Beyond the Brew: What Happens When You Mix Coffee and Olive Oil?

October 27, 2025 •

5 min read

Inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, the unusual combination of coffee and olive oil has gained recent popularity. But what happens when you mix coffee and olive oil, and is this wellness trend actually good for you? The mix adds healthy fats and antioxidants to your cup, potentially altering the caffeine absorption and overall nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

Combining coffee with olive oil infuses the beverage with antioxidants and healthy fats for potential health benefits. Learn about its effect on energy levels, satiety, and heart health, while also considering its higher calorie count and how to prepare it to avoid separation.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: Healthy fats in olive oil slow caffeine absorption, preventing energy crashes and providing a steadier boost.
Enhanced Antioxidant Profile: Combining coffee and EVOO multiplies the antioxidant content, helping to fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Heart Health Support: Olive oil's monounsaturated fats and polyphenols can improve cholesterol levels and offer significant cardiovascular benefits.
Increased Satiety: The healthy fat content helps promote feelings of fullness, which can aid in appetite control and weight management.
Calorie Considerations: Olive oil significantly increases the calorie count of your coffee, so moderation is key to avoid unintentional weight gain.
Proper Emulsification is Crucial: To achieve a creamy texture and prevent separation, you must use a blender or frother to combine the oil and coffee thoroughly.
Gut Health Benefits: The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil and healthy fats may support a healthier gut microbiome.
Taste Varies: The flavor is subjective, so starting with a small amount of a high-quality EVOO is recommended to find your preference.

The Rise of Olive Oil Coffee

In recent years, the idea of adding a spoonful of fat to your morning coffee has moved from a niche wellness practice to a global trend, thanks in part to brands like Starbucks launching olive oil-infused beverages. This modern take on 'fat coffee' draws inspiration from two distinct places: the 'bulletproof coffee' movement, which uses butter and MCT oil, and the traditional Mediterranean diet, where extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a staple. As people look for ways to upgrade their daily routine, pouring a premium fat like olive oil into their brew has become an appealing option, promising a boost of antioxidants and healthy fats.

The Synergy of Two Nutritional Powerhouses

On their own, both coffee and olive oil are lauded for their health-promoting properties. Coffee, aside from its caffeine content, is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and chlorogenic acids. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Combining the two creates a beverage with a significantly enhanced nutritional profile.

Potential Health Benefits

Mixing coffee with olive oil can offer several health advantages by creating a synergy between their respective compounds:

Sustained Energy and Reduced Jitters: The healthy fats in olive oil slow down the absorption of caffeine. This means the energy boost is released more gradually over a longer period, helping to prevent the rapid spike and crash that some people experience with black coffee. The result is a steadier, more prolonged sense of alertness and focus.
Increased Antioxidant Intake: Olive oil adds another layer of antioxidant protection to your cup. The polyphenols in EVOO, combined with coffee's own antioxidants, work to combat free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body. This powerful antioxidant blend may support cellular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Enhanced Satiety and Appetite Control: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are highly satiating, helping you feel fuller for longer. For those looking to manage their weight, adding a tablespoon of olive oil can help curb cravings and reduce overall daily caloric intake by replacing less nutritious snacks. A 2018 study even suggested overweight women who added olive oil to their morning meal lost more body fat.
Cardiovascular Health: Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet for good reason—it's excellent for your heart. Its fats can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol while raising "good" HDL cholesterol. When paired with coffee's known cardiovascular benefits, this mixture may offer amplified support for heart health.
Improved Cognitive Function: Both ingredients have been independently linked to improved brain health. The healthy fats in olive oil are essential for brain function, while coffee's caffeine boosts alertness. Together, they may enhance cognitive performance, focus, and memory.
Gut Health Support: Olive oil contains compounds that may promote a healthier gut microbiome by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. For those with sensitive digestion, the fat can also help buffer the acidity of coffee.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

While the benefits are promising, mixing coffee and olive oil is not without its considerations:

Caloric Density: Olive oil is calorie-rich. A single tablespoon contains approximately 119 calories. For those tracking their caloric intake, this can add up quickly. It's crucial to consume this drink in moderation, especially if weight loss is the goal.
Digestive Issues: Excessive consumption of olive oil can have a mild laxative effect and may cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, particularly for those with sensitive digestive systems. Start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.
Unpleasant Taste and Texture: Not everyone enjoys the peppery or fruity notes of olive oil in their morning cup. Without proper emulsification, the oil can separate, leaving an oily layer on top. Blending is the best way to achieve a creamy texture.

