Looking for a way to add healthy fats to your morning coffee while making it taste creamier? Adding olive oil to coffee might be the answer. This Mediterranean-inspired trend, popularized by Starbucks' Oleato line, combines extra virgin olive oil with coffee to create a velvety, buttery beverage that provides sustained energy and potential health benefits.
While it may sound unusual, olive oil in coffee offers surprising advantages: increased satiety, enhanced cognitive function, and a boost of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The key is using quality extra virgin olive oil and enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Quick Summary: Should You Try Olive Oil in Coffee?
Potential Benefits:
- Increases feelings of fullness and reduces calorie intake
- Provides sustained energy from healthy fats
- Enhances cognitive function and protects brain health
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols)
- Creates a smooth, creamy texture similar to a latte
Considerations:
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste
- Be mindful of added sugars in commercial versions
- Enjoy in moderation (1-2 tablespoons max per day)
Why Is Starbucks Adding Olive Oil To Coffee?
Starbucks' olive oil coffee, called Oleato, enhances the flavor profile by combining the fruity, nutty notes of olive oil with coffee's natural bitterness. The result is a well-rounded taste with a smooth, creamy texture that rivals traditional lattes—without dairy.
But the real story behind this innovation is more personal than you might think.
The Inspiration Behind Starbucks' Oleato
Howard Schultz, Starbucks' interim CEO, discovered this unique combination during a trip to Sicily. There, he learned about the Mediterranean tradition of consuming a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil daily for its health benefits. Intrigued, Schultz began incorporating Partanna extra virgin olive oil into his morning routine alongside his coffee.
Eventually, he experimented with combining the two—and was amazed by the results.
"I was stunned at the unique flavor and texture created when the Partanna extra virgin olive oil was infused into Starbucks coffee. In both hot and cold coffee beverages, it produced an unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor that enhanced the coffee and lingered beautifully on the palate." - Howard Schultz
This discovery led to the creation of Oleato, Starbucks' coffee infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. The beverage launched on February 22, 2023, at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan and in select Italian Starbucks locations. Since then, it has expanded to other markets worldwide.
Is The Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee Drink Healthy?
The answer is nuanced. While olive oil itself offers genuine health benefits, commercial versions of olive oil coffee drinks may not provide all the advantages you'd expect.
The Health Benefits Are Real
Olive oil is packed with:
- Monounsaturated fats that support heart health
- Antioxidants (polyphenols) that fight inflammation
- Compounds linked to improved cognitive function
- Healthy fats that promote satiety and sustained energy
But There Are Caveats
The amount of olive oil used in Starbucks' Oleato drinks may be insufficient to provide significant health benefits. While it enhances flavor and texture, the oil content is likely minimal compared to the therapeutic dose of 1-2 tablespoons recommended in Mediterranean diets.
Additionally, many Starbucks olive oil coffee drinks contain added sugars, which can negate some of olive oil's benefits. Added sugars contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Inflammation
- Increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes
The Bottom Line
Starbucks' olive oil coffee can be a tasty treat, but don't count on it as a primary health food. For the best results, make your own olive oil coffee at home using high-quality extra virgin olive oil and minimal added sweeteners.
What Does Olive Oil In Your Coffee Do?
Adding olive oil to coffee might sound strange, but it offers several science-backed benefits that make it worth trying.
1. Increases Feelings of Fullness
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil combined with caffeine can help you feel fuller faster and longer. This effect can naturally reduce your calorie intake throughout the day.
Research shows that olive oil triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that signals satiety to your brain. As a result, you're less likely to reach for mid-morning snacks or overeat at lunch.
The healthy fats also provide sustained energy, making olive oil coffee an excellent pre-workout drink or afternoon pick-me-up without the crash that comes from sugar-laden beverages.
2. Enhances Mental Performance
Your brain is made up of approximately 60% fat, so consuming quality fats like those found in olive oil can significantly impact cognitive function. Research shows a direct correlation between good fat consumption and enhanced mental performance.
The antioxidants in olive oil, particularly polyphenols, protect your brain from oxidative stress—a key factor in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Combined with coffee's caffeine, which improves focus and alertness, you get a powerful cognitive boost.
