Starbucks has recently introduced a new coffee option that has caused quite a stir among coffee lovers and health enthusiasts alike. The new offering, known as the Oleato, features the addition of olive oil to the classic coffee beverage. This unique blend of coffee and olive oil has sparked curiosity and interest due to its potential health benefits and innovative flavor profile.
The inspiration behind the creation of the Oleato comes from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s visit to Milan, where he was influenced by the Mediterranean tradition of consuming a teaspoonful of olive oil daily. While the Italians do not typically mix olive oil with their coffee, Starbucks has taken the bold step of infusing olive oil into their drinks to create a new and exciting flavor experience. The Oleato is currently available at select Starbucks stores in the US, Japan, the Middle East, and the UK, offering customers a chance to try this unconventional beverage.
Upon trying the Oleato Shaken Espresso at a Starbucks Reserve in New York City, one customer noted the unique taste and texture of the drink. Despite only having one tablespoon of olive oil infused into the oat milk, the presence of the Partanna extra virgin olive oil was unmistakable, providing a velvety and buttery flavor that lingered on the palate. While some may find the idea of olive oil in coffee unconventional, many coffee enthusiasts have embraced the Oleato as a refreshing and intriguing addition to their usual Starbucks order.
One customer from Los Angeles, Rachel Cheng, shared her thoughts on the Oleato in a review on TikTok, describing the drink’s appearance as “green” and “oily.” She found the drink to be a fun deviation from her regular Starbucks order, noting that the quality of the olive oil used in the beverage made her feel better about trying something new. With over 1 million views and 2,500 comments on her video, it’s clear that the Oleato has captured the attention of coffee lovers and health-conscious individuals looking for a unique and flavorful beverage option.
The combination of coffee and olive oil may seem unusual at first, but the potential health benefits of this innovative blend have piqued the interest of many consumers. Olive oil is known for its health-promoting properties, making it a popular choice in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer mortality, neurodegenerative disease, and respiratory disease.
According to Jamie Stang, the president of the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, national dietary guidelines recommend choosing healthier sources of fats, such as olive oil, for overall well-being. A 2022 study on olive oil consumption found that individuals who incorporated olive oil into their diet experienced significant health benefits, including a lower risk of various diseases. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil help lower LDL cholesterol levels and possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, olive oil has also been shown to support digestive health. Studies have demonstrated that the daily consumption of olive oil can help alleviate constipation in individuals undergoing kidney dialysis and those with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. The combination of olive oil and coffee in the Oleato drink may offer a dual benefit for digestion, as both ingredients have been shown to promote gut health and regularity.
While the health benefits of olive oil are well-established, it’s important to consider the nutritional content of the Oleato drinks to make informed choices about consumption. Some of the drinks in the Oleato line may be higher in saturated fat and calories, making them less suitable for daily consumption. For example, the Grande Oleato Cold Brew contains 380 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat, representing a significant portion of daily intake for individuals following a 2,000-calorie diet.
Despite the calorie and fat content of certain Oleato drinks, the overall nutritional profile of olive oil makes it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. The Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, Oleato Caffé Latte with Oat Milk, and Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso offer unique flavor combinations that can be enjoyed in moderation. While the drinks may not be considered “health foods” in the traditional sense, they provide a novel way to incorporate olive oil into your daily routine.
In conclusion, the Starbucks Oleato coffee drinks offer a creative and flavorful twist on the classic coffee experience. By infusing olive oil into their beverages, Starbucks has created a unique blend that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the health-promoting properties of olive oil. While the nutritional content of the Oleato drinks may vary, the overall benefits of incorporating olive oil into your diet make these beverages an intriguing option for coffee enthusiasts looking to try something new. Whether you’re seeking a digestive aid, a heart-healthy option, or simply a delicious and innovative drink, the Oleato line at Starbucks provides a refreshing and exciting choice for those looking to expand their coffee horizons.
