What Does Putting Olive Oil in Your Coffee Do? The Velvety Truth

October 21, 2025 •

5 min read

A trend popularized by Starbucks' 'Oleato' line in 2023 introduced millions to the idea of adding extra virgin olive oil to coffee. So, what does putting olive oil in your coffee do? This unexpected fusion can transform your morning brew, adding a luxuriously smooth texture while infusing it with heart-healthy fats and potent antioxidants.

Quick Summary

Adding olive oil to coffee enhances its texture and flavor profile by imparting heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It can also promote satiety and potentially smooth out the energy boost from caffeine, but it significantly increases calorie intake and requires proper blending to avoid separation.

Key Points

Rich in Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk.
Enhanced Texture: The oil creates a silky, velvety mouthfeel, transforming the coffee's texture into a more luxurious beverage.
Sustained Energy: By slowing caffeine absorption, the fat can provide a more gradual, sustained energy boost, potentially reducing jitters and crashes.
High in Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil contributes anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidants that combat free radicals and support overall health.
Aids Satiety: The fat promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and support weight management.
Requires Proper Emulsification: To avoid an unpleasant oily separation, olive oil and coffee must be properly blended with a blender or frother.
Adds Calories: Olive oil is calorie-dense, and adding it to your coffee increases your overall daily caloric intake, which must be considered for weight goals.

The Rise of Olive Oil Coffee

The idea of adding fat to coffee isn't entirely new; the 'bulletproof coffee' trend, which combines coffee with butter and MCT oil, has been popular for some time. However, the recent introduction of olive oil-infused coffee by major chains has brought the concept into the mainstream, sparking curiosity about its effects and benefits. This unique concoction, often referred to as 'Oleato,' combines the rich, complex flavors of coffee with the fruity, sometimes peppery notes of high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Beyond the interesting taste profile, the combination offers a range of potential health benefits, primarily stemming from the nutritional power of olive oil.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil in Coffee

Heart-Healthy Fats and Antioxidants

Olive oil is a cornerstone of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet for good reason. It is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol while increasing good (HDL) cholesterol. When added to coffee, this provides a convenient way to incorporate these beneficial fats into your diet. Furthermore, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is loaded with powerful antioxidants and polyphenols that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in many chronic diseases.

Sustained Energy and Satiety

Adding fat to your morning coffee can change how your body processes caffeine. The healthy fats in olive oil slow down the digestion and absorption of caffeine. This can lead to a more sustained and gradual release of energy throughout the morning, preventing the jitters and subsequent crash often associated with a rapid caffeine spike. The fats also increase satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and potentially aiding in weight management by curbing snacking between meals.

Gut Health and Digestion

Olive oil has long been used for its digestive benefits. The lubricating effect of its fats can help promote smoother bowel movements and alleviate occasional constipation. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil's polyphenols can support a healthy gut microbiome by nourishing beneficial bacteria. This can contribute to better overall gut health and may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel conditions.

The Sensory Experience: Flavor and Texture

One of the most notable effects of adding olive oil to coffee is the resulting sensory experience. The oil transforms the texture and flavor in several key ways:

Enhanced Mouthfeel: The olive oil creates a silky, velvety mouthfeel, adding a luxurious richness to the coffee. This can be a pleasant alternative to dairy or other creamers.
Mellows Acidity and Bitterness: The fat in the oil helps to soften the inherent bitterness and acidity of the coffee, making it smoother and more palatable for those with sensitivities.
Nuanced Flavor Profile: Depending on the type of EVOO used, you can add notes of fruit, nuttiness, or even a peppery finish that complements the coffee's own complex flavors.

How to Make Olive Oil Coffee Correctly

Achieving the desired creamy texture requires proper emulsification, as oil and water naturally separate. Simply stirring the oil in will result in an unpleasant oily slick on top of your coffee. For best results, use a blender or a handheld milk frother.

