Starbucks Oleato is the unexpected smooth, sweet coffee offering

Starbucks Oleato, photo provided by Starbucks
Starbucks Oleato, photo provided by Starbucks /
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From that complicated Frappuccino order to a simple Pike Place Roast, Starbucks has a plethora of coffee options on the menu. Although some people never vary from their signature order, the coffee giant is always looking to expand its beverage offerings. The new Starbucks Oleato is an unexpected coffee beverage addition but one that everyone will want to try once.

Some coffee combinations have people confuddled. While Ashton Kutcher might prefer a splash of orange juice in his coffee and some people have become accustomed to butter in their cup, there are various combinations that are far different from a splash of cream and a spoonful of sugar.

Still, coffee and olive oil have rich traditions, especially in the Italian culture. From that small cup of espresso to sip away the cares of the day to the olive oil staple that flavors a multitude of recipes, the two food items are always in the kitchen. Still, combining the two items together might not seem like the most likely pairing.

According to Amy Dilger, principal beverage developer for Starbucks, “infusing Starbucks coffee with olive oil yielded a velvety smooth, rich texture, with the buttery, round flavors imparted by the olive oil perfectly pairing with the soft, chocolatey notes of the coffee.”

Although not necessarily expected, it needs to be tried before passing judgment. Howard Schultz, Starbucks interim chief executive officer believes “Oleato has opened our eyes to fresh new possibilities and a transformational way to enjoy our daily coffee. Oleato represents the next revolution in coffee that brings together an alchemy of nature’s finest ingredients – Starbucks arabica coffee beans and Partanna cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.”

Starbucks Oleato core coffee beverages,
Starbucks Oleato core beverages, photo provided by Starbucks /

How can guests order Starbucks Oleato?

The newest beverage offering, Starbucks Oleato will begin to be available in Italy starting on February 22 with additional locations in Southern California later this spring and other global markets later in the year. Specifically, the beverage infused Starbucks arabica coffee with a spoonful of Partanna cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil.

The three main beverages that will be offered are Oleato Cafee Latte, Oleato Golden Foam, and Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso. What is interesting about these beverages is that two of the three offerings use oatmilk. Although Starbucks did not comment on the reasoning behind these ingredient combinations, it might be a more complex, enjoyable flavor experience.

Although there will be sweet notes in each of the beverages, there might be a savory slant to each offering. Similar to Golden Lattes that have more robust flavors, the olive oil enhancing the oatmilk is both a flavor and a texture that influences sipping enjoyment.

While it might be a while till all Starbucks locations offer the Oleato, it could be an idea that some people could try at home. Why not add a touch of good olive oil to that latte. It could be a new take on the bullet coffee trend.

What do you think of the Starbucks Oleato? Would you want to try one of these beverages?