By Perry Luckett, CoffeeMan1

Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens, but did you know that you can also add a small amount of it to your cup of coffee? The idea of adding olive oil to coffee may sound strange at first, but it has become a trend among coffee enthusiasts and health-conscious people. This trend has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to the potential health benefits of olive oil.

Apparently, Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz is “all in” on olive-oil-enhanced coffee, which the company is introducing to the chain’s customers as Oleato. Schultz told CNBC’s Jim Cramer it represents a “transformational moment in the history of our company” and stated it would have a major impact on Starbucks’ business over time. [CNBC]

Starbucks launched Oleato (from the Italian “with oil”) at the company’s 25 Italy locations in February and has followed up in Spring 2023 with the United States market. they began in the U.S. at Seattle, and Los Angeles, as well as at the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and Reserve locations in Chicago, Seattle and New York. The Oleato drinks debuted in the United States in March to somewhat negative reviews. They were then available in California, Illinois, New York and Washington, and will now be sold in more cities in those states. [SB]

Starting Tuesday, June 6, 2023, people will also be able to buy Oleato drinks in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Miami, as well as in cities in several other states from Alaska to Vermont. Starbucks is also unveiling an Oleato espresso martini, which will be available in select locations in Italy, as well as Seattle and New York.

On the Oleato menu are an oat milk latte and a toffeenut iced shaken espresso, also made with oat milk. Each is prepared with a spoonful of olive oil, which adds 120 calories, according to Starbucks. There’s also a cold brew with olive-oil infused cold foam, called golden foam, made with a double serving of olive oil. [DWB]

Once people had a chance to try them, opinions poured in. One pair of reviewers posted a video titled “We Tried Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee Drinks and Seriously Regret It.”

Others concluded the drinks seem more like a stunt — something worth trying, but not necessarily worth coming back for.

“We feel this line of drinks is more for the headlines than the longevity on the menu,” Tasting Table noted in its review. A Bon Appétit reviewer wondered if the drinks will “turn into a ‘secret’ menu item, with stores outfitted with carafes of [extra virgin olive oil] in case someone wants a pump of it.” [DWB]

Still, the launch garnered global publicity, and the products themselves must have at least piqued people’s interest. Tuesday’s rollout means that nearly one-third of Starbucks’ company-owned US stores will have Oleato on the menu, according to the company. And the beverages are already available in several countries globally. [DWB]

Schultz launched the new coffee line ahead of his April departure as interim CEO. Once out of that office, Schultz intends to be an “ambassador” for the Oleato line worldwide. Starbucks’ olive oil coffee comes as the company continues to navigate a tough economic environment, though Schultz has maintained optimism. Starbucks has raised prices about 5% to offset inflation, but Schultz said he doesn’t expect any more increases. [CNBC]

Olive oil in coffee: Covering the benefits and disadvantages

Starbucks certainly sees a benefit to business from adding olive oil to coffee, but that still leaves the question: What will it do for us? Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered to be "healthy" fats. These fats can help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and protect against inflammation. Olive oil is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. So, what are the benefits of adding olive oil to coffee?

• Improved energy levels: Olive oil can help to slow the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream, which can help to prolong the effects of caffeine and provide sustained energy throughout the day.

• Increased satiety: The healthy fats in olive oil can help to make you feel fuller longer, which can help to reduce cravings and promote weight loss.

• Improved gut health: Olive oil can help to improve gut health by increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help to improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

• Enhanced flavor: Adding olive oil’s distinct flavor can the coffee’s flavor. Olive oil also can create a creamy texture without the need for dairy products, making it a good option if you’re lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. If you're looking for a way to jazz up your morning cup of joe, adding a little olive oil is a great option.

People who have tried adding olive oil to coffee note at least two disadvantages:

• Increased calories: Olive oil is high in calories, so adding it to coffee can increase your calorie intake. If you're trying to lose weight or watching your calories, you’ll need to stay aware of how much olive oil you're adding in.

• Greasy taste: Some people find olive oil has a “greasy” taste in coffee. If you don't like this taste, you may want to try adding a small amount of coconut oil or medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil instead.

How to Make Olive Oil Coffee

Here's a simple recipe for making olive oil coffee at home:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coffee

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil

• Optional: Sweetener or spices

Instructions

Brew your coffee as usual.

• While your coffee is brewing, add the olive oil to a mug. The amount you use will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is about a teaspoon per cup of coffee.

• Once your coffee is finished brewing, pour it into the mug with the olive oil.

• Stir well to combine.

• Add sweetener or spices to taste.

• Enjoy!

Overall, adding olive oil to coffee can be a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Just be sure to use it in moderation and choose a high-quality olive oil. Although adding olive oil to your coffee can be delicious and healthy, don’t use it to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. Continue to eat a balanced diet that includes various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, as well as to maintain regular physical activity.

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Resources:

Danielle Wiener-Bronner, “Starbucks is bringing its line of olive oil coffee to more cities,” CNN Business, https://bit.ly/42tmsVy , June 6, 2023. [DWB]

“Introducing Starbucks’ Oleato,” https://bit.ly/43z2Znx , 2023. [SB]

“Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz calls new olive oil coffee drinks ‘transformational’,” https://bit.ly/3qCAc32 , February 21, 2023. [CNBC]