📹 Video First: Taste-Test Chaos or Genius Brew?
Forget oat milk. Starbucks just dropped olive oil coffee and the internet hasn’t stopped gagging, praising, or poop-joking since. The drink line, called Oleato, is a bold blend of espresso and cold-pressed olive oil — a combo no one asked for, yet everyone seems weirdly obsessed with.
From Reddit rants to TikTok taste tests, reactions range from “smooth and nutty” to “drinkable regret in a cup.” But what’s really behind this slippery trend? And why is Starbucks betting your morning latte needs more… EVOO?
🌿 Where Did This Idea Even Come From?
Apparently, it all started with Howard Schultz’s trip to Sicily, where olive oil is a wellness staple. He came back thinking: “Why not mix it with coffee?”
(We’re assuming jet lag was involved.)
So, in classic Starbucks fashion, they went big — launching Oleato across select U.S. cities, Italy, Japan, and the UK.
You can now order a Hot Oleato Latte, an Iced Shaken Espresso with olive oil, or the Cold Brew version if you really like living dangerously.
😬 Internet Reactions: “Did Starbucks Just Invent Salad Coffee?”
The Oleato buzz wasn’t slow-brewed. Social media got spicy real fast.
TikTok is split down the middle
@thebasicbean
“First sip: velvety. Five minutes later: my stomach staged a revolt.”
@coffeechronicles
“Olive oil in coffee is either genius or gastrointestinal sabotage. There is no in-between.”
@maddiebrews
“Tried DIYing it with Trader Joe’s EVOO. It separated like my will to live.”
Reddit went full espresso-rage
r/Starbucks user u/bitterbreve
“It tasted like hot vinaigrette. I want my $6 back.”
u/lattelawyer
“I liked it but had to call in sick from the bathroom.”
X (formerly Twitter) delivered peak sarcasm
@sipandsatire
“Starbucks CEO: What if coffee… but slippery?”
@danielletweets
“Olive oil in espresso? I’m convinced they’re just testing how far we’ll go for clout.”
💩 Let’s Talk About the “Digestive” Side Effects
Here’s what no one at Starbucks will say out loud:
Oleato might send you straight to the bathroom.
Why? Science time:
- Olive oil has natural laxative properties.
- Caffeine already stimulates the gut.
- Mix them and… let’s just say TikTokers are calling it the “Starblax Effect.”
📰 Even The New York Times called it “a gastrointestinal gamble” in their review.
To be fair, not everyone had issues. But if you’re sipping this on an empty stomach — maybe keep your schedule flexible.
🌍 Global Tastebuds, Local Side-Eyes
Reactions across the world have been… spicy.
Italy: “Mamma mia, what is this?”
Coffee is sacred in Italy. So when Starbucks brought olive oil lattes to Milan, baristas rolled their eyes so hard it echoed.
“Olive oil is for pasta. Not cappuccino.” — anonymous Milanese café owner via La Repubblica
Japan: Curious, chill, respectful
Japanese Starbucks fans were far more open-minded.
In Tokyo, the Oleato line sold out in days, with fans calling it “earthy, mellow, and calming.”
USA: Influencers, chaos, content
Los Angeles content creators lined up for first-sips and filmed reactions like:
- Bathroom confessionals
- Dramatic latte spills
- Olive oil ASMR (yes, really)
🎯 Is This Just a Marketing Flex?
Absolutely. Starbucks knows weird = viral.
And in an era of Butter Boards and pickle ice cream, olive oil coffee makes perfect sense (well, kind of).
This isn’t just about flavor — it’s about clout sips. You drink it, post it, tag Starbucks, and boom: brand engagement.
👀 Also trending: AI Baristas and the Future of Coffee Customization
👀 Should You Actually Try It?
We taste-tested the Hot Oleato Latte. It’s… fine? Warm. Slightly nutty. Not gross, not great.
The Cold Brew though? Tasted like olive oil bubble tea with no bubbles and lots of confusion.
Bottom line:
✅ Try it if you love:
- Trendy drinks
- Instagram stories
- Digestive risks
❌ Skip it if you:
- Hate oily textures
- Value your digestive peace
- Want your coffee to taste like, well… coffee
🧠 Quick FAQ
Q: What is Oleato exactly?
A: Starbucks’ new line of drinks blending espresso with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Q: Is it good for you?
A: Olive oil has heart-health benefits — but combined with caffeine, it might hit your gut like a wrecking ball.
Q: Does it taste good?
A: Mixed reviews. Hot drinks fare better. Cold ones can feel greasy.
Q: Where can I try it?
A: Only in select Starbucks Reserve stores across the US, UK, Italy, and Japan.
