Should You Try Putting Olive Oil in Coffee?

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably heard about the latest Starbucks coffee trend to hit social media.

I’m talking about the Starbucks Oleato coffees, which are olive oil-infused drinks.

This new coffee line was reportedly the idea of former CEO Howard Schultz, who came up with the idea while in Tuscany.

As you may have guessed, the Starbucks line of olive oil coffee drinks has received very mixed reviews.

If you have yet to try the Oleato drinks but are curious about what they’re all about, today’s post is for you!

Keep reading to discover whether this new coffee ritual is as healthy as everyone says it is and how you can recreate these drinks at home.

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Why Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil has been promoted as a health-promoting tonic for years.

At the heart of the Mediterranean diet, extra-virgin olive oil is a treasure trove of healthy monounsaturated fats, whose benefits are only now being fully understood.

A daily spoonful of extra virgin olive oil has potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins.

Adding olive oil to your diet might also boost cognitive function.

Research backs the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, but why the push to add it to your morning cup of joe?

Coffee enthusiasts claim that a spoonful of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) added to a cup of coffee tempers the absorption of caffeine, prolonging that delightful burst of energy felt when drinking caffeinated beverages.

The impact on caffeine absorption that olive oil has on coffee is similar to the butter coffee craze of a few years ago.

But unlike butter, olive oil can easily be added to hot or cold beverages, making it the best option for versatile drinking.

Are There Downsides of Adding Olive Oil to Coffee?

As with most things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad.

This also applies to the olive oil-infused coffee trend.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Both olive oil and coffee can have a laxative effect, which can be intensified when combined.

You may also experience increased gas or bloating after consuming fat-infused coffee drinks, such as bulletproof coffee and Starbucks’ Oleato line.

If you’re just trying it out for the first time, err on the side of caution and use less olive oil to gauge your body’s response.

Coffee Texture

Another downside to the olive oil in coffee trend is the change in texture that occurs when the two are combined.

This is especially noticeable in cold versus hot coffee drinks.

The oil tends to float to the top of the drink, leaving a slick film that some people find distasteful.

If you want to try olive oil in coffee but are sensitive to textural changes, add a small amount to the hot coffee drink of your choice.

And you can also mask a spoonful of olive oil with milk and flavor syrup

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, and you’ll never even know the olive oil is there!

Taste

Olive oil has its distinct taste, and if you don’t enjoy its flavor in salad dressings or bruschetta, you may not enjoy it in coffee either.

When first trying the combination, opt for a cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, which has a more subtle flavor than those used in salad dressings.

If you think the taste will be a barrier, add a tiny amount of olive oil to your coffee, to begin with, gradually increasing the amount if you like it.

Calories and Fat Content

Olive oil is considered a fat, and as such, it will add calories to your coffee.

One tablespoon contains approximately 119 calories and 13.5 grams of fat.

Although olive oil is a healthy fat, you should consider the impact daily consumption may have on your general eating patterns.

If you have questions about improving your diet or whether to start consuming olive oil daily, consulting a registered dietitian is a great option!

A dietitian can help you identify areas where you could improve your diet to significantly reduce health risks and improve feelings of well-being.

How Do You Add Olive Oil to Coffee?

There are several ways you can incorporate a bit of olive oil into your coffee favorites.

Hot Coffee Drinks

Some people enjoy this trendy combo by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to their morning coffee.

If you prefer a sweet coffee drink, you can add the olive oil along with the milk.

Simply add the olive oil to the milk before steaming and foaming, then add directly to the espresso and swirl in the flavor syrup.

Add a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll never even know the olive oil is there!

Cold Coffee Drinks

Adding olive oil to cold coffee beverages can get trickier.

The film from the olive oil is definitely more noticeable in a cold beverage than a hot beverage, but it is still an option if you want a cold coffee drink.

You can add olive oil to an iced coffee, Americano, or even a latte.

Again, adding a bit of milk and flavor syrup is a great way to level out the olive oil flavor.

Cold Foam

As this post is being written, Starbucks is offering another way for coffee lovers to experience the olive oil in coffee trend.

Their menu currently has an Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso with Toffeenut.

This drink’s cold foam contains olive oil, mitigating the oil-slick effect of many other cold coffee drinks.

Adding olive oil to homemade cold foam is also a great option.

Simply add the olive oil to half-and-half along with a bit of flavor syrup or sugar and beat with a mixer until it reaches your desired consistency.

You could also use an automatic milk foamer or blender or simply shake in a Mason jar.

Blended Coffee Drinks

If blended coffee drinks are your jam, then you’re in luck because olive oil blends seamlessly into these types of beverages.

Thanks to the blending effect, the oil combines more smoothly than other types of drinks.

Because these types of drinks tend to be sweeter, the flavors mask those of the olive oil, which is a bonus if you prefer something else to the straight olive oil flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of olive oil should you use in coffee?

A mild-flavored cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil works best in coffee drinks. Avoid more robust, bold-flavored olive oils, which will clash with coffee’s bold flavors.

Why do people add olive oil to coffee?

Advocates of the olive oil coffee trend feel that consuming the two together leads to a more subtle yet longer-lasting effect from the caffeine than drinking coffee on its own. Furthermore, a diet rich in olive oil can provide many positive health benefits.

What are the health benefits of consuming olive oil?

Olive oil has many reported health benefits when consumed in moderation. The healthy fats boost brain health and reduce the risk of heart disease. The healthy fats in olive oil are also said to support healthy weight and blood sugar levels.

How much olive oil should you add to coffee?

When experimenting with adding olive oil to your morning brew, more is less. Start with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and gradually work up to 1 tablespoon daily. Keep in mind that both coffee and olive oil can have a laxative effect, so it’s best to start by adding less olive oil until you know how your body will tolerate the combination.

Final Thoughts

Although the olive oil in coffee trend is popular for various reasons, there can be downsides. Olive oil has a distinct flavor that some people find distasteful, especially in combination with coffee.

And olive oil doesn’t necessarily combine well with coffee and can leave a film floating at the top of the drink.

Despite the downsides, the health benefits of the type of fatty acids found in olive oil are undeniable, and subtle dietary changes might pave the road to better health.

If you do decide to try the Oleato drinks, make sure to opt for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with a mild taste to avoid overpowering the coffee flavor.

And be willing to experiment! If you don’t like one combination, try something different.

One of the best advantages of becoming a home barista is that you can try whatever you want!

And if you enjoyed this post, make sure to check out my other coffee-inspired content!

Should You Try Putting Olive Oil in Coffee?

Why Olive Oil?