What Happens If You Add Olive Oil to Your Coffee? Exploring the 'Oleato' Trend

Did you know the practice of combining olive oil and coffee has roots in Sicilian culture, predating the recent viral 'Oleato' trend? Let's explore what happens if you add olive oil to your coffee and whether this fusion of flavors and nutrients is a good idea.

Quick Summary

Adding a splash of olive oil to your coffee can enhance texture and flavor, provide healthy fats and antioxidants, and offer a sustained energy boost, but moderation is key to avoid potential digestive issues.

Key Points

• Enhanced Texture: Adding olive oil increases the viscosity of coffee, creating a smoother, more velvety mouthfeel, similar to a latte.

• Sustained Energy: The healthy fats in olive oil slow caffeine absorption, leading to a more gradual, sustained energy release without the usual jitters and crash.

• Antioxidant Power: The combination of coffee and olive oil creates an antioxidant-rich beverage that helps fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

• Promotes Satiety: The healthy fats can help curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for managing weight.

• Caloric Consideration: A single tablespoon of olive oil adds approximately 120 calories, a factor to consider for those monitoring their daily intake for weight loss.

• Taste Varies: Taste is subjective, and the flavor profile depends on the olive oil's quality. Some love the fruity, peppery notes, while others dislike the lingering oily feel.

• Digestive Sensitivity: Overconsumption of olive oil can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and bloating in some individuals.

The Viral 'Oleato' Trend: A Deeper Look

The trend of adding olive oil to coffee, famously branded as “Oleato” by Starbucks, took the world by storm, sparking both curiosity and controversy. Inspired by a Sicilian tradition, this unexpected pairing of bitter coffee and fruity olive oil offers a unique sensory experience. Far from a simple mix, this concoction transforms the typical morning brew into a rich, velvety beverage. The primary reason for its appeal lies in its novel taste and texture, but for many, it's the potential health benefits that truly drive the trend. By incorporating healthy monounsaturated fats into a morning routine, proponents suggest it can offer more than just a flavor twist. However, the reality is a mix of documented nutritional advantages and practical considerations, from taste preferences to caloric intake.

The Taste and Texture Profile

Adding a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) to your coffee significantly alters its profile. A high-quality EVOO with complex flavors can add stone fruit, woody, or peppery notes that complement the natural bitterness of the coffee.

How Olive Oil Changes Your Coffee:

• Smooth Mouthfeel: The oil increases the coffee's viscosity, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that some compare to a latte.
• Reduced Bitterness: The fat in the olive oil can mellow out and soften the coffee's harsh, bitter edges, making it a smoother, more palatable drink for those who dislike black coffee.
• Complex Flavors: Depending on the olive oil's quality and origin, it can introduce unique flavor notes like citrus, green banana, or cinnamon, adding a new dimension to your cup.

The Potential Health Benefits

The health claims surrounding olive oil coffee are rooted in the well-documented benefits of its two individual components: coffee and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The fusion is believed to provide a synergistic effect for some wellness goals.

Key Benefits Explained:

• Sustained Energy: The healthy fats in olive oil slow down the absorption of caffeine. This can lead to a more sustained energy release throughout the morning, preventing the typical jitteriness and subsequent energy crash associated with drinking black coffee.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Both coffee and olive oil are loaded with antioxidants. This powerful combination can help protect the body against damage from free radicals, supporting the immune system and fighting inflammation.
• Heart Health: Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and is rich in monounsaturated fats that can help improve heart health by reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol and boosting good (HDL) cholesterol.
• Promotes Satiety: Healthy fats like those in olive oil can increase feelings of fullness. For those following a ketogenic diet or practicing intermittent fasting, this can help curb hunger cravings and manage appetite until the next meal.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: The healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil, combined with coffee’s brain-stimulating caffeine, may improve mental clarity, focus, and overall cognitive performance.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While the benefits are intriguing, adding olive oil to your coffee isn't without potential drawbacks. It’s important to be mindful of your individual needs and how your body reacts.

