Starbucks is discontinuing its oleato olive oil drinks

Starbucks is ditching one of its most controversial drinks.

The coffee giant confirmed to TODAY.com that it will remove its Oleato beverage line from U.S. stores in early November.

When the drinks launched in early 2023, the coffee giant described them as “Arabica coffee deliciously infused with Partanna cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.” The beverage range, the brainchild of former CEO Howard Schultz, included olive oil in Caffe Latte, Iced Shaken Espresso and Starbucks cold foam and received mixed reviews from customers.

A Starbucks spokesperson says it's standard business to update the menu regularly. The decision to forego oleato was made prior to Brian Niccol's appointment as chairman and CEO, the company representative adds, but is in line with its strategy to simplify the menu.

After the drinks dropped, some Starbucks customers claimed on social media that the drinks gave them stomach problems. In March, an anonymous Starbucks employee posted on Reddit that “half the team” tried the drinks before launch and “some ended up…having to use the bathroom, if you know what I mean.”

Similar claims appeared on other platforms, such as X, where a person wrote that Starbucks' Oleato “is a real laxative.”

On the other hand, there was a Redditor who said, “I tried all three and loved them all.” Had no problems at all.”

“Castor oil has long been a remedy for constipation. Oil of any kind can help move stool through the digestive tract, especially if you've been constipated for a while,” Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, told TODAY.com in 2023. “Olive oil can certainly have this effect too, especially .” when you drink a Venti or Grande.”

Oleato's departure comes after some recent changes at Starbucks.

The chain also announced that starting November 7, it will no longer charge additional fees for non-dairy milk at company-owned and operated stores in the U.S. and Canada. The policy change comes after years of complaints from vegan and lactose intolerant customers, PETA protests and even a personal letter from Sir Paul McCartney.

Niccol said in a press release that the move is just one of “many changes” he wants to make at Starbucks – such as reducing discounts and promotions.

Starbucks cafes in China, Italy and Japan will continue to serve the Oleato drinks.