Starbucks is discontinuing its line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks that customers joked were a “legit laxative.”
Their Oleato line debuted last year but only went nationwide nine months ago. It was the brainchild of now FORMER Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz.
He went to Italy in 2022 and learned people there drink a spoonful of olive oil a day as a sort of health serum. He predicted the idea would “transform the coffee industry.” It didn’t. (Classic bad boss idea.)
The drinks never caught on, partly because olive oil in your coffee just sounds weird. Plus, the reviews weren’t great. People complained about stomach issues . . . and BOWEL issues.
If you’re one of the few people who loved the drinks, enjoy them while you can. They’ll disappear from Starbucks menus in the U.S. over the next week or so.
Schultz stepped down as the company’s interim CEO in September. They poached their new CEO Brian Niccol from Chipotle. (So . . . he’s also got experience with products that cause bowel issues.)
Starbucks is downplaying the new CEO part of it. They say the decision to ditch the olive oil was made well before the transition. It’s part of their strategy to “simplify” their menu.
(Today)