Should I put olive oil in my coffee? The Complete Guide to the 'Oleato' Trend

December 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Following the launch of Starbucks' Oleato line, the olive oil in coffee trend has surged in popularity, leaving many to wonder if this Mediterranean tradition belongs in their morning cup. Combining coffee's caffeine kick with olive oil's healthy fats offers a unique velvety texture and potential health benefits, but is it a magical health elixir or just a high-calorie experiment?

Quick Summary

This article explores the reasons behind the olive oil in coffee trend, discussing potential benefits like sustained energy and a creamy texture, alongside risks such as digestive issues and increased calories.

Key Points

Health Benefits: Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties to coffee.
Sustained Energy: The fats in olive oil slow down digestion, providing a more stable, longer-lasting energy boost from caffeine.
Unique Texture: Blending olive oil into coffee creates a velvety, buttery mouthfeel that can smooth out coffee's bitterness.
Potential Risks: Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain due to high calories and may cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
Taste Varies: The flavor is subjective, and the right quality of mild extra virgin olive oil is crucial for a pleasant taste.
Preparation is Key: Use a blender or frother to properly emulsify the oil and prevent separation, which can lead to an oily layer.
Moderation is Essential: Start with a small amount (1 teaspoon) to test the flavor and your tolerance before using a full tablespoon.

The Origins and Appeal of Olive Oil in Coffee

Starbucks' 2023 launch of its Oleato beverage line, which infuses coffee with extra virgin olive oil, brought a previously niche Mediterranean tradition into the mainstream. The inspiration came from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's trip to Sicily, where he observed the daily ritual of consuming a spoonful of olive oil. Blending olive oil with coffee is a creative take on the popular 'Bulletproof coffee' trend, which mixes coffee with butter or MCT oil, and capitalizes on the growing consumer interest in adding healthy fats to their diet. But beyond the novelty, what's the real science behind this concoction?

The Potential Health Benefits

Both olive oil and coffee are individually celebrated for their health properties. When combined, proponents suggest a synergistic effect. It's important to note that most of the health benefits come from consuming olive oil in general, not necessarily from mixing it with coffee.

Olive oil's health contributions

Cardiovascular health: Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: The antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Sustained energy and satiety: The healthy fats in olive oil slow down digestion, leading to a more sustained release of energy from the caffeine, rather than a quick spike and crash. This can also increase feelings of fullness, helping with appetite control.
Enhanced nutrient absorption: Olive oil assists the body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) present in foods throughout the day.
Improved gut health: Some studies suggest that the compounds in olive oil may help improve gut health by increasing the variety of beneficial gut bacteria.

Coffee's inherent benefits

Cognitive enhancement: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that improves alertness and focus.
Rich in antioxidants: Coffee contains antioxidants and B vitamins that have been linked to reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of certain chronic diseases.

The Potential Risks and Drawbacks

While the concept has its merits, there are notable downsides to consider before making olive oil coffee a daily habit.

Digestive upset

For some individuals, especially those with sensitive digestive systems, the combination of coffee and olive oil can cause discomfort. Both ingredients can have a laxative effect, and the combination can lead to gastrointestinal issues, bloating, or diarrhea.

Calorie density

One tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil contains approximately 120 calories. For those trying to manage their weight, adding a significant amount of oil to their daily coffee can unintentionally increase their caloric intake, potentially counteracting weight loss efforts.

Inconsistent taste

The taste of olive oil in coffee is highly subjective. A high-quality, mild extra-virgin olive oil may impart a pleasant buttery, nutty, or grassy note, softening the coffee's bitterness and adding a silky texture. However, some people find the flavor strange or unpalatable, and lower-quality or robust oils can be overpowering.

How to Prepare Olive Oil Coffee at Home

For those interested in trying the trend, proper emulsification is key to avoiding a greasy layer on top. A blender or frother is highly recommended.

