Oleato is Starbucks’ line of coffee drinks made by blending espresso with extra virgin olive oil, inspired by Italian habits of taking a daily spoonful of olive oil and launched in 2023.

What “Oleato” Means

  • In Italian, “oleato” literally means “oiled” or “with oil,” which fits the idea of coffee “with oil” added.
  • In the Starbucks context, Oleato has become a brand name for their olive‑oil coffee range.

What Oleato Actually Is

  • Oleato drinks are espresso-based beverages that mix coffee, a milk component (often oat milk), and Partanna extra virgin olive oil.
  • The most talked‑about version is the Oleato caffè latte, made with Starbucks Blonde espresso, steamed oat milk, and olive oil.

How It Tastes and Feels

People describe Oleato coffee as:

  • Buttery and smooth – the olive oil adds a velvety, rich texture and slight oily mouthfeel.
  • Mildly nutty and savory – with hints of walnut or chestnut and an umami character.
  • Lightly sweet and caramel‑leaning in some iced versions that include syrups or “golden foam.”
  • With subtle earthy, herby, or grassy notes in the aftertaste from the olive oil.

A simple way to picture it: imagine a latte crossed with “bulletproof coffee,” but using olive oil instead of butter.

Why It Became a Thing

  • Starbucks introduced Oleato first in Milan in February 2023 and then brought it to the U.S. in March 2023.
  • Howard Schultz reportedly got the idea in Sicily, where he saw the tradition of taking a spoonful of olive oil in the morning and decided to try it in his coffee.
  • The drinks ride a broader trend of adding fats (butter, coconut oil, etc.) to coffee for texture and perceived wellness benefits.

Types of Oleato Drinks

Examples you might see on menus or in copy:

  • Oleato Caffè Latte – hot latte with olive oil and oat milk.
  • Oleato Golden Foam Iced Shaken Espresso – iced espresso with a sweet, olive‑oil‑infused foam on top.

Some locations have tested other variations (different milks, cold foams, and formats) built on the same “coffee + olive oil” idea.

Quick FAQ Style Wrap‑Up

  • Is Oleato just coffee with olive oil?
    Essentially yes, but standardized as a branded Starbucks recipe using Partanna extra virgin olive oil and specific espresso/milk builds.
  • Why do people drink it?
    For the creamy texture, unique flavor, and because olive oil is associated with healthy fats and antioxidants, similar in spirit to other “functional” coffee trends.
  • Is it still trending?
    It had a viral moment starting in 2023; by 2025–2026 it’s more of a niche curiosity and discussion topic than a universal favorite, showing up in reviews, food trend pieces, and forums.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.