10 Best California Olive Oil, Top Reviews

Our pick: Corto TRULY® | 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Corto TRULY® Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands out as a premium product that delivers on its promise of authenticity and freshness. Harvested and cold-extracted in a state-of-the-art mill, this olive oil offers a clean, floral flavor profile that enhances a variety of dishes. Its strict certification by the California Olive Oil Council ensures the oil meets high standards of quality and purity, making it a reliable choice for both everyday cooking and gourmet applications.

Key Advantages

• Cold-extracted for maximum freshness

• Certified extra virgin by COOC

• Distinct floral notes and balanced flavor

• Preferred by professional chefs

Main Drawback

• Premium price point

Corto TRULY® Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a top-tier product ideal for those who value genuine, high-quality olive oil. Despite its higher price, the freshness, flavor complexity, and trusted certification justify the investment for serious home cooks and culinary professionals alike.

Also great: California Olive Ranch

California Olive Ranch’s 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers a consistent, high-quality olive oil experience sourced entirely from Californian olives. Its cold-pressed extraction preserves the oil’s natural flavor and nutrients, delivering a well-rounded taste with floral, buttery, and fruity notes. Certified non-GMO, kosher, and suitable for various diets, this EVOO is versatile and dependable for a wide range of cooking applications. The packaging is practical, designed to maintain freshness when stored properly.

Key Advantages

• 100% California-sourced olives

• Cold-pressed extraction method

• Certified non-GMO, kosher, and diet-friendly

• Versatile for cooking, baking, and more

Main Drawback

• Requires careful storage to maintain freshness

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an excellent choice for those seeking a trustworthy and multi-purpose EVOO for daily use. While it requires mindful storage, its authentic flavor profile and certifications make it a solid, health-conscious option for home kitchens.

Also great: California Olive Ranch

California Olive Ranch’s 2-liter Bag-in-Box Extra Virgin Olive Oil combines award-winning quality with practical packaging designed to maintain freshness over time. Sourced entirely from California farms and partner growers, this cold-pressed EVOO delivers a well-balanced flavor profile featuring floral, buttery, and fruity notes. The eco-friendly box with an airtight interior bag extends shelf life, making it ideal for frequent home cooks who want premium olive oil in larger quantities. The inclusion of smart labels offers transparency about the oil’s origin and quality, adding to consumer confidence.

Key Advantages

• Award-winning California-grown olives

• Eco-friendly, freshness-preserving bag-in-box packaging

• Detailed product information via smart labels

• Versatile flavor for various cooking methods

Main Drawback

• Bulk packaging may not suit occasional users

This bag-in-box EVOO from California Olive Ranch is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality olive oil with extended freshness and informative labeling. While best suited for regular users due to its size, it provides great value without compromising on flavor or quality.

Source: Amazon

California olive oil is often considered superior due to its strict quality standards, fresh production methods, and ideal growing conditions. The state enforces rigorous testing to ensure purity, flavor, and freshness, which means California olive oils tend to have a clean, vibrant taste with high nutritional value. Additionally, California’s Mediterranean climate—characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters—is perfect for growing olives that develop rich, complex flavors. Many California producers also prioritize sustainable farming and early harvesting techniques that preserve the oil’s natural antioxidants and polyphenols, making their olive oil both healthier and tastier compared to oils from other regions.

What is a California olive?

A California olive refers to any olive variety grown in California, which is the largest producer of olives in the United States. The olives grown here include popular types such as Arbequina, Manzanilla, Mission, and Koroneiki. These olives are cultivated primarily for both table olives and olive oil production. California olives benefit from the region’s unique climate and soil, which help produce olives with consistent quality and excellent flavor profiles. Unlike imported olives, California olives are harvested and processed quickly after picking, which preserves their freshness and flavor in the resulting olive oil.

Is California Olive Ranch olive oil 100% olive oil?

Yes, California Olive Ranch olive oil is 100% olive oil. The company prides itself on producing pure extra virgin olive oil made entirely from olives grown and harvested in California. They maintain strict quality control from orchard to bottle, ensuring that no other oils or additives are blended in. California Olive Ranch also follows strict certification and testing processes to guarantee that their products meet the highest standards for extra virgin olive oil, which means consumers get a product that is authentic, fresh, and of premium quality.

What state is known for olive oil?

California is the state most known for producing high-quality olive oil in the United States. It leads the nation in olive cultivation and olive oil production, accounting for nearly all domestically produced olive oil in the country. The state's combination of ideal climate, innovative farming practices, and commitment to quality has helped establish California as a recognized name in the olive oil industry globally. While countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece are world-renowned for their olive oils, California has carved out its own reputation for delivering fresh, flavorful, and reliable olive oil domestically and internationally.

In summary, California olive oils truly stand out for their exceptional quality, rich flavors, and commitment to sustainable farming. Whether you're drizzling it over a fresh salad or using it to elevate your cooking, choosing a top California olive oil means you’re getting a product that balances tradition with innovation. If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Golden State into your kitchen, these oils are definitely worth exploring.