Recipe for a basic olive oil latte

Brew your coffee: Prepare one cup of hot coffee or a shot of espresso.
Add the oil: Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Starting with a smaller amount is best to see how you like the flavor and texture.
Blend or froth: Use a blender, immersion blender, or milk frother to combine the coffee and olive oil until it's a uniform, creamy mixture.
Optional additions: For a richer drink, you can add milk or a plant-based alternative before blending. Add sweeteners like honey or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Comparison: Olive Oil Coffee vs. Other Fatty Coffees


Feature	Olive Oil Coffee	Coconut Oil Coffee	Butter Coffee (Bulletproof)
Healthy Fats	Primarily monounsaturated (oleic acid), heart-healthy.	Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), quick energy source.	Saturated fats (butter) and MCTs.
Energy Boost	Slower, steadier release of caffeine energy.	Faster, more pronounced energy kick from MCTs.	Sustained energy with reported mental clarity.
Satiety	Moderate.	High.	Very High.
Antioxidants	High, from both coffee and olive oil polyphenols.	Moderate, primarily from coffee.	Moderate, primarily from coffee.
Taste Profile	Nutty, buttery, or grassy, can soften bitterness.	Creamy, can add a hint of sweetness.	Creamy and buttery.
Risks	Higher calories, potential digestive issues.	Potential digestive issues if overconsumed.	High in saturated fat, controversial cholesterol impact.

Conclusion

So, should I put olive oil in my coffee? The answer depends on your goals and personal taste. On one hand, adding a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to your coffee is generally safe and can offer a dose of heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and a unique, velvety texture. It may also help promote sustained energy levels and feelings of fullness. On the other hand, the increased calorie count can be a drawback for some, and the taste is a matter of personal preference. It's also important to remember that olive oil coffee is not a magic potion and cannot replace a balanced diet. A healthful lifestyle is best achieved through a variety of nutritious foods. If you're curious, start with a high-quality, mild extra-virgin olive oil and a small quantity to test the flavor and your body's reaction. As with any dietary change, moderation is key.

For more detailed information on the benefits and downsides, consider reviewing sources like What Happens to Your Health When You Drink Olive Oil in Your Coffee? for expert-backed insights.

Final thoughts on the olive oil trend

Ultimately, whether you decide to incorporate olive oil into your coffee routine is a matter of personal experimentation. For some, it's a delicious and beneficial new twist on their morning ritual. For others, it's simply a trend that doesn't align with their dietary needs or taste preferences. The most important takeaway is to listen to your body and make an informed decision based on the available facts.

For a richer flavor profile

Try experimenting with different coffee roasts and olive oil varieties. A delicate olive oil might complement a lighter roast, while a medium-intensity oil could pair well with a bolder brew. Adding spices like cinnamon or a touch of honey can also help balance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

While both olive oil and coffee have their own well-documented health benefits, scientific evidence specifically on the combined benefits is limited. The healthy fats and antioxidants from the olive oil are what contribute most to the potential health advantages, which can also be obtained by consuming olive oil with food.

The flavor is subjective and depends on the olive oil's quality. A high-quality, delicate extra virgin olive oil can impart a nutty, buttery, or slightly grassy taste, softening the coffee's bitterness and adding a velvety texture.

Potential side effects, especially from larger amounts, include digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea. The high-calorie density of olive oil can also contribute to weight gain if not accounted for.

It is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon per cup, and gradually increase to a full tablespoon (the amount used in Starbucks' Oleato) based on your personal taste and tolerance.

To properly emulsify the oil and coffee, you should use a blender, immersion blender, or milk frother. This creates a creamy, uniform texture and prevents the oil from floating on top.

While the healthy fats can increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, olive oil also significantly increases the calorie count of your coffee. The added calories could counteract weight loss goals if not managed carefully.

Like many food trends popularized by social media and major companies like Starbucks, its long-term staying power is uncertain. It can be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet in moderation, but it remains a matter of personal preference and health goals.

For the best flavor and nutritional profile, it is best to use a high-quality, mild extra virgin olive oil. Robust or strong-flavored oils can be overpowering and may not taste as pleasant in a beverage.