Oleato: The Mediterranean Drink at Starbucks
When Starbucks founder Howard Schultz traveled to Sicily, he was inspired by the daily custom of consuming a spoonful of olive oil, leading to the creation of the Oleato line. The resulting beverages, infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, offer a new coffee experience. Oleato represents Starbucks' take on Mediterranean-inspired wellness, blending the familiar taste of coffee with a rich, velvety texture. The concept merges the antioxidant-rich benefits of olive oil with daily coffee consumption, though it's important to analyze how these specific menu items fit into a comprehensive nutrition plan.
The Oleato Beverage Lineup
- Oleato™ Caffè Latte: This is a simple and elegant option, combining Starbucks Blonde Espresso with oatmilk and a press of Partanna extra virgin olive oil for a luscious, velvety latte.
- Oleato™ Iced Shaken Espresso with Golden Foam: This drink layers Blonde Espresso, hazelnut syrup, and oatmilk, which are shaken together with extra virgin olive oil and ice. It's topped with a layer of Golden Foam, a cold foam infused with olive oil.
- Oleato™ Golden Foam™ Cold Brew: Starbucks Cold Brew is topped with a layer of vanilla sweet cream foam, which is infused with extra virgin olive oil to create the distinctive 'Golden Foam'.
Principles of the Mediterranean Diet and Beverages
The Mediterranean diet is a proven, healthy eating pattern that emphasizes whole, plant-based foods and healthy fats. Its beverage recommendations are quite simple and focus on hydration and moderation. For those following this lifestyle, understanding the core principles is key to making informed choices, especially when ordering out.
- Water: The foundation of all fluid intake in the Mediterranean diet is water. It is prioritized for hydration throughout the day.
- Coffee and Tea: These are acceptable in moderation, but the diet encourages limiting added sugars and heavy creams.
- Wine: Moderate consumption of red wine, typically with meals, is a traditional component. However, this is optional and shouldn't be started just for health benefits.
- Sugary Drinks: The diet strictly advises limiting or avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and most concentrated fruit juices.
Comparing Oleato to Mediterranean Diet Standards
The Oleato line offers a unique proposition that blends modern coffee culture with a Mediterranean tradition. However, how do the specific ingredients stack up against the diet's core principles? This comparison helps illustrate where the Oleato line excels and where modifications may be needed to stay true to a Mediterranean lifestyle.
| Feature | Oleato Drinks (Standard) | Mediterranean Diet Standards | Compliance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Fats | Contains extra virgin olive oil, a core healthy fat | Encourages plant-based healthy fats, especially olive oil | High |
| Added Sugar | Some variants include sweetened syrups and foams (e.g., hazelnut, vanilla sweet cream) | Minimizes or eliminates added sugars | Low |
| Milk Type | Often made with oatmilk or dairy milk | Favors lower-fat dairy or plant-based alternatives in moderation | Medium |
| Processing Level | Uses a mix of natural and some processed ingredients (syrups, foams) | Emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods | Low |
| Overall Fit | A nod to tradition, but requires modifications to be truly compliant | A sustainable, whole-food-based lifestyle approach | Varies |
Customizing Your Starbucks Order for a Mediterranean Diet
If you want to enjoy a Starbucks drink while adhering to a Mediterranean diet, customization is key. You don't have to sacrifice flavor to make a healthier choice. Here's how to navigate the menu effectively:
- Start with the basics: Plain brewed coffee or a Caffè Americano are excellent, low-calorie starting points. You can also opt for unsweetened brewed teas, such as the Iced Black Tea or Mint Majesty Tea.
- Modify the Oleato line: To make an Oleato drink more compliant, you can request modifications. For instance, ask for fewer pumps of syrup or opt for a sugar-free alternative where available. You could also ask for no Golden Foam on the Cold Brew to reduce added sugars and calories.
- Choose your milk wisely: Plant-based milks like almond or oatmilk can be a good choice, but be mindful of added sugars. For lower-fat options, you can also opt for nonfat or 2% dairy milk, keeping the quantity in moderation.
