Step aside, coconut oil coffee. There’s a new creamy coffee beverage in town — the new Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee. If you love your coffee made with butter, ghee, coconut oil, or MCT oil, this coffee concoction will have you swooning. Not only does it have the same creamy taste as other frothy fan-favorites, but thanks to olive oil, it’s also full of antioxidants and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
But, is it actually healthy? And, is it tasty?! Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Starbucks New Olive Oil Coffee?
Let’s be honest, Italians do coffee best. From the Caffè Macchiato to the Corretto to the traditional Cappuccino and Double Espresso, Italy is synonymous with drinking (superior) coffee. The taste, the quality, the coffee art — it’s just, *chefs kiss*. So, it’s no surprise that the new Starbucks Oleato Coffee first hit the Starbucks menu in locations throughout Italy (Milan, to be exact).
So, what is the olive oil-infused Oleato Coffee, anyways? This trendy drink is a combination of Starbucks’ traditional arabica coffee blended with a tablespoon of pure Partanna cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil.
But, it’s not just one beverage. In true Starbucks fashion, there are multiple varieties coming to the menu, including:
- Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte made with oat milk
- Starbucks Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso made with oat milk and hazelnut
- Starbucks Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, made with sweet milk foam
Ok, But Is It Healthy?
From their limited-time holiday menu items (think: Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée, and Cinnamon Dolce lattes) to their store staples (like the Caramel Macchiato and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew), Starbucks’ drinks are known for being ultra tasty. But, unfortunately, not all trendy drinks and lattes are nutritious (in fact, they’re often loaded with sugar).
So, when it comes to our health, where does this viral olive oil coffee land?
Well, it just so happens that olive oil is a dietary staple among the longest-living people on the planet (i.e., The Blue Zone). Cold-pressed olive oil is rich in polyphenols, loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Plus, according to 2022 research from Harvard, it’s linked to increased longevity. In fact, researchers found those who consumed a daily dose of olive oil (about ½ a tbsp per day) had a 19% lower risk of death compared with those who opted out of consuming it.
And, unlike popular coffee add-ins — like ghee and butter, which are full of saturated fats — olive oil is predominantly rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. When it comes to benefiting heart health, supporting weight loss, and regulating blood sugar, monounsaturated fats like olive oil have proven to be superior to their saturated counterparts.
That said, a tablespoon of olive oil is still a tablespoon of olive oil — meaning, each cup of olive oil-infused joe will come with an added 120 calories. Despite being a healthy source of fat, it’s still a high-calorie and high-fat food. So, you’ll want to be mindful of portions and beware of any additional add-ins, sugary syrups, or sweetened milk or creamers.
How Does It Taste?
The ultimate question — did it pass the taste test?
Described by Schultz as “an unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor,” this coffee concoction sounds like a sip of indulgent, Italian coffee heaven. And, based on reviews thus far, it appears coffee lovers would agree! Reportedly “smooth, sweet, and silky” the Oleato line sounds delicious and indulgent. But, considering it’s brand new to the menu, it’s too soon to say for certain.
Wishing you could give it a sip? Good news — it’s coming to various U.S. Starbucks locations! Meaning, you’ll be able to taste test it yourself. Select stores in Chicago and New York City have already started rolling out their olive oil-boosted menus. And, starting March 27, Olive Oil Oleato menu items will be available in additional locations around America (including 550 locations in Seattle and Los Angeles).
Coffee & Olive Oil, A Match Made In Heaven?
From butter coffee to Bulletproof blends, adding fat to coffee is nothing new. But, considering the health benefits of olive oil and coffee, this Italian-inspired brew could be onto something.
Maybe it’s a coincidence that this anti-aging, Blue Zone-approved ingredient made it into the new line — or, just an added bonus. Whatever the case, the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, is reportedly “more excited than he’s been in 40 years” for this new launch (which was inspired by his time in Sicily, where drinking olive oil-infused coffee is an Italian custom). And we’re happy it found its way here! That said, be sure to check the ingredients for sugars, calories, and additives. And, be mindful of portions!
With that in mind, give it a try yourself. Cheers!
