Starbucks has launched an olive oil coffee in Italy – and it will soon come to the UK.
The coffee chain said the new drink infused with a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil had an “extraordinary new flavour and texture”.
Launching in Italy on Wednesday, the range of Oleato drinks include an olive oil Caffe Latte, Cold Brew and Iced Shaken Espresso.
The drinks are set to come to southern California in spring and then launch in the UK, Japan and the Middle East later this year.
Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz said: “Now, there’s going to be people who say, ‘Olive oil in coffee?’ But the proof is in the cup.
“In over 40 years, I can’t remember a moment in time where I’ve been more excited, more enthused that demonstrates the pride, the quality, the passion, the heritage and the craft of what Starbucks can do.”
He described the flavour as “velvety, buttery” and said it “enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate.”
He added that the drink was inspired by a custom in certain parts of Italy of taking a spoonful of olive oil every day.
Starbucks currently has around 20 stores in Italy which is famous for its culture of independent cafes and restaurants.
Olive oil is a key staple of a Mediterranean diet in countries such as Italy, Greece and Spain.
The chain caused controversy when it opened its first coffee shop in Italy in 2018, with some on social media calling for a boycott.
Mr Schultz said at the time: “We are not coming to teach Italians how to make coffee. We’re coming here with humility and respect, to show what we’ve learned.”
