Every year, 110,000 tons of olive oil are sold in the UK. Refined, virgin or extra virgin, this product is used in cooking, but also in skin care and cosmetic products. In addition to the origin, many criteria must be taken into account to find the right product, which complicates the choice. Fortunately, our guide to the best olive oils is here to help you.
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Our selection
"This olive oil made from the sunny olives of Greece is just exquisite. This premium product provides a full-bodied flavor to all your seasonings."
"It is a refined extra virgin oil of superior quality, with a fresh olive fragrance and a delicate taste. It comes from an ancestral culture…"
"JC Olivenöl organic extra virgin olive oil has an intense fruity taste from Koroneiki PDO olives. The olives used are processed through a precise process:…"
"The know-how of Italy is reflected in this excellent extra virgin olive oil, made from locally grown olives harvested at the right time. Its fruity…"
This olive oil made from the sunny olives of Greece is just exquisite. This premium product provides a full-bodied flavor to all your seasonings.
29,59 £ on AmazonThe main advantage of Happy Belly Select organic extra virgin olive oil is that it brings an exquisite Mediterranean touch to all your preparations. The cultivation and manual harvesting at full maturity provide a unique taste to the product. The oil is then collected by cold extraction, with the aim of preserving the flavors. This innovative method also contributes to the reduction of acidity, guaranteeing a smooth and pleasant taste.
Moreover, the producers ensure a well-deserved gustatory quality to this organic extra virgin olive oil, containing only a tiny proportion of fat in its main composition. Happy Belly Select organic extra virgin olive oil is ideal for dressing your refreshing summer salad or for frying your vegetables.
It is a refined extra virgin oil of superior quality, with a fresh olive fragrance and a delicate taste. It comes from an ancestral culture inherited from Queen Elyssa.
5,36 £ on AmazonWith thousands of years of experience, Terra Delyssa revalues its signature extra virgin olive oil. It is produced by cold extraction, a totally traceable and transparent process that gives it an exceptional taste and aroma. This extra virgin olive oil has a bright greenish-gold color and a fruity flavor that is extremely digestible.
It has a pleasant peppery aftertaste which proves that the oil has been produced with 100% olive juice. It is perfect for all diets, including vegetarian and vegan. The pouring spout of the bottle makes it easy to use for precise seasonings.
JC Olivenöl organic extra virgin olive oil has an intense fruity taste from Koroneiki PDO olives. The olives used are processed through a precise process: pruning, harvesting, sorting and processing.
61,56 £ on AmazonOffered in a 5 L bottle, this organic extra virgin olive oil has a unique balanced taste, coming from a lagoon landscape that provides olives with salts and minerals all the time. It can be enjoyed in its pure state, with salt and bread, as a dressing for salads and other raw vegetables, or cooked on steamed vegetables. The oil is 100% extracted from a variety of olives called Koroneiki, certified PDO.
The cultivation areas, located in the Kalamata region of Greece, are subject to climatic conditions that are more than conducive, which further guarantees the authenticity of this organic extra virgin olive oil JC Olivenöl. This oil is recommended by Michelin-starred chefs for tasty preparations, worthy of a premium quality gastronomy.
The know-how of Italy is reflected in this excellent extra virgin olive oil, made from locally grown olives harvested at the right time. Its fruity and aromatic flavor gives you the freedom to prepare a wide variety of dishes.
24,39 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best entry-level olive oil
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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7/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Happy Belly Select
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Terra Delyssa
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JC Olivenöl
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Le Terre di Colombo
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This olive oil made from the sunny olives of Greece is just exquisite. This premium product provides a full-bodied flavor to all your seasonings.
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It is a refined extra virgin oil of superior quality, with a fresh olive fragrance and a delicate taste. It comes from an ancestral culture inherited from Queen Elyssa.
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JC Olivenöl organic extra virgin olive oil has an intense fruity taste from Koroneiki PDO olives. The olives used are processed through a precise process: pruning, harvesting, sorting and processing.
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The know-how of Italy is reflected in this excellent extra virgin olive oil, made from locally grown olives harvested at the right time. Its fruity and aromatic flavor gives you the freedom to prepare a wide variety of dishes.
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Capacity
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5 L
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1 L
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5 L
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3 L
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Origin
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Greece
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Tunisia
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Greece
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Italy
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Extraction
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Cold-formed organic extra virgin olive oil
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Cold process
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Cold-pressed
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Cold processed
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Type
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Mediterranean flavors
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Extra virgin
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Organic virgin extra-virgin
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Best with soups
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Particularity
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Bottle with spout for easy use
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PDO certified
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The origin of the olive oil reflects its quality. An excellent olive oil must be grown, processed and bottled in the same country. Examples include Spain, Greece and Italy, countries that are world-renowned for the quality of their production. Be careful, it is possible that a product is only bottled in the country where it claims to come from. So remember to check this information on the product label.