How to Make Olive Oil Coffee

Achieving the right taste and texture is all about proper preparation. The key is to thoroughly emulsify the oil with the coffee.

Classic Olive Oil Coffee

Brew your coffee: Prepare an 8-ounce cup of your favorite hot, strong coffee.
Combine and blend: In a blender, add your hot coffee and 1 teaspoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Use EVOO for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
Emulsify: Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and well-combined. This prevents the oil from separating. Exercise caution when blending hot liquids.
Serve: Pour into a mug and enjoy the creamy texture.

Variations for Flavor

Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder to complement the nutty notes.
For a sweeter profile, add a hint of honey or a sugar-free sweetener.
For a latte experience, you can steam the olive oil with milk or a plant-based milk alternative before combining it with espresso.

How Olive Oil Coffee Compares to Other Trends


Feature	Olive Oil Coffee	Bulletproof Coffee	Standard Black Coffee
Healthy Fats	Monounsaturated (heart-healthy)	Saturated and MCTs	None
Calorie Count	Approx. 120-150 kcal per cup	Approx. 200-250 kcal per cup	Approx. 2-5 kcal per cup
Antioxidants	From both coffee and EVOO	From coffee only	From coffee only
Satiety Effect	Moderate	Very high	Low
Energy Boost	Sustained and steady	Sustained with potential mental clarity	Rapid, with potential jitters
Cholesterol Impact	Neutral to positive (may lower LDL)	Controversial (may raise LDL in some)	Neutral
Drawbacks	Newer trend, taste may not appeal	High saturated fat content	No added fats

Conclusion: A Nuanced Approach to a New Trend

Combining coffee and olive oil is more than a fleeting fad; it's a practice that marries the health benefits of two powerhouse ingredients. The result is a beverage that offers a sustained energy boost, a potent dose of antioxidants, and a creamy texture that can make your morning ritual more satisfying. However, the key to incorporating this drink healthily lies in moderation. Due to its high caloric content, olive oil coffee should not replace a balanced, nutritious breakfast, and it's essential to listen to your body's digestive response. As with any dietary addition, it is not a 'magic potion,' but rather one component of a holistic, healthy lifestyle that includes a varied diet and regular physical activity. For most people, a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is a safe and potentially beneficial way to elevate their coffee experience.

For more in-depth information on the health benefits of olive oil, consider consulting reputable sources like the research found on the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olive oil coffee is a beverage created by blending or frothing a small amount of extra virgin olive oil into a cup of coffee. The emulsification process gives the coffee a smooth, creamy, and velvety texture.

Yes, it can be healthy when consumed in moderation. It combines the antioxidants of coffee with the healthy monounsaturated fats and additional antioxidants of olive oil, offering potential benefits for heart and brain health.

Benefits include more sustained energy release due to slowed caffeine absorption, increased antioxidant intake, improved satiety for appetite control, and enhanced cardiovascular health from EVOO's healthy fats.

Potential risks include increased caloric intake, which can counteract weight management efforts. Excessive consumption can also lead to digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea for some individuals.

While the healthy fats can increase satiety and potentially reduce cravings, olive oil also adds significant calories. The effect on weight loss depends on overall diet and calorie balance, not just the single addition to your coffee.

To make it at home, blend a cup of hot coffee with 1 teaspoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a blender for about 30 seconds. This emulsifies the oil and creates a creamy consistency.

For the best flavor and maximum nutritional benefits, use a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Opt for a mild flavor profile if you want a subtle taste, or a more robust one for a peppery finish.

The taste is subjective. When properly emulsified, it can lend a creamy texture and nutty sweetness. However, some find the taste unappealing, especially if too much oil is used or it isn't blended well.

Olive oil coffee primarily uses heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while bulletproof coffee relies on saturated fats from butter and MCT oil. Olive oil provides additional antioxidants, whereas bulletproof coffee often has a higher calorie count.

Yes, olive oil can be added to cold coffee beverages like iced coffee or cold brew. The key is to blend it thoroughly with the coffee and other ingredients (like milk or syrup) to ensure proper emulsification.