Starbucks is always changing their menu and featuring new drinks, but their latest drop has taken many by surprise. Instead of new flavors or new syrups, their new line is olive-oil infused coffees.
The Starbucks Oleato line consists of extra virgin olive oil infused in their Caffé Latte, the Iced Shaken Espresso, and the Golden Foam Cold Brew. The line first debuted on February 22, and debuted on March 22 in the U.S. According to the official Starbucks website, the line first debuted in February in select stores in Italy, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York. and will slowly be expanding to Japan, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.
The olive oil is meant to create a smoother and creamier texture, and it holds many health benefits. Some of these benefits being its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it can prevent strokes and heart disease, and it can reduce risk of cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
Starbucks’ Interim Chief Executive Officer, Howard Schultz, wanted to look for new, innovative ideas to bring to Starbucks and its consumers. “Oleato represents the next revolution in coffee that brings together an alchemy of nature’s finest ingredients – Starbucks arabica coffee beans and Partanna cold pressed extra virgin olive oil,” said Schultz.
However, the new collection has received mixed reactions.
Some customers don’t mind the strange addition, and are willing to overlook the slight taste of olive oil for the sake of the health benefits. They agree that it does give a smoother and richer texture, as it’s intended to, and some believe that the oil mixes well with cold foam and creates a sweet taste.
Others are against the new line and believe that the olive oil taste is too overpowering and does not belong in coffee. The initial scent turns some people away, and some claim that the taste lingers and “burns” in the back of their throat. The oil can also leave a residue around the top of the cup, since the oil separates from the other ingredients after a while, and the sight may look unappealing to some.
Some avid Starbucks fanatics believe that rather than introducing new additions to the menu, they should bring back other items that are no longer on the menu. Many were upset when it was announced that the raspberry syrup and the Violet Drink were to be discontinued, and would prefer other new seasonal drinks as opposed to creating a new line.
Most agree that the general concept is somewhat bizarre, but the divide is over who can overlook the taste and appreciates the benefits, versus those who are too strongly against the idea. If you would like to try any of the three new drinks for yourself, look online at the Starbucks website to find the select locations where the new line is offered.