Decoding the Oleato Trend: Is Olive Oil in Coffee a Good Idea?
Inspired by a Mediterranean custom, Starbucks introduced Oleato coffee in 2023, infusing their arabica coffee with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. While olive oil is celebrated for its health benefits, adding it to coffee creates a complex nutritional profile. The key question is whether Oleato coffee is healthy as a combined product, considering its calorie content and potential digestive impact.
The Health Perks of Adding Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and antioxidants that offer several health advantages when consumed in moderation. These include improved cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol, enhanced absorption of some coffee compounds, anti-inflammatory effects, and promoting satiety and sustained energy.
The Potential Downsides and Risks of Oleato
Combining olive oil with coffee introduces considerations, particularly the high calorie count and potential for digestive issues. A single tablespoon of olive oil adds about 120 calories, and a Grande Oleato Cold Brew can contain up to 380 calories and 34 grams of fat. The mix of caffeine and olive oil can act as a laxative, with many reporting stomach issues. Some experts suggest that incorporating olive oil into meals is a healthier way to get its benefits without these drawbacks.
Oleato vs. Regular Coffee: A Nutritional Comparison
Here is a comparison highlighting the key differences between a standard black coffee and a representative Oleato drink. Note: Nutritional values can vary by size and ingredients, e.g., milk vs. oatmilk.
| Feature | Standard Black Coffee | Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew (Grande) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 5 kcal | Approximately 380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 grams | 34 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 0 grams | 10 grams (50% DV) |
| Heart Health Benefits | Contains antioxidants, but less direct benefit from healthy fats | Infused with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from EVOO |
| Digestive Impact | Can stimulate digestion due to caffeine | Strong potential for laxative-like effect due to caffeine and oil combo |
| Caloric Contribution | Negligible | Significant, needs to be considered in daily intake |
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Oleato
Is Oleato coffee healthy? It offers health benefits from EVOO but comes with a high-calorie count and potential digestive issues. It might suit those on high-fat diets or needing calories, but for most, it's a high-calorie beverage with digestive risks. Experts often recommend getting olive oil's benefits by using it in meals. Oleato is best treated as an occasional indulgence, not a daily health drink. For those trying it, a smaller amount of oil with a meal is suggested to minimize digestive issues. It's a luxurious experience, not primarily a health one.
Further reading on the Mediterranean diet, which heavily features healthy fats like olive oil, can provide more context on how to healthily incorporate this ingredient into your daily life: The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oleato Coffee
What is Oleato coffee?
Oleato is a line of coffee beverages from Starbucks that are infused with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, which adds a lush, velvety texture and rich flavor.
Why does Oleato coffee cause stomach issues?
The combination of caffeine (a bowel stimulant) and olive oil (a known laxative) can cause cramping, abdominal pain, and increase mobility in the colon, leading to a laxative-like effect for many people.
Are there any real health benefits to drinking Oleato?
The extra virgin olive oil in Oleato contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, these benefits must be balanced against the high calorie count and potential digestive side effects of the complete beverage.
How does the calorie count of Oleato compare to regular coffee?
Oleato drinks are significantly higher in calories due to the added olive oil. A Grande Oleato Cold Brew can have 380 calories, whereas a regular black coffee contains almost none.
Is Oleato a healthier alternative to Bulletproof coffee?
Some nutritionists consider Oleato potentially healthier than traditional Bulletproof coffee, which often uses higher amounts of saturated fats like butter or coconut oil. Oleato uses healthier unsaturated fats from olive oil.
Can I make a healthier Oleato-style coffee at home?
Yes, you can make a healthier version at home by adding a smaller amount (e.g., one teaspoon) of high-quality EVOO to your coffee and blending it to create an emulsion. This allows you to control the amount of fat and calories.
Should people with IBS or acid reflux drink Oleato?
Experts advise that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux (GERD) should avoid Oleato, as the high fat and acid content, combined with caffeine, can trigger or worsen symptoms.