Another way of recognizing the country of origin of an olive oil is to rely on mentions such as: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). These acronyms attest to the quality of the olive oil, just like a label. More precisely, they provide more information about the geographical origins and terroirs of olive oils, so you should pay attention to their presence on the bottle.
The olive from which the oil is extracted is a fruit. Depending on the extraction method, the olive fruit will release exquisite aromas once bottled. However, avoid olive oils with a musty or brambly aroma. This is a sign of a bad product that no longer concentrates the virtues of a good oil. For a better mouthfeel, producers add spicy aromas and herbs.
To know if an olive oil is good, the most effective way is to taste it. If you have the opportunity to do so, don't hesitate. Olive oils can have different tastes. So, you must taste it and judge its quality. It should be noted that according to the professionals, an excellent quality and fresh olive oil should have a bitter taste. The pungent taste, on the other hand, is a sign of the presence of holy phenolic compounds in excellent quality products.
It is important to check the expiration date before buying an olive oil. A good quality olive oil is one that has been processed in less than a year. At least if you don't know the date of harvest, choose a product that is at least one year past its expiration date.
The color of the olive oil can be misleading because it does not necessarily indicate the quality of the product. Indeed, this color is generated by the type of fruit used and has no influence on the quality of the product.
The container is an important criterion to consider, as it conditions the quality and shelf life of the olive oil. In a plastic bottle, olive oil can only be stored for 30 days. However, in a glass bottle, it can be kept for up to 12 months. And even then, the glass bottle has to be dark, which optimizes the shelf life.
This oil is extracted from the olives produced by the olive tree. To obtain an excellent quality, the fruit must be picked by hand. A machine harvest can deteriorate the quality of the fruit and will not be able to differentiate the ripe olives from those still green. This first step of the production process is already of great importance for the final result.
Depending on the desired quality, the plants undergo biological treatments to obtain a natural and pure quality. The olives are pressed several times to obtain a paste, and then a centrifuge is used to extract the oil. This is the traditional method.
Olive oil is one of the healthiest and most beneficial oils. It provides a longer life if consumed regularly. It improves blood circulation and protects against diabetes. It is even able to prevent the appearance of certain types of cancer. The use of olive oil in your preparations increases their nutritional value and provides essential elements for good health.
It is important to know that olive oil stored at a high temperature oxidizes quickly. An oxidized oil is not good for your health. It is therefore essential to store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator if it is not used for a long time.
France is the only producer country whose olive oil flavor is classified according to 3 types of fruitiness: green, black and ripe.
The green fruity: the dominant aromas are those of artichoke and freshly cut herbs. With its lively, fiery and slightly bitter taste, green fruity olive oil is the ideal ally for raw gastronomic recipes. It is often used to enhance the taste of mozzarella in a gnocchi salad recipe, for example.
Black fruity: with a strong cocoa and vanilla aroma, black fruity olive oil is obtained from olives that have been picked when ripe and that have spent part of their cycle in barrels. Even if its flavor is not very fiery, it remains pronounced and greedy, especially with a ratatouille with fresh goat cheese or roasted apples.
The fruity ripe: olive oils that are designated as such are made with very ripe olives at the time of harvest. They are easily recognized by their aromas of almond, ripe olive and green apple. It is perfect for cooking white meat, fish, chicken and all dishes with minced meat.
When shopping, you may come across an olive oil that is very fruity, medium fruity or slightly fruity. These types of olive oils are most commonly used to season salads and dishes made with beef, salmon or tuna.
Olive oil is a product with a thousand and one nutritional qualities. But to take advantage of its many benefits, avoid heating it too much in a pan. The higher the temperature of the olive oil, the more it loses its organoleptic qualities. This does not make it unhealthy.
On the other hand, it may lose its flavor, which would be a shame. For your frying, prefer non-virgin olive oil, because it can be heated up to 210°C. Virgin olive oil, on the other hand, can be heated up to 180°C.
Olive oil that burns the tongue and throat is not good. It can be a little bit spicy, but not so much that it will hurt your taste buds. As long as the olive oil tastes fresh and a little tart, it is still good for your consumption.
