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Does Starbucks use Toxic Preservatives?

Our latest 2025 audit of Starbucks analyzed 213 menu items. We found that 14 items (7%) contain high-risk preservatives.

7% Contain Toxins
199 Safe Options

Specific Ingredients Found:

Sodium nitrite, Sodium benzoate

Want the list of 199 safe items?

We've identified exactly which menu items at Starbucks are Preservative Free. Download PRūF to see the full list.

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More questions about Starbucks

Does Starbucks use Seed Oils? Does Starbucks use Artificial Dyes? Does Starbucks use Bioengineered Ingredients? Does Starbucks use Erythritol?

View the full Starbucks ingredient audit

Learn more about additives

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Methodology & sources

We analyzed 213 menu items and matched ingredient statements against PRūF’s additive taxonomy. Counts reflect distinct menu items containing any flagged ingredient in this category. Data is sourced from publicly available Starbucks ingredient disclosures as of 2026-01-04.

People Also Ask

Our 2025 audit of Starbucks found that 14 menu items (7%) contain high-risk preservatives. Specific ingredients identified include: Sodium nitrite, Sodium benzoate.
Yes, there are 199 items on the menu that are considered are Preservative Free. You can use the PRūF app to see the full list of safe options and filter the menu in real-time.

Audit based on Starbucks public ingredient data as of 2026-01-04.