Starbucks Oleato: Exploring the Olive Oil Coffee Revolution
Starbucks' Oleato blends coffee and Italian olive oil, sparking curiosity, debate, and nutritional intrigue across coffee culture.
Starbucks Oleato: The Olive Oil Coffee Phenomenon
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The world of coffee is no stranger to creative fusions, but Starbucks’ Oleato line marks a bold new chapter, blending Italian extra virgin olive oil into classic coffee beverages. Since its debut, the concept has sparked both curiosity and debate among coffee enthusiasts, baristas, and nutrition experts. What started as a regional experiment has quickly become an international talking point in coffee culture.
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What Is Starbucks Oleato?
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Starbucks Oleato is a unique collection of coffee drinks infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, a celebrated Italian brand known for its rich history and premium quality. The term “Oleato” derives from Latin, meaning “with oil,” and the drinks follow that literal interpretation. Infusing olive oil into espresso and milk creates beverages that are described as smooth, rich, and layered—sometimes with distinct earthy or nutty notes.
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- Launch Date: February 22, 2023 (Italy), followed by March 23, 2023 (U.S.)
- Olive Oil Partner: Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Lead Inspiration: Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz’s visit to Sicily and his daily ritual of olive oil
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Why Olive Oil in Coffee?
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The genesis of Oleato was rooted in Mediterranean tradition. Howard Schultz, captivated by the custom of taking daily olive oil for health, experimented with combining it directly with his morning coffee. Unlike the well-known “Bulletproof coffee” (which incorporates MCT oil or butter), olive oil offers a subtle Mediterranean spin, contributing healthy fats and a distinctive flavor profile. Schultz envisioned a global drink innovation, merging health-forward ingredients with Starbucks’ coffeecrafting prowess.
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Core Starbucks Oleato Drinks
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- Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk
- Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut
- Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew
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All Oleato beverages utilize a “press” or spoonful of olive oil. Preparation methods adjust based on the drink style: steamed into milk for lattes, shaken with espresso for iced drinks, or blended into cold foam.
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Signature Ingredients
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- Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast: A lighter, subtly sweet espresso base
- Oatmilk: Chosen for its compatibility with olive oil’s texture and mouthfeel
- Toffeenut Syrup: Adds nutty sweetness in select recipes
- Golden Foam: A vanilla sweet cream cold foam, infused with olive oil for extra richness and a unique visual sheen
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Tasting Starbucks Oleato: What Does Olive Oil Coffee Really Taste Like?
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The concept of olive oil in coffee may seem unusual, even polarizing. Tasting notes from multiple reviewers and baristas paint a complex picture:
What others are reading
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- Earthy and Nutty: Oleato drinks often have an earthy, sometimes slightly grassy finish, owing to the olive oil infusion. Some even draw comparisons to the vegetal notes in matcha or green smoothies.
- Rich and Smooth: The olive oil imparts a velvety mouthfeel—particularly noticeable in the Caffè Latte, where it’s steamed with oatmilk.
- Surprising Bitterness: Some reviewers note a subtle, lingering bitterness layered beneath the nuttiness, adding another dimension to the drink.
- Less Sweetness: Olive oil tends to dial back oat milk’s natural sweetness, striking a more balanced flavor profile. Lower amounts of syrup or sweetness often allow the olive oil’s characteristics to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
- Foam Texture: The addition of oil affects foam stability; Oleato lattes and cold foam often lose their structure more quickly than traditional versions, leading to a slightly less velvety or lasting head.
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| Drink | Key Flavors | Texture | Overall Impression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oleato Caffè Latte | Earthy, nutty, less sweet | Velvety, smooth, slightly oily | Rich, balanced, subtle complexity |
| Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso | Toffeenut, earthy undercurrent | Smooth, light foam | Refreshing, layered, slightly bitter |
| Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew | Sweet cream with grassy notes | Thick foam that dissipates quickly | Creamy, slightly savory, unique |
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How Are Oleato Drinks Made?
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Depending on the beverage, olive oil is incorporated through different specialized preparation methods:
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- Steamed with Milk: For hot lattes, the olive oil is frothed together with oat milk, producing a silkier texture and homogenizing the fat into the drink.
- Shaken with Espresso: For iced beverages, olive oil is shaken together with espresso, allowing the flavors to meld and producing a creamy emulsion layered atop ice.
- Cold Golden Foam: The olive oil is blended into a vanilla-infused sweet cream cold foam, which is then dolloped atop cold coffee. The oil interaction creates a gold-tinged look and a surprisingly savory finish.
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Nutritional Profile and Health Considerations
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Starbucks positions the Oleato line as not just a flavor innovation but also as a nod to the wellness trends of the Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on healthy fats from olive oil. Here’s what consumers should know:
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- Healthy Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats that may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Nutritional Breakdown: A typical 16 oz Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk delivers around 330 calories, 6g of sugar, 3g of protein, and 170 mg caffeine. Calories are higher than traditional lattes due to added fat content.
