Starbucks has come up with unique installments in the past, but their new drink line beats out the competition. Inspired by Italy’s Oleato drink launch from earlier this year, the line has now made its way into select stores in the US.
What makes the Oleato line so unique is that these coffees contain Partanna olive oil. Many fans of Starbucks are confused with Oleato and why olive oil being put into a drink would be a good idea. VALLEY is also intrigued by this product line.
Olive oil has some great digestive and heart health benefits, so Oleato is a healthier alternative to other Starbucks beverages. They also contain plant-based kinds of milk, which add to the drink’s nutritional value. The downside to the drink is that the olive oil, which is a relaxant, and caffeine, which is a stimulant, act as a natural laxative when consumed together. Many customers have reported that they ran to the bathroom quickly after consuming the drink.
The line consists of the caffè latte, the Golden Foam cold brew, and the iced shaken espresso. Starbucks describes them as “An unexpected alchemy of Starbucks finest arabica coffee infused with Partanna® extra virgin olive oil offers a velvety smooth, deliciously lush new coffee experience,” but some customers find the combination of flavors confusing. The smell also has been described as a salad doused in oil.
Overall, the reviews on these drinks have been pretty mixed. Some people enjoy the richness of the olive oil and think it blends nicely with the caffeine taste. Others think that the olive oil tastes wrong in the drinks. But from both sides of the reviews, one thing is for sure: The olive oil taste is strong. Another complaint that people have is that the oil separates from the drink quickly, so you have to drink it fast. But among the reviews, many were shocked by the taste combination of oil and caffeine.
State College Starbucks sadly does not have the Oleato line, so no students or townies will be getting their hands on them in the area. If you are inclined to try it, stores in Seattle and Los Angeles and Reserves in Chicago, Seattle and New York are the only places in the US serving the beverages.
If olive oil is your forté, these might be the beverages for you. And even if you are not a huge fan of olive oil, the drinks might surprise you. Tweet us @VALLEYmag if you want to try it!
