Starbucks' olive oil-infused coffee drinks are making their US debut despite some skepticism
Starbucks
- Last month, Starbucks launched a new line of olive oil-infused coffee and espresso drinks in Italy.
- Starting March 23, the chain is rolling out Oleato to cafes and premium reserve stores.
- Though the savory-infused elixirs sound unappetizing, reviews have been solid for the Oleato.
US consumers dying to get their hands on Starbucks' latest beverage concoction, the olive-oil-infused Oleato, won't have to wait much longer.
On Wednesday, Starbucks said the Oleato coffee beverages, which first debuted in Italy last month, will begin rolling out in dozens of cafes starting March 23. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Chicago, Seattle, and New York will be the first stores to offer the olive oil elixirs. Reserve stores like the chain's new Empire State Building location sell premium coffee and espresso drinks.
The original Starbucks store in Seattle's Pike Place Market will also offer the beverages on March 23.
A larger cafe rollout of Oleato is slated for March 27 at nearly 600 stores in Seattle and the greater Los Angeles area.
Former CEO Howard Schultz previously described the new beverage platform as an Italian-inspired "game-changer" for Starbucks when he first hinted at the launch during his final earning call on February 2.
The Oleato lineup at reserve stores includes the Oleato Caffè Latte, the Oleato Iced Cortado, the Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, and the Oleato Golden Foam Espresso Martini. Additionally, reserve roasteries in Seattle, Chicago, and Empire State Building will offer an immersive Oleato Tasting Experience.
Dousing your morning brew with olive oil may sound unappetizing to some. Even Schultz told the Wall Street Journal "there was some skepticism" surrounding the beverage.
But, so far, reviews of the Oleato beverages have been reasonably positive.
The Delish food site said the Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso was a terrific choice for iced coffee fans.
"On first sip, you'll get a rich, nutty espresso hit, made all the more nutty and smooth by the shaken-in cold pressed olive oil and oat milk," reviewer Louella Berryman wrote. "The texture is more creamy than your usual iced latte, and the savory hit of the olive oil with the sweetness of the oat milk and coffee is unusual but keeps you going back for more — sort of like an olive oil ice cream or olive oil chocolate brownie."
Insider also reviewed some of the drinks in Italy. Reporter Phoebe Hunt tried the latte, the iced shaken espresso, and the golden foam drinks. She said the iced drink was the most delicious of the three. "The olive-oil flavor was still very strong, but the hazelnut syrup gave the beverage a subtle sweetness, too."