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While olive oil has recognized health benefits, it’s important to note that Oleato drinks are not calorie-light. Additionally, individuals who are sensitive to fat in coffee (such as those who follow low-fat diets or have digestive issues) may want to approach these beverages with moderation.
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Public Reactions and Critic Reviews
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The introduction of Oleato has generated lively conversation across social media and food forums. The consensus is decidedly mixed—with some fans touting the innovation as “surprisingly delicious” and others questioning its place in their daily coffee rituals.
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- Innovation vs Tradition: Starbucks has a longstanding reputation for creative drinks that push boundaries (think Pumpkin Spice Latte, Unicorn Frappuccino), and Oleato fits squarely in this tradition. However, some coffee purists balk at the addition of olive oil, likening it to previous “novelty” creations.
- Texture’s Divisive Factor: For many testers, the major surprise is the texture—some embrace the added silkiness, while others find the oily feel off-putting, especially when the foam dissipates quickly.
- Flavor Acceptance: Drinkers who enjoy matcha, green smoothies, or other earthy flavors often rate Oleato drinks more positively. Those expecting a classic sweet coffee may be less enthusiastic.
- Viral Debates: Reactions on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube range from “game-changing” to “regrettable,” capturing both curiosity and skepticism around this unlikely pairing.
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How Does Oleato Compare to Bulletproof Coffee?
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With its use of oil and coffee, Oleato inevitably draws comparisons to Bulletproof coffee, a drink made popular in the wellness community that blends coffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter. Here’s how they stack up:
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| Starbucks Oleato | Bulletproof Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Oil | Extra virgin olive oil | MCT oil, butter |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, nutty, slight bitterness | Buttery, rich, creamy |
| Texture | Silky, slightly oily foam | Very creamy, dense |
| Main Selling Point | Mediterranean health benefits, innovation | Keto, satiation, energy boost |
| Popular Base Milk | Oatmilk | None |
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Can You Make Olive Oil Coffee at Home?
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For adventurous coffee fans but cautious spenders, it’s possible to recreate the Oleato experience at home. Here’s a straightforward approach:
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- Brew your favorite espresso or strong coffee.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Blend thoroughly using a milk frother, immersion blender, or handheld shaker to create an emulsion. (Avoid simply stirring, as the oil won’t fully integrate.)
- Incorporate steamed milk or frothy oatmilk for a latte-style drink, or shake with ice for a cold beverage.
- Optional: Add a small amount of flavored syrup (like toffeenut or vanilla) for added sweetness and complexity.
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This DIY version lets you control the oil’s strength and sweetness to suit your preferences—whether you’re after health perks, a richer mouthfeel, or just the novelty factor.
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Pros & Cons of Starbucks Oleato
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- Pros:n
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- Innovative, boundary-pushing coffee concept
- Appealing to fans of Mediterranean flavors and healthful fats
- Unique texture and rich mouthfeel
- Draws inspiration from authentic Italian tradition
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- Cons:n
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- Higher calorie and fat content than most standard coffee drinks
- Polarizing taste design—not for everyone
- Foam consistency and quick deflation are drawbacks for some drinkers
- Cost: Priced above typical Starbucks beverages
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What Do Experts and Nutritionists Say?
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Nutritionists largely praise olive oil for its established cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, though they caution moderation when pairing oils with calorie-dense drinks. From a coffee science perspective, oil’s fat content can interact with coffee’s aromatic compounds, softening bitterness and prolonging aftertaste. Still, experts remind consumers that health outcomes depend on the broader diet, and no single drink can substitute for overall nutritional quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why did Starbucks put olive oil in coffee?
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A: The idea was inspired by Mediterranean health rituals and CEO Howard Schultz’s experience in Sicily, where daily olive oil consumption is common. Combining olive oil with coffee aims to deliver both a novel flavor experience and potential health benefits.
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Q: Does olive oil coffee taste greasy?
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A: While some notice a subtle oily richness, most reviewers find the drinks smooth rather than greasy—especially when the olive oil is well-blended or steamed into milk.
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Q: Are there health benefits to Oleato coffee?
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A: Olive oil is a source of beneficial monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, but Oleato drinks are also higher in calories and fat than traditional coffee drinks. They can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.
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Q: Can you customize Oleato drinks?
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A: Yes, customers can select syrups, adjust sweetness, or choose different base milks (where available) for their Oleato beverages. Preparation methods can also be adjusted for home versions.
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Q: Will Oleato become a permanent menu item?
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A: As a recent addition, Starbucks is monitoring feedback and could expand, adjust, or limit the Oleato line based on demand and market trends.
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Oleato: Fad or New Coffee Frontier?
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In true Starbucks fashion, Oleato’s launch signals a willingness to experiment with global flavors, tradition, and health trends. Whether it stands the test of time remains to be seen, but it undeniably pushes coffee culture to rethink the possibilities of what goes in your cup. For those willing to try a Mediterranean spin on their daily brew, Oleato is a flavor adventure worth at least a sip.
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