Drinking Olive Oil + Coffee Causes 'Stomach Pain'
Sold in Italy, Seattle, New York, etc.
Oil and Caffeine Combination May Trigger Stomach Cramps
Starbucks' Italy branch has introduced a new menu item called 'Olive Oil Coffee,' which has reportedly sparked complaints locally. Some customers have reported stomach pain after drinking the coffee, drawing attention.
US CNN reported on the 8th (local time) about the local reaction to Starbucks Italy's new menu item 'Oleato.' Oleato offers a choice of oat milk latte, iced shake espresso with oat milk, or golden foam cold brew, and is served with a spoonful of olive oil added to the finished drink.
Oleato was launched in Italy last February but is now also available at some US stores in Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
The problem lies in the very negative reactions from some local customers to Oleato. In particular, some have complained of stomach pain after drinking Oleato.
A Starbucks barista who posted on the US online community 'Reddit' said, "Half of the team tasted it before sales, and some had to go to the bathroom." Other netizens also posted harsh reviews such as "It was a vulnerable drink for me with intestinal disease," and "It upsets the stomach."
Olive oil is considered a 'health food' with benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering blood pressure, but the problem is that it does not pair well with the caffeine contained in coffee.
Certified nutritionist Elin Palinski-Wade told the media, "Mineral oils like olive oil are used to treat constipation and make it easier to go to the bathroom," adding, "Consuming high-fat olive oil in addition to coffee, which stimulates the intestines, and meals or drinks can cause cramps."
The mixture of olive oil and caffeine is not harmful to health. However, Palinski-Wade added, "It can increase colonic motility and have a relaxing effect," and "You may need to rush to the bathroom or potentially feel uncomfortable."
Meanwhile, according to the official Starbucks website, Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO, reportedly came up with the idea for Oleato while traveling in the Sicily region of Italy last year.
He said, "While traveling in Sicily, I consumed a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil with my morning coffee and decided to experiment by mixing the two," adding, "The unique buttery flavor conveyed by olive oil would make the coffee richer."
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