- Add your own flavor: Instead of sugary syrups, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spice-infused flavor. This adds warmth and aromatic qualities without the sugar. Some Mediterranean diet followers even add a dash of their own extra virgin olive oil to their coffee at home for a purist approach.
- Be mindful of size: Ordering a smaller size, like a Tall, naturally helps manage calorie and sugar intake.
Conclusion
While the Oleato line is an interesting, Mediterranean-inspired innovation from Starbucks, its standard preparation may not perfectly align with a strict Mediterranean diet due to added sugars and sweeteners. However, with simple customizations, it's possible to enjoy the olive oil-infused concept while still adhering to core diet principles. Ultimately, the best approach is to prioritize simple, unprocessed drinks like plain coffee or tea, using moderation and smart modifications when choosing more complex beverages. Oleato can be a fun treat, but for daily nutrition, sticking to the fundamentals of the diet is a better path to sustained health benefits.
Other Healthy Starbucks Options
- Cold Brew Coffee with Milk: The standard cold brew is made daily in-store and can be topped with a splash of milk for minimal sugar and a creamy texture.
- Iced Passion Tango Tea (Unsweetened): This herbal tea is a flavorful, vibrant, and calorie-free choice, especially when ordered unsweetened.
- Caffè Misto: A simple, warm drink with half brewed coffee and half steamed milk. The sugar comes solely from the milk, and you can control the type of milk for fewer calories.
For those seeking more inspiration, the Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive overview of the Mediterranean diet's food and beverage principles, which can be applied to many dining situations, including a visit to your local coffee shop.(https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801)
The Role of Olive Oil and Coffee in the Mediterranean Diet
Interestingly, both coffee and olive oil are staples in Mediterranean culture. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, is a cornerstone of the diet, valued for its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Moderate coffee consumption has also been linked to various health benefits in the context of this diet, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. The Oleato line, therefore, is not a radical departure from tradition but a reinterpretation, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference between a dietary principle and a processed menu item.
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
The Mediterranean diet is often represented by a pyramid to illustrate the proportions of different food groups. At the base are physical activity and social enjoyment of meals, followed by daily plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and water. Higher up are weekly fish and poultry, with red meat and sweets reserved for less frequent consumption. This visual guide helps reinforce the balance and priorities of the diet, which extends to beverage choices as well.
The Oleato Taste Experience
The infusion of olive oil in coffee might sound unusual, but it's designed to add a unique mouthfeel. Described as creating a "velvety smooth, deliciously lush" taste, the butteriness of the olive oil is meant to complement the coffee's flavor profile. This is different from adding cream, as it imparts a specific texture and nutty note rather than just richness. While it adds healthy fats, the added sugar in certain Oleato preparations is the primary concern for those strictly following a Mediterranean diet. The appeal lies in this novel sensory experience, a blend of a familiar morning ritual with an unexpected, health-forward ingredient.
How the Mediterranean Diet Aids Health
Research has consistently shown that the Mediterranean diet can contribute to better health outcomes, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and better weight management. The diet's emphasis on antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats helps combat oxidative stress in the body. While a single drink like Oleato won't define your diet, understanding its nutritional components helps you make choices that support your overall health goals within the Mediterranean framework.
Making the Best Choices
When at Starbucks, it's beneficial to think beyond just Oleato and consider the full range of options. A plain latte with a healthier milk choice or a simple cup of coffee is often the most direct way to align with Mediterranean principles. For those who want the Oleato experience, modifying the standard recipe by reducing sweetness and opting for healthier foam options is a smart compromise. The key is to see each menu item not as a fixed product, but as a customizable base to fit your nutritional needs.
Summary
The search for 'what is the Mediterranean drink at Starbucks?' leads to Oleato, an olive oil-infused coffee line inspired by Mediterranean culture. Although extra virgin olive oil aligns with the Mediterranean diet's healthy fat emphasis, the addition of sugary syrups and foams in some Oleato variants does not. For true Mediterranean diet adherence, customization is essential, with plain coffee, tea, and water as the primary beverage choices.
