned well enough to remove allergens.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Ralph’s Coffee, Gregory’s, Caffé Aronne
Where to find her: Spokin: @allergytravelr, Insta: @allergytraveler
See her how-to video: Kelsey’s Video
Lauryn
Manages: Celiac and peanut, hazelnut, milk, soy, flax, corn, and pineapple allergies
Go-to Drink: Matcha Latte with hemp milk or coconut milk. Usually hot, but sometimes iced
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask to see the matcha powder before ordering—so many places use matcha that has fillers like dairy, soy, and corn. I’ve had places tell me it’s pure matcha, but upon seeing the bag, it isn’t. It’s always worth asking. Also, when I order tea in a tea bag, I always check the brand they use. Some tea bags are made from gluten or corn, which has given me an instant reaction.
What she always avoids: I avoid all syrups and sweeteners because many have corn syrup or soy.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Fat Cats Coffee
Where to find her: Spokin: @plantivore, Insta: @laurynemilia, Tiktok: @lauryn.emilia
See her how-to video: Lauryn’s Video
Lia
Manages: Peanut and tree nut allergies
Go-to Drink: Iced Shaken Espresso with oat milk
Tips on how to order safely: Use a clean stirrer and keep away from almond milk!
What she always avoids: I avoid syrups and drinks with any toppings (chocolate shavings, caramel).
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks, Laurel Hotel and Spa in Auburn
Where to find her: Spokin: @liarw, Insta: @liavaeats, Tiktok: @lia_wisniewski
See her how-to video: Lia’s Video
Lindsay
Manages: Tree nut allergies and avoids gluten
Go-to Drink: Grande Iced Shaken Espresso (decaf), no classic syrup, oat milk, and 2 pumps of sugar-free vanilla
Tips on how to order safely: I tell them my allergy and ask if they can make sure their equipment is clean!
What she always avoids: Before ordering, I always double-check the ingredients I can find online. I avoid any drinks they top with cookies, sprinkles, etc.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks or Black Crow Coffee
Where to find her: Spokin: @lfrost5, Insta: @linds_frost, TikTok: @lcfrosted
See her how-to video: Lindsay’s Video
Olivia
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, and some soy product allergies
Go-to Drinks: Apple Cider or Peppermint Tea
Tips on how to order safely: I only order teas or apple cider that can dispense directly into my cup and not touch any other equipment!
What she always avoids: I always avoid steamers and frothers because of dairy, even if they insist they can clean it. I also avoid coffee because of a possibility of the beans being roasted with nuts.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Ultimo, Speckled Hen, Café Walnut
Where to find her: Spokin: @livwong, Insta: @liv.ingwithallergies, Tiktok: @liv.ingwithallergies
See her how-to video: Olivia’s Video
Payton
Manages: Peanut, milk, egg, fish, and shellfish allergies
Go-to Drinks: Cold Brew with oat milk and a pump of syrup, if ingredients are available, or Starbucks Pink Drink or Dragon Drink
Tips on how to order safely: Unless it is an 100% vegan cafe, I only order cold drinks, on ice and not blended, that can be stirred with a new, disposable straw in a new, disposable cup. This eliminates risks of cross-contact with steam wands, stirrers, and shakers that may contain milk residue. I still communicate the severity of my allergies to ensure baristas are aware to prepare away from allergen-containing drinks, if possible. I also may inform the barista that I will wait outside for it to be prepared, if not ordering drive through, so I don’t have to stand around steamed milk in the air.
What she always avoids: I never order drinks made in a frother. I avoid hot beverages, as they are usually heated by a frother. I do not order blended drinks. I do not order a drink with syrup if I cannot read the ingredient label.
Favorite Coffee Spot: End of the Line Cafe, Oak House, Starbucks
Where to find her: Spokin: @allergystrategy, Insta: @theallergystrategy, Tiktok: @theallergystrategy
See her how-to video: Payton’s Video
Sami
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, wheat, shellfish, and sweet potato allergies
Go-to Drink: Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Latte
Tips on how to order safely: I always ask for a direct pour and for it not to be shaken, since my allergens are shaken in the same place. I always order iced drinks instead of hot ones, so they don’t come into contact with the other milks in the frother.
What she always avoids: I avoid hot drinks and really complicated drinks (I like to be able to follow along as they make it so I ensure no cross-contamination has occurred).
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks
Where to find her: Spokin: @samisafeeats, Insta: @samisafeeats
See her how-to video: Sami’s Video
Sarah
Manages: Peanut, tree nut, milk, wheat, rye, and barley allergies
Go-to Drink: Iced Vanilla Latte
Tips on how to order safely: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how the drink is made and the ingredients in it.
What she always avoids: I avoid coffee shops that won’t thoroughly clean the utensils or coffee machines/frothers used. Additionally, when I ask my allergy questions, I don’t accept “I think so.” If they answer a question about the ingredients in a product without looking at an ingredient list, I make them double-check.
Favorite Coffee Spot: Starbucks (but I love finding local spots)
Where to find her: Spokin: @sarahandspices, Insta: @sarahandspices, Tiktok: @sarahandspices
See her how-to video: Sarah’s Video
