Starbucks, the renowned coffee chain, is stirring up the coffee scene with a unique twist – introducing olive oil into their coffee beverages. This innovative concept has sparked a debate among coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The question on everyone’s lips is – does this unusual combination enhance the coffee experience or is it a step too far?
The Oleato Range: A Bold Experiment with Olive Oil and Coffee
Starbucks’ latest creation, the “Oleato” range (which translates to ‘oiled’ in Italian), was first launched in Italy and has now made its way to the UK. The range offers three distinct beverages: an oat milk latte with a shot of espresso and olive oil, a cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup topped with a sweetened olive oil foam, and an iced shaken espresso with oil, ‘toffeenut’ syrup, and oat milk.
Health Benefits and Taste: A Delicate Balance
Extra virgin olive oil, a key ingredient in these new offerings, is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is known for its health benefits, including its high content of healthy fats and antioxidants. However, the addition of sweeteners and oat milk could potentially offset these benefits.
The verdict on these new beverages is mixed. The cold brew, while refreshing, has its coffee and oil flavors overshadowed by the sweet syrup. The oat milk latte, despite its rich texture, lacks a noticeable olive oil flavor. The iced shaken espresso, on the other hand, allows the olive oil to shine, adding a spicy edge to the bitter coffee, although the syrup does somewhat mar the overall taste.
A Simpler Approach: Olive Oil in Black Coffee
Nutrition experts suggest a simpler approach for those looking to enjoy the health benefits of olive oil in their coffee – adding a shot of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to a freshly brewed black coffee. This combination allows both flavors to be appreciated and could potentially offer a smoother caffeine absorption process.
Try our Specialty Coffee and We'll Plant you a Tree
In the ever-evolving world of coffee, innovation is key. The introduction of olive oil in coffee by Starbucks is just one of many attempts to redefine the coffee experience. It’s interesting to compare this trend with others that have made waves in the coffee industry. For instance, the practice of adding butter to coffee, known as Bulletproof coffee, has gained popularity for its supposed health benefits and energy-boosting properties. Similarly, the use of coconut oil in coffee has been lauded for its unique flavor and health benefits. The olive oil coffee trend, therefore, is part of a larger movement towards experimenting with unconventional additives in coffee.
A Visual Journey: The Olive Oil Coffee Experience
To truly appreciate the uniqueness of Starbucks’ Oleato range, one must not only taste but also see these innovative beverages. The latte with its creamy oat milk, the cold brew topped with a sweetened olive oil foam, and the iced shaken espresso with its distinct layer of olive oil – each drink presents a visual treat that complements its unique flavor profile. The sight of these beverages, with their contrasting layers and textures, adds to the overall coffee drinking experience and invites coffee lovers to venture into uncharted territory.
Join the Conversation: Share Your Coffee Experiences
As we navigate through these exciting coffee trends, we’d love to hear from you. Have you tried the olive oil-infused coffee drinks from Starbucks? Or perhaps you’ve experimented with other unconventional additives in your coffee? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below. Your insights not only add to the richness of our coffee community but also inspire us to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of coffee. You can read the original full story here.
Meet William McGhee, the passionate coffee enthusiast behind Wanderlust Specialty Coffee. Born and raised in MN, William's love for coffee began at a young age. He fondly remembers the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee filling his home every morning, a ritual started by his grandmother, a former barista.
When he's not exploring a new coffee region or writing for his blog, William enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, practicing his photography skills, and of course, brewing a perfect cup of coffee. His favorite coffee? A Guatemalan Single-Origin with notes of dark chocolate.
