After the third quarter in a row of dismal sales, Starbucks has promised to slim down its “overly complex” menu thanks to new CEO Brian Niccol. The Oleato line of drinks infused with Partanna olive oil are the first to get the ax, to which we say, you know what? That’s absolutely fine.
Which Drinks Are Being Cut?
All three Italian olive oil-infused beverages from the Oleato line are getting the boot, including Golden Foam Cold Brew, Cafe Latte With Oatmilk, and Iced Shaken Espresso With Oatmilk and Toffeenut, but more may be in the pipeline. Though Niccol has said he wants to simplify the current menu, plans to get rid of the olive-oil based Oleato line were already in the works before his arrival.
Why Were They Taken Off the Menu?
Although these drinks were a lovely idea from former CEO Howard Schultz after he noticed people drinking olive oil during a trip to Italy, I can attest that they tasted awful, borderline gross, and I wasn’t alone in that opinion. Besides getting creamed by social media users, there was also the little issue of these drinks having a laxative effect. As one Redditor put it, “Caffeine is a stimulant for your bowels and oil a relaxant. So yeah, wonderful idea by Starbucks.”
How Long Were They Around?
Not long. They were introduced in Italy February 2023 and shortly afterward in Southern California. They were available nationwide by January of the following year — which means they were cut before their first birthday.
When Are They Off the Menu?
In the U.S., you can order them until November. But if you really, really like these disgusting beverages, there is hope. China, Italy, and Japan will continue to serve these for some unknown reason.
Maybe Starbucks will now consider bringing back discontinued menu items that customers actually liked.
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