Starbucks Brings Controversial Drink to Coffee Consumers

Starbucks has brought a controversial new drink to its chain stores nationwide. Oleato beverages are infused with olive oil and are available beginning today.

The company’s official site explains the unique combination of olive oil and coffee: “Infused with award-winning Partanna extra virgin olive oil, Oleato is more than a drink. It is a revelation in coffee, one that is luxurious and next-level.”

Following its debut in Italy in February 2023, Oleato beverages are now available at all U.S. Starbucks company-operated and licensed stores. These include grocery stores, airports, and college campuses.

Also, Starbucks Reserve locations in the U.S. serve a unique lineup of Oleato beverages. This includes Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Chicago, Seattle, and New York, the Starbucks Reserve store in the Empire State Building, the Starbucks Reserve Greenwich Lane store in NYC, and the Starbucks Reserve SoDo store in Seattle.

Oleato is also available in certain locations worldwide, including Canada, London, Paris, Osaka, and Tokyo. The olive oil drinks include Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut and Oleato Caffè Latte with Oatmilk.

During a trip to Sicily, Howard Schultz, Starbucks founder and chairman emeritus, was introduced to the Mediterranean custom of taking a spoonful of olive oil daily. After that, he began enjoying a spoonful of Partanna extra virgin olive oil as part of his daily ritual in addition to his morning coffee. He believed the two would greatly complement one another, and thus, Oleato was created.

“I was absolutely stunned at the unique flavor and texture created when the Partanna extra virgin olive oil was infused into Starbucks coffee,” Schultz said. “In both hot and cold coffee beverages, what it produced was an unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor that enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.”

He concluded that he anticipates people will question the idea of olive oil in coffee. However, he claims he cannot remember a moment in time when he has been more excited or enthused by what the company can do in via introducing this unique beverage.