Starbucks is getting negative feedback about its recently launched Oleato coffee drink with customers (and staff) claiming the olive oil-infused beverage causes stomach and digestion problems.
The drink – which blends coffee with olive oil and is believed to be an alternative to a traditional espresso or cappuccino – was recently introduced into about 600 stores in Seattle and Los Angeles in the US.
“Have you tried them? I’m wondering how many people are going to have happen to them what a few happened to our team,” a ‘Redditor’ wrote after experiencing stomach problems.
“Half the team tried it yesterday and a few ended up… needing to use the restroom, if ya know what I mean.. I’m honestly scared to try it because I already have stomach/bowel problems.”
The post seems to have since been deleted from Reddit, and Starbucks has not, at the time of writing, responded to the comments.
There have been other less-than-complimentary comments about Oleato on Reddit and other social-media forums.
“Honest opinion on the Oleato Oatmilk latte: I have a pretty developed palette and it tasted like crushed walnut shells and dirt. I threw it away,” one author said on Reddit.
However, the Oleato drink triumphs in the hearts of Italian customers. According to a Reuters video, Italians adore the “innovation” and describe it as a “good drink”.
“I don’t know how to explain it. There are two flavours, but they mix together and work well together.” an Italian customer told Reuters.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said the idea for combining coffee and olive oil came from a recent trip to Italy and a memory of his first visit to Milan in 1983.