Downsides to Watch For:

• Increased Calories: One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil adds approximately 120 calories to your coffee. While a source of healthy fat, this can quickly add up if you are monitoring your caloric intake for weight management.
• Digestive Issues: Consuming too much olive oil, especially in concentrated form, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and diarrhea, for some people.
• Taste Perception: The flavor is not universally loved. Some find the combination unpleasant, with a lasting oily film in the mouth. The quality of the olive oil is paramount; a low-quality oil may taste rancid and ruin the coffee.
• No Magic Bullet: Experts stress that adding olive oil to coffee is not a magic solution for weight loss or a cure for chronic disease. It’s a supplement to an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, not a replacement for one.

Olive Oil Coffee vs. Other High-Fat Brews

Olive oil coffee is not the first fat-infused brew to gain popularity. It's often compared to Bulletproof coffee, which uses grass-fed butter and MCT oil.

Feature	Olive Oil Coffee	Bulletproof Coffee
Key Fats	Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)	Grass-fed Butter & MCT Oil
Fat Type	Monounsaturated	Saturated & Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
Taste Profile	Earthy, fruity, peppery notes	Rich, buttery, creamy
Satiety	Good	Excellent
Energy Boost	Sustained, steady	Rapid initial boost from MCTs
Heart Health	Strongly associated with cardiovascular benefits	Contains saturated fat; impact on cholesterol debated
Calories (per tbsp)	~120 calories	~230 calories per recipe
Best For	Mediterranean diet followers, those seeking sustained energy	Keto/Low-carb dieters, intermittent fasters

How to Make Your Own Olive Oil Coffee

For those curious to try this trend, preparation is key to achieving a smooth, well-emulsified drink rather than a separated oily mess. Using a blender or frother is highly recommended.

Olive Oil Latte Recipe:

1. Ingredients: 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee), 1 teaspoon (start with this amount) of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup of milk or milk alternative (oat milk is a popular choice for creaminess).
2. Blend: In a blender or with a milk frother, combine the olive oil and milk. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and frothy. Do not heat the olive oil directly as it can lose some beneficial compounds.
3. Combine: Pour the freshly brewed coffee or espresso into a mug. Add the frothed olive oil and milk mixture and stir gently.
4. Enjoy: Add optional extras like a dash of cinnamon or a natural sweetener like honey for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Adding olive oil to your coffee is an interesting and health-conscious experiment, blending the best of both antioxidant-rich ingredients. The result is a uniquely flavorful and smooth beverage that can offer a sustained energy boost and increased satiety, especially when using high-quality extra virgin olive oil. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the added calories and listen to your body's digestive response. While it's not a magical health elixir, incorporating this trend in moderation can be a fun way to experiment with your daily coffee ritual. Ultimately, whether it's the right choice for you comes down to personal taste and how it fits within your overall health and dietary goals. As with any significant dietary change, it is wise to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.

Resources

• University of Utah Health: Olive Oil in Coffee? What's Up with That?
• Healthline: Starbucks Is Putting Olive Oil in Coffee. Should You Try It?
• Verywell Health: What Happens to Your Health When You Drink Olive Oil ...

Frequently Asked Questions

What does olive oil coffee taste like?

Olive oil coffee has a unique flavor, often described as having a velvety, buttery texture and notes of fruit, wood, or pepper depending on the olive oil used. Many find it smoothes out the coffee's bitterness.

Is olive oil coffee healthy?

Both coffee and olive oil offer individual health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined, it can provide sustained energy and increased satiety due to the healthy fats, but it's not a magic cure-all.

How much olive oil should I add to my coffee?

Most recipes suggest starting with one teaspoon and adjusting to taste. For a richer texture, up to one tablespoon is common, but be mindful of the added calories.

Does olive oil in coffee help with weight loss?

Some proponents claim it can aid in weight management by promoting satiety and curbing appetite, but the extra calories must be factored into your daily intake. It is not a replacement for a balanced diet and exercise.

Can I just stir the olive oil into my coffee?

While you can stir it in, blending the olive oil with the coffee (or milk) using a hand-held frother or blender is highly recommended. This emulsifies the oil, preventing separation and creating a much smoother, richer texture.

What type of olive oil should I use for coffee?

It is best to use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. The fresh, fruity notes of a good EVOO will complement the coffee better than a lower-grade oil.

Is olive oil coffee the same as Bulletproof coffee?

No, while both involve adding fat to coffee, Bulletproof coffee uses grass-fed butter and MCT oil. Olive oil coffee relies on monounsaturated fats from EVOO, providing a different flavor and nutritional profile.