Step-by-Step Emulsification Guide

Brew your coffee: Prepare your coffee as you normally would, whether it's drip, French press, or espresso. Ensure it's hot for optimal blending.
Combine ingredients: Pour your hot coffee into a blender. Start with a small amount of high-quality EVOO, about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on your preference and calorie goals.
Blend until creamy: Secure the lid and blend on high for about 30 seconds to a minute. You will see the coffee and oil combine into a creamy, golden foam. Using a handheld frother works similarly in a mug, just be careful of splashes.
Add any extras: You can add sweeteners like honey or a dash of cinnamon before blending to enhance the flavor. Some find that blending with a plant-based milk, like oat milk, can create an even better emulsion.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While olive oil coffee offers several advantages, it's not without its potential downsides, primarily related to caloric intake and digestion.

High Caloric Density: A single tablespoon of olive oil contains approximately 120 calories. This can significantly increase the total calories of your morning beverage, and if not accounted for, could contribute to weight gain. It's not a replacement for a balanced breakfast but rather an added fat source.
Digestive Discomfort: For some individuals, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems, the combination of coffee and olive oil may cause stomach upset, bloating, or diarrhea. Olive oil has laxative properties, which can be amplified by coffee's stimulating effects.
Taste Preference: The taste of olive oil in coffee is highly subjective. While some find the velvety texture and fruity notes appealing, others may be put off by the flavor. Choosing a mild, delicate EVOO over a robust one can make a big difference.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil for Your Coffee

Not all olive oils are created equal, and the type you choose will affect both the flavor and the nutritional value of your coffee. Here is a comparison of common types:


Olive Oil Type	Antioxidant Level	Production Method	Ideal for Coffee?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)	Highest	Cold-pressed, minimal processing	Yes, the best choice for flavor and nutrition.
Standard Olive Oil	Lower	Refined, potentially with some EVOO	Acceptable, but less flavorful and fewer health benefits.
Light Olive Oil	Very Low	Extensively refined, minimal flavor	No, little to no flavor or health benefits; high heat is for cooking.
Infused Olive Oils	Variable	Flavored EVOO	Can be, if the flavor profile complements the coffee.

For the maximum health benefits and best taste, always opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The robust, peppery notes of some EVOOs might be overpowering, so a milder version is often recommended for coffee.

Conclusion

Putting olive oil in your coffee is an adventurous and potentially rewarding way to upgrade your morning routine. It offers a unique sensory experience, transforming the taste and texture of your brew into something luxuriously smooth. From a nutritional standpoint, it's a convenient way to add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and inflammation-fighting antioxidants to your diet. However, as with any dietary modification, moderation is key, and it's important to consider the additional calories and potential for digestive issues. By using a high-quality EVOO and blending it correctly, you can create a surprisingly delicious and health-conscious beverage. While it's not a magic health cure, it's a simple, delicious change with potential benefits that align with overall dietary improvements, such as following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern. A great place to learn more about the health benefits of fats is the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

People add olive oil to coffee for several reasons, including its potential health benefits like heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, the unique velvety texture it adds, and its ability to provide a more sustained energy boost by slowing caffeine absorption.

For the best flavor and maximum health benefits, you should use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). A milder EVOO is often recommended to avoid overpowering the coffee with a strong, peppery flavor.

To properly mix olive oil into coffee and prevent it from separating, you must emulsify it. The easiest way is to use a blender or a handheld milk frother for about 30 seconds until a creamy foam forms.

While the healthy fats in olive oil can promote satiety and help manage appetite, it is also calorie-dense. The effect on weight depends on overall caloric intake, so it's not a magic solution and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea from the combination of coffee and olive oil, especially if consumed in large quantities or if they have a sensitive stomach.

The taste varies depending on the olive oil. It often has a velvety, buttery texture with notes of fruitiness, nuttiness, or a peppery finish that can complement the coffee's inherent flavors. Some people claim they don't taste it much at all, while others find it a distinct flavor.

Olive oil coffee is similar in concept to bulletproof coffee (which uses butter and MCT oil), as both add healthy fats to a brew. However, the fats, flavor profile, and potential health benefits differ, and olive oil is a different fat source.