New York CNN —Starbucks is eliminating its controversial olive oil-infused drinks from the menu, less than a year after they made their nationwide debut.
“Rather than a flavor or a product, it’s really a platform.”Oleato was the brainchild of former CEO Howard Schultz, who got the idea after meeting with an olive oil producer who introduced him to the practice of consuming a tablespoon of olive oil each day.
A pair of reviewers posted a video titled “We Tried Starbucks Olive Oil Coffee Drinks and Seriously Regret It.” Others had mixed feelings , but concluded that the drinks seem more like a stunt — something worth trying but not necessarily worth coming back for.
The Oleato menu consists of two drinks: an oat milk latte infused with the extra virgin olive oil; and a toffee nut iced shaken espresso with golden foam, which is vanilla sweet cream infused with extra virgin olive oil into a cold foam.
Schultz was effusive about the launch, and it was one of his most high-profile projects before leaving his position.
Persons:
Brian Niccol, nix, Niccol, we’ve, ” Brady Brewer, “, Oleato, Howard Schultz, Schultz, Laxman Narasimhan, ” Narasimhan
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, Starbucks, CNN
Locations:
New York, Canada, Italy