Starbucks’ Latest Creation: Unveiling the Oleato™

What Is Starbucks’ New Drink? The Starbucks Oleato™ is a groundbreaking line of beverages that infuses Starbucks arabica coffee with Partanna extra virgin olive oil. This innovative concept, spearheaded by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, aims to elevate the coffee experience by introducing a velvety, smooth texture and a subtle, unique flavor profile. The Oleato™ line typically features three core drinks: the Oleato™ Caffè Latte, the Oleato™ Iced Shaken Espresso, and the Oleato™ Golden Foam Cold Brew. These drinks are available with both hot and iced options and represent a significant departure from Starbucks’ traditional menu, venturing into uncharted territory with a focus on sensory experience and unexpected flavor combinations.

Diving Deeper: Understanding the Oleato™ Experience

The Oleato™ isn’t just about adding olive oil to coffee; it’s about crafting a harmonious blend. The Partanna olive oil, sourced from Sicily, is carefully selected for its bright, slightly fruity notes that complement the arabica coffee’s inherent characteristics. The process involves steam-infusing the olive oil into the coffee, creating a unique and integrated flavor profile rather than a simple topping or addition.

Key Elements of the Oleato™ Line:

• Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The cornerstone of the Oleato™, providing a unique flavor dimension and luxurious texture.
• Arabica Coffee: Starbucks’ signature coffee blend forms the foundation of the beverages.
• Steam Infusion: A proprietary process that binds the olive oil and coffee, creating a cohesive and palatable experience.
• Variety of Applications: The Oleato™ concept is applied to various popular Starbucks drinks, offering diverse options for consumers.

Exploring the Specific Oleato™ Drinks

Each drink within the Oleato™ line offers a distinct experience:

• Oleato™ Caffè Latte: This showcases the core concept most directly. The steam-infused olive oil adds a remarkable smoothness to the latte, enhancing the coffee’s inherent flavors. The result is a creamy, velvety latte with a subtly fruity aroma.
• Oleato™ Iced Shaken Espresso: A bolder and more refreshing take. The shaken espresso, combined with the olive oil infusion, provides a vibrant and invigorating experience. The chill enhances the fruity notes of the olive oil, making it a perfect choice for warmer weather.
• Oleato™ Golden Foam Cold Brew: This drink features cold brew coffee topped with a layer of olive oil-infused golden foam. The foam adds a luxurious, sweet finish and a decadent texture to the refreshing cold brew. This is often seen as a great entry point for those hesitant about the full olive oil infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Oleato™

Here are some frequently asked questions that will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Oleato™ line and its impact:

1. What does Oleato™ actually taste like?

The taste is surprisingly subtle. The olive oil doesn’t overpower the coffee but instead adds a smooth, rich, and almost buttery flavor. Many describe it as a slightly nutty or fruity aftertaste, enhancing the overall coffee experience. Think of it as a velvety texture that rounds out the bitterness of the coffee, adding a new dimension to the palate.

2. Is the Oleato™ drink healthy?

While extra virgin olive oil has known health benefits, such as being a good source of antioxidants and healthy fats, the Oleato™ drinks are not marketed as health beverages. The added olive oil does increase the calorie and fat content of the drinks compared to their non-Oleato™ counterparts. Moderation is always key.

3. Where is Oleato™ available?

Initially launched in Italy, the Oleato™ is now available in select Starbucks locations globally, including the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with potential expansions planned. Availability may vary by region and store. Check the Starbucks app or your local store for specific details.

4. How much does an Oleato™ drink cost?

Oleato™ drinks typically cost more than their standard counterparts due to the added expense of the olive oil and the specialized preparation process. Prices will vary based on location and drink size. Expect to pay a premium of approximately $1 to $2.

5. Can I customize the Oleato™ drinks?

Yes, you can customize Oleato™ drinks to your liking. You can adjust the sweetness, add different syrups, or even modify the amount of olive oil infusion. However, keep in mind that altering the drink too much might diminish the intended flavor profile.

6. What kind of olive oil is used in Oleato™?

Starbucks specifically uses Partanna extra virgin olive oil, sourced from Sicily. This particular olive oil is chosen for its high quality, bright flavor, and subtle fruity notes that complement the coffee’s taste.

7. How is the olive oil infused into the coffee?

The olive oil is infused into the coffee using a unique steam-infusion process. This involves steaming the olive oil and coffee together, creating a harmonious blend that integrates the flavors rather than simply layering them on top of each other.

8. Is Oleato™ a permanent addition to the Starbucks menu?

Starbucks has indicated that the Oleato™ is intended to be a long-term offering, though its permanent placement on the menu will likely depend on its popularity and customer feedback. It is currently being rolled out in phases across different markets.

9. What are the potential side effects of drinking Oleato™?

While generally safe for consumption, some individuals have reported digestive discomfort after consuming Oleato™ drinks. This might be due to the added fat content of the olive oil. Start with a smaller size to assess your tolerance.

10. Can I order Oleato™ drinks online or through the Starbucks app?

Yes, in most locations where Oleato™ is available, you can order the drinks online or through the Starbucks app for pickup or delivery, depending on your area.

11. What if I don’t like the taste of olive oil? Should I try Oleato™?

If you’re hesitant about the olive oil flavor, consider trying the Oleato™ Golden Foam Cold Brew first. The foam provides a more subtle introduction to the flavor profile. Alternatively, you can ask for a sample of the olive oil-infused coffee before committing to a full drink.

12. Has any other coffee company done something similar before?

While the concept of adding fats like butter or coconut oil to coffee has gained some traction (think bulletproof coffee), Starbucks’ Oleato™ represents a unique and ambitious approach to infusing high-quality olive oil into a broad range of coffee beverages. It is a notable innovation within the coffee industry, setting it apart from previous trends.

The Future of Oleato™: A Bold Experiment

The Starbucks Oleato™ represents a bold experiment, a foray into uncharted territory that aims to redefine the coffee experience. Its success will depend on consumer adoption and the ability of Starbucks to effectively communicate the unique value proposition of this innovative beverage line. While some may be skeptical, the Oleato™ undeniably sparks curiosity and invites coffee lovers to embark on a sensory journey.