Exploring the Controversy Behind Starbucks’ Olive Oil Coffee Trend

Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Timothy Byron Smith

Starbucks has introduced a new range of special drinks containing olive oil in select markets, sparking interest in the new trend of adding olive oil to coffee.

While this is a brand-new trend, and the health benefits of combining olive oil and coffee have yet to be studied, it goes without saying that olive oil itself is bountiful in its health benefits.

Heart-healthy monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are abundant in olive oil and can help improve immunity, lower bad and raise good cholesterol, and prevent numerous diseases like heart disease. Fans of the new drink say the bitter beverage is given a smooth, velvety texture by the addition of olive oil. For many, olive oil is a welcome condiment to their morning pick-me-up.

However, not everyone has the barista talents the green apron brings. Simply pouring some olive oil into that morning cup of joe may not have the same results. Blending coffee and oil is essentially mixing oil and water, so it is best to use a blender or mixer to ensure the coffee and oil are properly emulsified.

Additionally, both coffee and olive oil are laxatives, so mixing the two first thing in the morning may leave one running for the restroom. Using high-quality olive oil and adding more ingredients to help camouflage the olive oil flavor, such as honey, flavored milk, and spices like cinnamon, can help mitigate the downsides of the trend.

Starbucks’ Oleato line includes an Oleato Caffè Latte, an Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, and an Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, and will be introduced in more locations later this year, including Japan, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.

Pros of adding olive oil to coffee

• Olive oil is packed full of heart-healthy monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad and increase good cholesterol, prevent many illnesses like heart disease, and boost immunity.
• The addition of olive oil to coffee creates a smooth, silky texture to the bitter beverage.

Cons of adding olive oil to coffee

• It is recommended to use a blender or mixer to ensure that the coffee and oil are thoroughly emulsified because blending coffee and oil is effectively mixing oil and water.
• Combining coffee and olive oil first thing in the morning may send one rushing to the toilet because both substances have laxative properties.
• Not everyone enjoys the actual taste of olive oil.

Olive oil coffee recipe

• If you don’t happen to live in one of the areas where Starbucks is offering its newest treat, you can try this copycat version.
• This version is not only delicious but vegan and whips up in just a few minutes.

Ingredients	Instructions
1 cup of brewed coffee	Brew your coffee as you typically would.
1 tsp of olive oil	Add the olive oil to your coffee cup.
1/4 tsp cinnamon	Add the cinnamon to the coffee cup.
1 tsp honey	Add the honey to the coffee cup.
1/4 cup of almond milk	Steam the almond milk or heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat, then froth it.
	Add the frothed milk to your coffee cup and stir everything together.

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