The Viral Trend: Why Olive Oil Coffee?
The idea of adding olive oil to coffee gained mainstream attention largely due to Starbucks' "Oleato" line, inspired by an Italian ritual of taking a daily spoonful of olive oil. The blend of coffee and olive oil promises a "deliciously lush experience" and a unique flavor. Beyond the trend, the appeal lies in combining the health benefits of both coffee and high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). EVOO provides antioxidants and monounsaturated fats known for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects, potentially complementing coffee's own benefits.
Potential Benefits of Adding Olive Oil to Coffee
Incorporating EVOO into your coffee can offer several potential advantages:
- Sustained Energy and Satiety: The fats in olive oil slow caffeine absorption, leading to a more gradual energy release and reduced jitters. These fats can also promote fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Boost: Both coffee and EVOO are rich in antioxidants, offering defense against damage and inflammation. EVOO specifically contains polyphenols and Vitamin E.
- Heart Health Support: Olive oil, a key part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, is linked to reduced cardiovascular risk, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol. Adding it to coffee can be a simple way to include these beneficial fats.
Risks and Considerations for Olive Oil Coffee
Adding olive oil to coffee also has potential downsides:
- Increased Caloric Intake: A tablespoon of EVOO contains about 119 calories. Consuming it daily without adjusting your diet could lead to weight gain.
- Digestive Issues: Too much olive oil, especially on an empty stomach, can cause a laxative effect and discomfort like bloating or diarrhea. Coffee can amplify this effect. Start with a small amount.
- Taste and Emulsification Challenges: Oil and coffee don't mix naturally. Proper blending or frothing is needed to avoid an oily texture. Taste preferences also vary.
How to Make Delicious Olive Oil Coffee
To make a smooth olive oil coffee, emulsification is essential. Blending, frothing, or shaking is necessary.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 tsp to 1 tbsp high-quality EVOO
- Optional additions: oat milk, cinnamon, honey
Instructions:
- Brew coffee and pour into a blender, jar, or frothing pitcher.
- Add olive oil and optional ingredients.
- Emulsify: blend 20-30 seconds, shake vigorously, or froth.
- Pour and enjoy.
Olive Oil Coffee vs. Other High-Fat Coffees
Olive oil coffee differs from other high-fat coffees like Bulletproof coffee:
| Feature | Olive Oil Coffee | Bulletproof Coffee | Standard Coffee with Creamer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Fat Source | Monounsaturated fat (EVOO) | Saturated fat, MCTs (Butter, MCT oil) | Trans fats, sugar, and oils (often) |
| Main Health Benefit | Antioxidants, heart health, anti-inflammatory | Energy boost, mental clarity (claims) | None or negative (if using unhealthy options) |
| Caloric Density | Moderate (~120 kcal per tbsp) | High (~200-250 kcal per cup) | Varies greatly, often high with added sugar |
| Effect on Appetite | Moderate satiety | Very high satiety | Minimal to none |
| GI Issues Risk | Possible (laxative effect in high doses) | Higher (due to saturated fat) | Minimal |
Conclusion: Is Olive Oil in Your Coffee a Healthy Choice?
Adding olive oil to coffee in moderation can be beneficial due to the healthy fats and antioxidants supporting heart health, sustained energy, and satiety. However, it's not a miracle solution and is calorie-dense. Use a small amount of high-quality EVOO and ensure proper emulsification. It's a simple way to add healthy fats but requires balancing benefits with calories and potential digestive risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will adding olive oil to my coffee help me lose weight? A: Adding olive oil can increase satiety and potentially aid in weight management by curbing appetite. A 2018 study even found that overweight women who added olive oil to their morning meal lost body fat at a higher rate. However, olive oil is high in calories, so moderation is key to avoid unintentional weight gain.
Q: What is the best type of olive oil to use in coffee? A: For the best flavor and maximum health benefits, use a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Look for one with a mild, delicate, or buttery flavor profile that won't overpower the taste of your coffee, as more robust oils can have a strong, peppery finish.
Q: Why does my olive oil coffee taste oily? A: A common issue is that the oil and coffee do not mix well on their own. For a smooth, non-oily texture, you need to properly emulsify the ingredients using a blender, an immersion blender, or a milk frother. Shaking it in a mason jar can also work.
Q: Can adding olive oil to coffee cause digestive problems? A: Yes, if consumed in excessive amounts, olive oil can have a laxative effect. Coupled with coffee's own ability to stimulate bowel movements, this could lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs. Start with a small amount to gauge your body's reaction.
Q: Does olive oil in coffee actually have extra health benefits? A: There is no concrete scientific evidence that combining olive oil and coffee creates unique, enhanced benefits. The health advantages come from the individual benefits of each ingredient, such as the antioxidants in both and the healthy fats in olive oil. It's a convenient way to incorporate more healthy fats, but not a magical elixir.
Q: How much olive oil should I add to my coffee? A: Starting with a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon, is recommended. You can adjust based on personal preference, but be mindful that a standard tablespoon adds about 119 calories.
Q: Is olive oil coffee the same as bulletproof coffee? A: No, they are not the same. Bulletproof coffee typically uses butter and MCT oil, which are high in saturated fats. Olive oil coffee uses healthier monounsaturated fats from extra virgin olive oil.
Q: What is Starbucks' Oleato? A: Oleato is Starbucks' line of coffee beverages infused with extra virgin olive oil. It was inspired by an Italian ritual and offers a rich, smooth, and uniquely textured drink.
