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Starbucks’ new olive oil-based coffee range may have more calories than a pint of beer, MailOnline can reveal.
Customers in dozens of stores can now treat themselves to one of three “Oleato” offerings, described as “velvety” and “wonderfully luscious.” All made with oat milk.
However, the creaminess obtained by dropping the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil into your concoction costs about 120 calories.
It means that a grande Oleato Caffe Latte is packed with 323 calories.
This is almost double that of a regular Caffe Latte sold in the same size (175 calories), made with semi-skimmed.
The new line of olive oil drinks at Starbucks contains much more calories than comparable drinks without olive oil. Some drinks from the Oleato range contain more calories than a pint of Heineken larger (227 calories) or a McDonald’s Cheese Burger (298 calories)
Starbucks’ new range of low-fat olive oil drinks has already launched in the US and Milan and is now available in select London stores. Three types of coffee with olive oil are sold in the UK; Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso and the Oleato Caffe Latte
In comparison, a pint of Heineken has 227, while a McDonald’s cheeseburger has 298.
Still, the Oleato Caffe Latte isn’t the worst offender.
That accolade goes to the Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, which has 387 calories — more than a Greggs sausage roll (329).
There is no exact alternative. But a similar drink without olive oil, the Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, has 179.
The Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, the latest offering in the UK range, in large size is 244 calories per cup.
The non-olive oil equivalent is only sold in the US, the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. That has 140 calories.
Olive oil, an important part of the healthy Mediterranean diet, has long been said to be beneficial for health.
Studies have suggested that it may reduce blood pressure and inflammation, as well as boost mood and brain function.
‘It is well known that olive oil, and especially extra virgin olive oil, is part of a Mediterranean diet that is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and some cancers,’ says Dr Duane Mellor, a dietitian at Aston University.
But he insisted there’s “no evidence of any medical benefit” to adding olive oil to your morning brew.
He added, “While olive oil is considered a healthier source of fat, when you look at the label it appears to contain more saturated fat than you might expect.”
“This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unhealthy, as what matters is the balance of fat and how it’s used in your diet.”
But because some of these fat-infused drinks contain more than 300 calories, he warns that you need to be mindful of how much you’re drinking.
Dr. Mellor said, “If you like the idea of ??olive oil in coffee, it’s worth being aware that at over 300 calories, some of these contain more calories than your average pint of beer or glass of fruit juice.”
A Starbucks spokesperson said, “We are committed to helping customers make informed and enhanced choices that work for them, with all nutritional information available on our mobile app, online and our menu boards.”
The launch of the Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso and Oleato Caffe Latte follows the success of the chain’s olive oil-infused beverages in the US and Italy.
The necklace is inspired by the Italian tradition of drinking a spoonful of olive oil every day.
Health warning over Starbucks’ new olive-oil based drinks that can be more calorific than BEER