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GDPR Compliance Risk

Starbucks is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Starbucks logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Starbucks

🇺🇸Starbucks · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Starbucks is a prominent American coffeehouse chain known for its specialty coffee drinks and inviting café atmosphere. It offers a wide range of beverages, including espresso-based drinks, teas, and seasonal specialties, alongside a selection of pastries and snacks. Starbucks is designed to cater to coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a social and comfortable environment for enjoying their beverages. The company operates on a paid pricing model, with individual items priced according to their menu. Starbucks is based in the United States, which means that user data is stored under US jurisdiction and is subject to US data laws, such as the CLOUD Act and FISA 702. This may be a consideration for users concerned about data privacy. The target audience includes individuals who enjoy high-quality coffee and a café experience, ranging from students and professionals to casual visitors.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Starbucks

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Starbucks has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based food & beverages is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Starbucks, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Starbucks, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Starbucks

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Costa Coffee logo

Costa Coffee

🇪🇺

by Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee is a prominent coffeehouse chain based in the EU, known for its rich coffee heritage and commitment to quality. As a leading alternative to US coffee brands, it offers a diverse range of beverages that cater to coffee enthusiasts across Europe.

paid

Why switch?

  • Costa Coffee has a strong European heritage with over 1,000 locations in the UK.
  • Offers a diverse range of beverages, including unique seasonal drinks.
  • Focuses on quality with a commitment to ethically sourced coffee beans.

Consider

  • Starbucks has a more extensive food menu, which Costa may lack.
  • Switching may require adjusting to different drink preparation styles.
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Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Starbucks
United StatesNoPartialNopaid
🇪🇺Costa CoffeeEUYesYesYespaid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starbucks GDPR compliant?

Starbucks is a US-based service operated by Starbucks. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using Starbucks?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Starbucks?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Starbucks include Costa Coffee. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Starbucks to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Starbucks using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use Starbucks?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Starbucks. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

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Last updated: January 26, 2026