Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte by Starbucks Corp. - Extra virgin olive oil enters the cup

Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte lands on the counter with a glossy, almost silky surface that catches the light before you take a sip. The first mouthful feels thicker than a regular latte, coating the tongue with a gentle olive note under the espresso.

Olive oil meets espresso

Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte is part of the Oleato beverages first launched in Italy in early 2023, mixing Starbucks arabica espresso with steamed oat milk and a spoon of Partanna extra virgin olive oil. Starbucks describes the texture as lush and velvety, a deliberate contrast to its standard dairy lattes.

Howard Schultz, then-interim CEO, personally pushed the Oleato concept after experiencing the habit of taking a daily spoon of olive oil in Sicily. The development team worked to keep the olive aroma subtle, so it supports rather than overwhelms the coffee profile, especially in markets where olive oil in drinks feels unusual.

From Italian experiment to global rollout

The Oleato line, including the Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte, debuted in Milan and quickly moved to selected Starbucks Reserve locations in the US and other markets. The company highlights Italy as the spiritual home of espresso, using that narrative to frame the olive oil blend as a respectful twist rather than a gimmick.

Starbucks' official Oleato overview explains that Partanna extra virgin olive oil from Sicily, known for its peppery finish, was chosen for both flavor and brand story. That peppery note can show up as a slight warmth at the back of the throat after a few sips, noticeable if you drink the latte slowly.

Nutrition and preparation details

Starbucks positions the Oleato Caffè Latte as a standard espresso-based drink with added fat from olive oil rather than cream. The olive oil portion is small, blended directly into the coffee base; baristas emulsify it by pouring the shot over the oil and then topping it with steamed oat milk to avoid visible separation.

A typical serving of Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte carries comparable calories to other flavored lattes of similar size, but with a different fat profile due to monounsaturated fats from olive oil. Starbucks does not explicitly market it as a health beverage; instead, it leans on texture, taste, and Mediterranean inspiration.

Consumer response and positioning

Early reactions from US and Italian stores show a split audience: some guests enjoy the richer mouthfeel and smooth finish, while others find the idea of oil in coffee unusual or prefer classic dairy lattes. Starbucks uses in-store signage and barista briefings to explain the concept and to suggest the Oleato Caffè Latte to curious customers rather than pushing it as a mass drink.

In reviews, tasters often mention a slight sheen on the surface and a soft, lingering flavor after the cup is finished, with the olive note more pronounced when the latte cools. That sensory detail makes the drink stand out compared to standard menu staples, which is exactly what Starbucks wants from an innovation line.

Role in Starbucks Corp. portfolio

Strategically, the Oleato Caffè Latte sits alongside other specialty beverages like cold foam lattes and limited seasonal offers. It helps Starbucks test whether premium, story-driven drinks can command higher loyalty and spend in core markets such as the US and Italy.

Laxman Narasimhan, who succeeded Schultz as CEO, has kept Oleato visible but not dominant in investor presentations, treating it as one of several innovation platforms that add variety without reshaping the entire menu. For Starbucks Corp. stock, the Oleato product line is a modest but visible contributor to beverage mix and brand perception.