3. Supports Heart Health
Olive oil is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to enhanced cardiovascular health. Regular consumption may:
- Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Raise HDL (good) cholesterol
- Reduce blood pressure
- Decrease inflammation in blood vessels
These effects can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
4. Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols, potent plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body. These compounds:
- Fight free radicals that damage cells
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body
- May lower cancer risk
- Support healthy aging
The combination of coffee's antioxidants and olive oil's polyphenols creates a beverage with exceptional protective properties.
5. Adds Rich Flavor and Creamy Texture
Beyond the health benefits, olive oil transforms your coffee's taste and mouthfeel. It adds:
- Sweet, nutty, and fruity notes that balance coffee's bitterness
- A velvety, creamy texture similar to a latte
- A buttery finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate
Many people find that olive oil makes black coffee more enjoyable and eliminates the need for dairy or artificial creamers.
Why Olive Oil Is Integral To Blue Zones Diets
Blue Zones are regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than the global average. These include:
- Ikaria, Greece
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California
The Mediterranean Connection
One striking commonality among several Blue Zones—particularly in the Mediterranean regions—is their liberal use of extra virgin olive oil. These populations treat it like a dietary staple, not a condiment.
Their plant-based diets are high in healthy fats, with olive oil playing a central role. Residents of these regions:
- Use olive oil to sauté vegetables over low heat
- Drizzle it generously over steamed or boiled vegetables
- Consume it raw in salads and dips
- Often take a spoonful daily as a health tonic
The Ikarian Example
On the Greek island of Ikaria, researchers discovered that middle-aged residents who consumed approximately six tablespoons of olive oil daily had a 50% lower risk of dying than those who didn't.
This dramatic finding highlights how consistent, generous consumption of high-quality olive oil can impact longevity. Combined with whole grains, legumes, seasonal vegetables, and moderate physical activity, olive oil forms the foundation of a diet that supports exceptional health into old age.
Lessons for Your Coffee Routine
If you're looking to incorporate more olive oil into your diet, adding it to your morning coffee is an easy starting point. While Blue Zones residents don't traditionally drink olive oil coffee, the principle remains the same: regular consumption of quality olive oil provides cumulative health benefits.
Start with one teaspoon in your morning cup and gradually increase to one tablespoon as you adjust to the flavor. Choose extra virgin olive oil from reputable producers—the quality matters for both taste and health benefits.
How To Make Olive Oil Coffee At Home
Making your own olive oil coffee is simple and allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients.
What You'll Need:
- Freshly brewed coffee (8-12 oz)
- 1-2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Blender or milk frother
- Optional: honey, cinnamon, or vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee using your preferred method
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil to your cup
- Use a blender or frother to emulsify the oil and coffee for 10-15 seconds
- Add optional sweeteners or spices if desired
- Enjoy immediately while it's hot and frothy
Pro Tips:
- Emulsifying is key—don't skip the blending step, or the oil will float on top
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and benefits
- Start with less oil and gradually increase to find your preferred amount
- Experiment with different coffee roasts to find your favorite pairing
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ Does olive oil in coffee taste good?
▶ How much olive oil should I add to coffee?
▶ What type of olive oil is best for coffee?
▶ Will olive oil in coffee help me lose weight?
▶ Can I use olive oil in cold brew coffee?
▶ Is olive oil coffee safe for everyone?
▶ Does heating olive oil in coffee destroy its benefits?
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Olive Oil In Coffee?
Olive oil in coffee is more than just a trendy novelty—it's a science-backed way to add healthy fats, antioxidants, and sustained energy to your morning routine. When made properly with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it creates a delicious, creamy beverage that rivals traditional lattes without dairy.
The key is moderation and quality. Use 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, blend it well, and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. Skip the commercial versions loaded with added sugars and make your own at home for maximum health benefits.
Whether you're inspired by Mediterranean longevity secrets, curious about Starbucks' Oleato line, or simply looking to upgrade your morning coffee, olive oil is worth experimenting with. Start small, adjust to your taste, and see how this ancient ingredient can transform your modern coffee ritual.
Ready to explore more coffee health trends? Check out our guides on CBD oil in coffee, MCT oil benefits, and adding collagen to your coffee.
