How Does Olive Oil Coffee Taste?
When I first heard about olive oil coffee, I was skeptical. Yes, I love coffee and I love olive oil, but mixing the two? I wasn’t so sure. Starbucks discontinued its olive oil-infused coffee recently, so I turned to social media baristas to get the recipe right. The results were simple: combine espresso with dairy or non-dairy milk and a tablespoon of olive oil. Many suggested blending the milk and olive oil, so I grabbed my milk frother and gave it a try.
The Verdict: Not Impressed
The drink was slightly nutty and buttery, but I quickly grew tired of the grassy olive oil flavor. After a few sips, the olive oil separated from the milk and left fat droplets floating on top of the drink, which I did not love. As much as I want to blame my cheap espresso maker or weak milk frother for the subpar drink, in reality, I’m just not an olive oil coffee person. I’ll stick to black coffee and save my olive oil for salad dressings and roasted veggies.
What Do Nutrition Experts Think?
But what about the health benefits of olive oil in coffee? Do they outweigh the subpar taste? Studies have associated olive oil with heart health, and it’s a key component of the Mediterranean Diet, often touted as the healthiest eating pattern. Olive oil offers health benefits on its own, and mixing it with coffee doesn’t magically unlock some combo nutritional properties. Unless you’re replacing coffee creamer with olive oil, there’s not much extra benefit from this drink, according to Alice H. Lichtenstein, a professor of nutrition science and policy at Tufts University.
Conclusion
While olive oil contains healthy fats that may support heart health, mixing it with coffee will not yield any additional benefits. Consider adding olive oil to your salad dressing or replacing butter with olive oil when cooking instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is olive oil good for my heart?
A: Olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Q: Can I use olive oil in place of butter?
A: Yes, olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in many recipes.
Q: Is olive oil good for my skin?
A: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Q: Can I use olive oil in my hair?
A: Olive oil can be used as a natural hair treatment to nourish and moisturize dry hair.