Starbucks has introduced a new series of beverages for consumers, and they are shockingly different from any other drink previously released. Named the Oleato, the coffee chain is rolling out three new beverages made with extra virgin olive oil. As of right now, these drinks are only available in Italy and select United States  locations, but Starbucks claims that United Kingdom, Middle Eastern, and Japanese launches are coming shortly. 

The three new olive-oil based beverages are offered in the form of lattes, shaken espressos, and cold brews. The  Starbucks Oleato Caffe Latte features a blonde espresso roast, infused with olive oil and steamed with creamy oat milk. The second drink in the launch, the Starbucks Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, offers rich layers of espresso shaken with hazelnut syrup and olive oil infused oat milk. Finally, the Starbucks Oleato Golden  Foam Cold Brew is made with black cold brew, topped with olive oil infused cold foam. Each beverage, made with a spoonful of Partanna extra virgin olive oil, adds about 120 calories and 32 grams of fat to these classic drinks. 

Brady Brewer, Starbucks’ chief marketing officer, noted that the Oleato release “is one of the biggest launches Starbucks has had in decades. Rather than a flavor or a product, it’s really a platform.” Brewer also suggests that customers will be able to use olive oil to customize any drink of their choice. Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, admitted that after traveling to Italy and trying olive oil in his coffee, he was “absolutely stunned at the unique flavor and texture created when the Partanna extra virgin olive oil was mixed with a cup of classic coffee.” From this point on, the idea of the Oleato brand was created.

The benefits of adding olive oil to everyday coffee is widely circulated, and is most commonly linked to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering blood pressure. Additional benefits include lowering the risk of neurodegenerative disease and respiratory disease. Although there are a variety of health benefits linked to the Oleato launch, there are also a ton of mixed opinions about the products, and more reviews are soon to come as the launch is released in locations worldwide.