Virgin olive oil comes in 4 categories. They have different levels of acidity that change the taste and smell each time. Extra virgin olive oil is excellent with an impeccable smell and flavor. 100 g of this oil have 0.1 to 1 g of acid. It rises to 1.5 g for fine virgin olive oil, to 5.5 g for semi-fine virgin olive oil and up to 55 g for lampante virgin oil. As the acidity level increases, the quality of its taste decreases. Having undergone a natural process during its production, virgin olive oil keeps its natural properties. The temperature used to extract the juice has no effect on its high level of taste. This is why it is medically recommended.Advantages: Very rich in omega-9, virgin olive oil protects against cardiovascular pathologies and helps lower bad cholesterol. As it is very rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamin K, it helps fight against cellular aging. In addition, the vitamin E contained in virgin olive oil keeps the skin young and elastic.Disadvantages: Virgin olive oil is very high in calories, so be sure to consume it in moderation. Excessive consumption can cause illness. It also has the reputation of not keeping for long, which is another reason to put it in the fridge when not in use.Who is it for? Virgin olive oil is for all consumer profiles without exception. This product is especially recommended for people who have a taste for good food and who would like to stay healthy without depriving themselves of hearty meals.
Refined olive oil is made from industrial products. Originally, it smells very bad and has an unpleasant taste. It undergoes a refining process to obtain a more drinkable and consumable result. The nutritional properties of this oil are poor, because they are altered by all the steps undertaken during production. It is also recognized by its less bright color. Its taste and smell are nothing special compared to virgin oil.Advantages: Refined olive oil is offered at a more affordable cost compared to extra virgin olive oil. Like other oils, it can be consumed raw for seasoning and cooking, but in moderation. Moreover, its flavor is no different from that of virgin olive oil.Disadvantages: This olive oil oxidizes very quickly if it is not stored in the best conditions. It should be noted that the nutritional properties of refined olive oil are not equal to those of virgin olive oil because it has undergone chemical or thermal treatment.Who is it for? Are you only allowed to consume olive oil, but your budget is a bit tight? You can choose refined olive oil. This category of olive oil is not as good as extra virgin, but it does the trick.
Pure olive oil is a little better than refined olive oil. The latter is mixed with a proportion of virgin olive oil to obtain it. This proportion is different from one brand to another. Therefore, the quality obtained is not the same for all bottles. But the more virgin olive oil, the better the result. With this type of oil, the acidity level is around 1.5%.Advantages: This oil is widely used outside the kitchen. It is ideal for nourishing the hair and moisturizing the skin in depth. Note that this oil is used by many cosmetic manufacturers as ingredients in their products. Nevertheless, pure olive oil is a perfect seasoning for frying, roasting and grilling.Disadvantages: Pure olive oil cannot be eaten raw, unless it is mixed with balsamic vinegar for example. Because of its less fiery taste, it reveals less of the flavor of dishes.Who is it for? Pure olive oil will meet the expectations of people who are looking for natural alternatives to their cosmetic products.
Extra virgin olive oil is so called when it is obtained using a technique known as cold pressing. As soon as they are harvested, the olives are immediately mechanically pressed at room temperature. As these fruits do not undergo any chemical treatment or refining, the resulting extra virgin oil retains all its nutritional properties. Moreover, its oleic acid content is less than 0.8%, which gives it its intoxicating smell and perfect color. Flavor, aroma, texture... extra virgin olive oil excels in almost everything.extra virgin olive oils are usually monovarietal, but they can also be derived from a blend of different olive varieties in different proportions. Despite this, the oils in this category are hygienic and can be consumed daily.Benefits: Extra virgin olive oils are a source of monounsaturated fatty acids. They also provide natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols that are very effective against cardiovascular diseases and cholesterol. Consumed raw or cooked, extra virgin olive oil is a real treat for the senses, especially the taste buds.Disadvantages: Since extra virgin olive oil contains no preservatives, it can oxidize quickly if not stored in a proper place. If you are not using it, store the bottle in a cupboard.Who is it for? Extra virgin oil is recommended for people who are deficient in vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids. It is also perfect for diabetics and those who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
To protect yourself from cardiovascular disease
According to numerous studies, olive oil is an antithrombotic and antiaggregant food. This means that it decreases the capacity of fatty foods to clog our arteries by preventing excessive blood clotting. This is proven by the low incidence of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes in countries where olive oil is the king. Recent research has even shown that it has anti-cancer properties.
To lose weight
Olive oil is also a great companion for people trying to lose weight. The oleic acid it contains helps resist the urge to snack and the munchies. This is due to the feeling of satiety that this compound brings quickly.
