Starbucks' olive oil-infused coffee is making some people 'run to the bathroom'
Concerns about Starbucks' olive oil-infused coffee drinks have spread since the beverage brand began rolling them out early this month.
A Starbucks page on online commmunity Reddit caught the attention of international news outlets like CNN, TODAY, and Fox as customers complained that the new offerings dubbed Oleato have made their stomachs so upset that they had to "run to the bathroom" to get some relief.
"Half the team tried it yesterday and a few ended up needing to use the restroom, if you know what I mean. I’m honestly scared to try it because I already have stomach/bowel problems," said one customer, who claimed to be a barista.
"My store manager doesn't want us sharing this info with customers," they added.
The new beverages come in three flavors: Oleato Caffè Latte, Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, and Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew. According to Starbucks' official website, they feature a "velvety smooth, delicately sweet, and lush" taste with an "extraordinary new flavor and texture."
Former CEO Howard Schultz shared that he took inspiration for the drink when he traveled in Sicily, Italy, and learned more about the Mediterranean custom of taking a spoonful of olive oil each day. He began to try it for himself in addition to his morning coffee, and he soon decided to combine the two.
"I was absolutely stunned at the unique flavor and texture created when the Partanna extra virgin olive oil was infused into Starbucks coffee," Schultz said. "In both hot and cold coffee beverages, what it produced was an unexpected, velvety, buttery flavor that enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate."
But dietitian nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade explained to CNN that the new Starbucks drink may have some less than favorable results as olive oil is a relaxant that helps with constipation.
"If you combined high fat in a meal or in a beverage along with coffee, which already stimulates the bowels, that combination can cause cramping. It can cause increased mobility in the colon and therefore have that laxative effect," Palinski-Wade told the news outlet.
Frances Largeman-Roth, another dietitian nutritionist, echoed the same details, saying, "Castor oil has long been a cure for constipation. Oil of any kind can help stool move through the digestive tract, especially if you’ve been constipated for a while."
"Olive oil can certainly have this effect too, especially if you’re drinking a venti or grande," she added.
Starbucks first introduced the drink in Italy last Feb. 22, followed by Southern California, United Kingdom, Japan, and the Middle East later this year. They said that they will be serving the set in select markets around the world.