The Best Brand Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Expert Picks

Our pick: Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Italy

After testing the Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Italy, I found it to be a high-quality product that stands out for its fresh, fruity flavor and authentic Sicilian origin. This unfiltered, cold-extracted oil delivers a rich taste profile that enhances salads, roasted vegetables, and dipping sauces. Its vibrant green hue and slightly cloudy appearance confirm its unrefined, natural state, making it ideal for those who appreciate artisan food products. The oil arrives well-packaged in two 33.8 fl oz bottles, maintaining its integrity and freshness straight from Italy.

Pros

• Authentic Sicilian origin

• Rich, fruity flavor profile

• Cold-extracted and unfiltered

• Fresh harvest for maximum taste

Cons

• Slightly higher price point

Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers excellent quality for home cooks and gourmet enthusiasts seeking genuine Italian olive oil. Despite its premium price, the taste, freshness, and authenticity make it a worthwhile investment. Overall, a highly recommended product for culinary use.

Also great: Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Having tested Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I can confidently say it delivers dependable quality suitable for daily cooking needs. The full-bodied, bold taste works well in salad dressings, marinades, and light sautéing. As a first cold-pressed, imported product certified by the NAOOA, it provides assurance of authenticity. The 101 fl. oz. packaging is generous, making it a practical choice for households that use olive oil frequently. While the robust flavor is excellent for hearty dishes, it may overpower more delicate recipes.

Pros

• First cold-pressed for quality

• Rich, robust flavor

• Large, economical packaging

• NAOOA certified for authenticity

Cons

• Flavor may be too strong for subtle dishes

Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a reliable kitchen staple offering authenticity, volume, and flavor at a reasonable price. It suits those who prefer a bolder olive oil taste, making it a solid option for everyday culinary use.

Also great: Amazon Fresh, Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil

After testing the Amazon Fresh Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I found it to be a well-balanced, mild-tasting product suitable for a wide range of kitchen uses. Sourced from multiple Mediterranean countries and bottled in Italy, this oil offers a gentle, buttery flavor that complements both cooking and finishing dishes without overwhelming other ingredients. The cold-extracted, unrefined quality ensures freshness, while the large 2-liter plastic bottle provides good value for everyday use.

Pros

• Mild, buttery flavor

• Cold-extracted and unrefined

• Large, economical packaging

• Suitable for both cooking and finishing

Cons

• Plastic bottle packaging

Amazon Fresh Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a practical and affordable choice for those seeking a versatile, mild-flavored olive oil for daily cooking needs. While the plastic bottle may not appeal to premium buyers, the overall quality and value make it a reliable kitchen staple.

Source: Amazon

Choosing the best olive oil can depend on taste preferences, origin, and intended use. However, based on quality, flavor, and global reputation, here are 10 highly regarded extra virgin olive oils that consistently rank among the best:

1. Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy) – Trusted Italian brand known for balanced flavor.

2. California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (USA) – Fresh, fruity oil made in California.

3. La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (France) – Delicate and smooth, ideal for dressings.

4. Oliviers & Co. Grand Cru Extra Virgin Olive Oil (France/Italy) – Premium oil with complex flavor notes.

5. Lucini Italia Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy) – Cold-pressed, bold, and peppery.

6. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Spain/Italy) – Great value and quality for daily cooking.

7. Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy/Spain) – Versatile with a mild taste, widely available.

8. Ellora Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greece) – Single-origin, PDO-certified from Crete.

9. Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy) – Rich, buttery flavor with a slightly spicy finish.

10. Cobram Estate Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Australia) – Award-winning, fresh, and grassy taste.

These brands are praised for their purity, freshness, and adherence to high production standards.

How to Tell if Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Real?

Not all oils labeled “extra virgin” are truly authentic. Here are some ways to check:

1. Read the Label Carefully: Look for terms like “cold-pressed,” “first cold extraction,” and “100% extra virgin.” Avoid labels that say “pure,” “light,” or “pomace” — these are not extra virgin.

2. Origin Transparency: Authentic brands clearly list the country (or countries) of origin. Single-origin oils are often more trustworthy.

3. Harvest Date: A real extra virgin olive oil will have a harvest date (not just an expiration date). Fresher oils (within 18 months of harvest) are better.

4. Taste Test: Real extra virgin olive oil has a fresh, grassy, peppery, or slightly bitter taste. If it tastes greasy, flavorless, or rancid, it may be fake or low quality.

5. Price Indicator: True extra virgin olive oil costs more because of labor-intensive production. Extremely cheap oils are usually blends or mislabeled.

6. Third-Party Certifications: Look for seals from organizations like the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), or European PDO/PGI labels.

7. Refrigerator Test (Not Fully Reliable): While not scientifically perfect, some people chill oil to see if it solidifies (real EVOO often thickens in cold).

Which Country's Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Best?

There is no single “best” country because flavor and quality depend on variety, climate, and production method. However, these countries are famous for their exceptional extra virgin olive oils:

• Italy: Known for bold, peppery oils from regions like Tuscany, Liguria, and Puglia.

• Greece: Produces fruity, smooth, and rich oils, especially from Crete and Kalamata.

• Spain: The world’s largest olive oil producer, famous for its balanced, nutty oils — especially from Andalusia.

• Turkey: Rising in recognition, Turkish oils are buttery and mild.

• Australia: Gaining international awards for fresh, grassy, and vibrant EVOOs.

• Tunisia: Produces mild and affordable extra virgin olive oils, great for blending and cooking.

In global competitions, Italy, Spain, and Greece often win the most awards, but high-quality oils now come from unexpected regions like California and Australia.

Which Company is Best for Olive Oil?

Several companies stand out for consistently producing high-quality, authentic extra virgin olive oil:

• Colavita (Italy): Trusted Italian brand with a long-standing reputation for quality.

• California Olive Ranch (USA): Leading American brand praised for transparency and freshness.

• Lucini Italia (Italy): Premium-quality, organic, and cold-pressed oils perfect for gourmet use.

• Cobram Estate (Australia/USA): Award-winning producer known for sustainable and fresh oils.

• Ellora Farms (Greece): Offers single-origin, traceable oils certified by the EU’s PDO system.

• Oliviers & Co. (France/Italy): Specializes in limited-batch, artisanal extra virgin olive oils.

Always choose companies that provide full traceability, harvest information, and certifications to ensure the oil’s authenticity and purity.

Choosing the best extra virgin olive oil ultimately depends on your personal taste, cooking needs, and budget. Whether you prefer a bold, peppery finish for drizzling over salads or a smoother, milder flavor for everyday sautéing, there’s a high-quality option out there to suit every kitchen. The brands we’ve highlighted stand out for their purity, freshness, and commitment to quality. Investing in a trusted bottle of extra virgin olive oil not only elevates your dishes but also supports a healthier lifestyle. Take the time to find one that matches your palate—you’ll taste the difference in every drop.