What Is an Oleato? (Olive-Oil Coffee, Calories & Status)

What Is an Oleato? (Olive-Oil Coffee, Calories & Status)

Jason Nista
5 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more
Quick answer: Oleato is Starbucks’ line of coffee drinks infused with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), originally launched in Italy in 2023 and expanded to the U.S. in January 2024. Starbucks discontinued Oleato in most U.S. stores in early November 2024 as part of a menu simplification strategy; some international locations have continued limited offerings. If you like the idea at home, stirring in 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of EVOO changes texture and taste—but also adds about 40–120 calories per cup.1, 2, 3

What an “Oleato” actually is

Oleato is a Starbucks beverage platform that blends their arabica coffee with a measured amount of Partanna® extra-virgin olive oil—sometimes whisked directly into the drink, sometimes used in a Golden Foam cold foam topping. It debuted in Italy (February 2023) and spread to markets including the U.S., Canada, France, Japan, and parts of the U.K./China during 2023–2024.4, 1

How it tastes & how it’s made

Expect a silky, lush texture with a buttery finish from EVOO. Menu builds have included an Iced Shaken Espresso with toffeenut syrup and Golden Foam (cold foam infused with EVOO) and an oat-milk latte version. Olive oil contributes mostly monounsaturated fat and subtle savory notes that round out coffee’s chocolatey flavors.4

Is Oleato still available?

In the U.S., Starbucks removed Oleato from most stores in early November 2024 while streamlining the menu. Reports at the time indicated select international locations (e.g., parts of Italy, Japan, China) kept limited offerings.2

Nutrition: calories, fats & comparisons

  • Olive oil adds calories: ~119 kcal per tablespoon (about 14 g fat) or ~40 kcal per teaspoon.3
  • Unsaturated fat profile: EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats (oleic acid). Swapping saturated fats for unsaturated fats is aligned with heart-healthy guidance.5, 6
  • Compared with “bulletproof” coffee: Bulletproof typically uses butter/MCTs (higher in saturated fat). Olive-oil coffee leans more unsaturated, but it still adds meaningful calories. If weight loss is a goal, adjust other intake accordingly. Related read: portion control vs calorie counting.

Any health upsides or downsides?

  • Potential upsides: EVOO is a core Mediterranean/DASH-style fat; replacing saturated fats with olive oil is linked with better lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk markers. Coffee itself contains antioxidant polyphenols.5, 6
  • Caveats: Some people reported GI discomfort with oil + coffee (the combo may speed digestion). If you have a sensitive stomach—or fat-malabsorption issues—start small (e.g., 1 tsp) or skip it.2

DIY “olive-oil coffee” at home

  1. Brew hot coffee or a chilled cold brew.
  2. Whisk in 1 tsp EVOO (taste/texture test) and go up to 1 Tbsp if desired. A small frother helps emulsify.
  3. Optional: a splash of milk/alt-milk or vanilla; for cold drinks, top with lightly whipped cold foam.
  4. Track the calories if weight management is a goal. See our calorie goal guide.

Clean Eatz Kitchen tips & related reads

Want the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil without adding calories to coffee? Use EVOO where it shines—on veggies, grains, and lean proteins—and keep your coffee simple. Browse our calorie-controlled meal plans, keep protein-forward snacks on hand, and use Nutrition Info to mix and match meals that fit your targets. Related reads: what cardiologists think about high-fat diets · sugar facts & smart swaps.

FAQs

Why did Starbucks make coffee with olive oil?

It was pitched as a new “coffee ritual,” pairing two premium ingredients—arabica coffee and EVOO—for a velvety mouthfeel and unique flavor.4

Is Oleato still on the menu?

Not in most U.S. stores since early November 2024. Select international locations have offered limited Oleato items.2

How many calories does olive oil add?

About 119 calories per tablespoon (~40 per teaspoon). Consider this on top of milk/syrups if you customize your drink.3

Is olive-oil coffee “healthier” than butter coffee?

Olive oil is higher in unsaturated fats, which aligns better with heart-health guidance than butter (saturated fat). But total calories still count.5, 6

References

  1. Starbucks newsroom — “Oleato now available at all Starbucks stores in the U.S.” (availability & lineup, Jan 29, 2024). Press.
  2. AP News — Starbucks to discontinue Oleato at most locations in early Nov 2024 as part of menu simplification (notes some international availability). Article.
  3. USDA/FoodData — ~119 kcal per tablespoon of olive oil (≈14 g fat). FDC (see common nutrition tables) or USDA entry.
  4. Starbucks stories — “Introducing Oleato” (launch announcement; olive-oil partnership and beverage builds). Press.
  5. American Heart Association — Monounsaturated fats overview. AHA page.
  6. American Heart Association — Healthy cooking oils & replacing saturated fat. AHA page.

Educational content only; not medical advice. “Oleato” is a Starbucks® brand.

« Back to Blog