To strengthen the immune system
The immune system fights against viruses, bacteria and micro-organisms that can affect your health. Rich in essential nutrients, olive oil boosts the immune system by protecting the membrane that surrounds its cells. It therefore prevents common and chronic diseases.
To smooth hair
Give up on chemicals that do more harm than good to your hair. Thanks to olive oil, you can have the perfectly smooth hair of your dreams. By using it as an oil bath, it provides many benefits. It reduces the dullness of your hair, nourishes it and gives it back its shine.
To naturally moisturize the skin
Olive oil is undoubtedly one of the best products for caring for your skin. Indeed, one of its main components allows to moisturize your skin in depth. It softens your skin, protects it from sun damage and prevents the signs of premature aging. And best of all, it is a natural skin care product suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive.
In our opinion, the best brands of olive oils in 2022 are :
Olivea is an olive oil brand created by Kevin Klamt and became a brand of the Greek company Liocharis Kefalonia Olive Mill since 2019. This brand is known for the quality of its truly healthy, pure and unadulterated extra virgin Greek olive oils.
The company has been in existence since 1780 and is based in Italy. It specialises in the extraction of olive oil. The brand is one of the most prestigious in this field.
Finca la Torre is a Spanish brand of olive oil. This brand is among the best in the field of this condiment. As such, it can participate in all the prestigious competitions, such as the NYIOOC world olive oil competition, held every spring in New York.
Adelaida Fernandez-Cuellar was the founder of the Garcia de la Cruz brand at a time when women rarely worked outside the home. Over the next five generations, the brand has remained dedicated to producing the highest quality, tastiest and purest organic extra virgin olive oil for its customers.
De Cecco is an Italian company that produces dried pasta, flour and other related food products such as olive oil. The brand has been building its reputation since 1886 and continues to satisfy its customers. It is the symbol of quality/price ratio;
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Replace your shaving cream with olive oil!
If your shaving cream has just run out and you want to shave your legs, olive oil will do the trick. It's gentle and eases irritation to your skin.
Use olive oil to relax.
To enjoy effective relaxation, you can pour a little olive oil into your bath. Your skin will also be moisturized and soft.
Guaranteed shine effect on the hair.
For people with long hair, olive oil is an ideal companion. It nourishes and makes your hair shine. Opt for odorless olive oil or accompany it with lemon to cover the smell. Apply to your hair while it is still wet and wrap a warm towel around your hair for an hour. Then wash your hair.
Use the oil to moisturize your skin.
Olive oil effectively nourishes and moisturizes the skin. You can use it as a classic moisturizer. This oil can also be used as a face mask. Just mix a tablespoon with an egg yolk and apply the mixture for 5 minutes.
Detox cure with olive oil.
Olive oil stimulates your body to eliminate toxins. For this, you can consume 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil before eating. To help you pass it, you can accompany it with lemon juice for example.
To increase the shelf life of olive oil, keep it at a mild, constant temperature. So, until you can use it, store the bottle in a cool place away from light. If the container is clear glass, store it in the back of a cupboard to prevent the contents from oxidizing quickly.
Ideally, you should have two types of olive oil in your kitchen: a quality olive oil at an affordable price and a more typical one (AOC or single variety oil). If the first bottle will be used for cooking and dressings, the second will be used to accompany pasta dishes, fish, or steamed potatoes. Remember that a drizzle of olive oil is enough to transform the most classic dishes into very refined ones.
Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with time. For this reason, look for olive oil that is relatively young. If the expiration date on the bottle is approaching, skip it. Also, never buy a product that is not dated.
The best olive oil depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
The producer can influence the final quality of the olive oil. Indeed, he will provide the plant with its water and fertilizer needs so that it can develop and give a good harvest. He monitors the olive grove and establishes when to harvest and how to store it. He will also be the main actor in the crushing of the olives to transform them into oil. Each of these stages is related to the quality of the final product.
Olive oils have different tastes because they are closely related to wine in this respect. Several agents can affect the taste, namely the type of olive used, the climate of the place where it grows and the characteristics of the soil. We must not forget the role of the producer in its production.
In principle, olive oil does not need to be stored in a refrigerator, it is willing to be stored in a place at room temperature. However, it is extremely useful to know if olive oil is stored at high temperatures, it oxidizes quickly. If you are not using your olive oil for a long period of time, it is best to store it in the refrigerator to limit oxidation.
The plastic container may affect the taste of the olive oil after opening. Glass is more recommended as it is an inert material. If you have olive oil placed in plastic containers, it will be better to transfer it to a glass model.
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