Coffee with Olive Oil: Pointless Trend or New Superfood?

Nutrition is constantly evolving, and so are wellness trends. Social media is full of promises of energy, longevity, and better health. One of the most recent and viral ideas is adding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to your morning coffee.

Is it backed by science or another fleeting trend with great marketing?

Where did this trend come from?

Coffee with olive oil went viral after a major international coffee chain launched a new beverage line called “Oleato™,” which combines espresso with EVOO. The line claimed digestive benefits, sustained energy, and enhanced antioxidant power.

Many social media users have since reported feeling more satiated and having improved digestion. But… what does the science say?

Why is extra virgin olive oil so praised?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a foundational element of the Mediterranean diet and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats (mainly oleic acid), polyphenols, and antioxidants, such as oleocanthal and oleuropein, and has Anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Scientific research has shown that EVOO: Reduces cardiovascular risk (1), lowers inflammation markers (2), may protect against cognitive decline (3), improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control (4), supports gut and brain health.

However, these benefits have been observed in the context of a healthy overall diet, not necessarily when mixed with coffee.

What does coffee bring to the table?

Coffee also contains bioactive compounds: caffeine, Chlorogenic acids (antioxidants), and Trigonelline (neuroprotective potential). When consumed in moderation, coffee is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (5), a lower incidence of cardiovascular and liver disease (6), and enhanced physical and cognitive performance (7).

So… does mixing them offer extra benefits?

Currently, no clinical studies confirm that mixing coffee and olive oil enhances their individual benefits. However, some people anecdotally report:

• Feeling more full or satisfied in the morning

• Experiencing fewer post-caffeine crashes

• Finding it helpful during intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets

Who might want to avoid it?

• People with digestive disorders (e.g., IBS) may experience worsened symptoms

• Those already consuming high-fat diets could exceed the recommended fat intake.

• Drinking it on an empty stomach may irritate sensitive stomachs

Also, it may not be ideal for people trying to limit overall fat intake or those with medical conditions that require low-fat diets.

Conclusion

Coffee with olive oil is neither a miracle superfood nor harmful.It can be an interesting addition if you like the taste, tolerate it well, and it fits your personal nutrition goals.

As always, the key lies in the context of your whole diet, not one trendy ingredient.

A trend is not a prescription. Nutrition is personal.

References

1. Estruch R, et al. Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. N Engl J Med. 2013;368:1279–1290. PMID: 23432189

2. Fitó M, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean diet on inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2007;17(6):436-41. PMID: 17140808

3. Martínez-Lapiscina EH, et al. Mediterranean diet improves cognition: the PREDIMED-NAVARRA trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2013;84(12):1318-25. PMID: 23736744

4. Schwingshackl L, et al. Impact of olive oil on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. 2017;36(5):415-426. PMID: 28418220

5. Carlström M, Larsson SC. Coffee consumption and reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(6):395-417. PMID: 29659725

6. Poole R, et al. Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses. BMJ. 2017;359:j5024. PMID: 29167102

7. Glade MJ. Caffeine – Not just a stimulant. Nutrition. 2010;26(10):932–938. PMID: 20674786