Starbucks is looking to mix up its beverages by tempting customers with new olive oil-infused coffee. The coffee chain’s new line of drinks called Oleato each contains Partanna extra virgin olive oil.
The range of drinks is launching in Italy first before coming to the United States sometime in the spring of 2023. The United Kingdom, Japan and the Middle East will also see the beverage line, expected to launch later this year.
Oleato has five options available, including an oat milk latte and cortado as well as a cold brew, with Starbucks claiming inspiration from the Italian custom of eating a spoonful of olive oil every day. Interim Chief Executive Howard Schultz said that the idea for the olive oil-infused coffee came from a trip to Sicily in 2022.
“I was absolutely stunned at the unique flavour 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 flavour that enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.
“Now, there’s going to be people who say, ‘Olive oil in coffee?’ But the proof is in the cup. In over 40 years, I can’t remember a moment in time where I’ve been more excited, more enthused that demonstrates the pride, the quality, the passion, the heritage and the craft of what Starbucks can do.”
Amy Dilger, principal Starbucks beverage developer, who turned Schultz’s idea into a range of drinks, turned toward ideas like Greek yoghurt with a drizzle of olive oil or olive oil and sea salt ice-cream for inspiration. Apparently, infusing extra virgin olive oil by steaming or shaking it with oat milk creates a “luxurious, textural experience that’s similar to whole milk.”
The move can also be attributed to the success of olive oil-based drinks trending on the video-sharing platform TikTok. Fans of the combination claim that it has anti-inflammatory properties amongst other benefits.