10 Best Cheap Olive Oil, Tested & Review

100% pure olive oil refers to oils that are genuinely made from olives, without blending with other cheaper oils or undergoing deceptive processing. The following brands are widely recognized for their purity and transparency, often verified by third-party testing or origin certifications:

• California Olive Ranch – Known for traceable sourcing and quality control.

• Cobram Estate – Produces award-winning oils in both the U.S. and Australia.

• Kirkland Signature (Costco) – Their extra virgin olive oil, particularly those sourced from Italy and Greece, has passed independent authenticity tests.

• Lucini Italia – Offers small-batch extra virgin oils sourced from Italian estates.

• Colavita (Select Labels) – Some batches are certified extra virgin and meet international standards.

Look for certifications like COOC, NAOOA, or PDO/PGI to confirm authenticity.

Which olive oil is considered the highest quality?

The highest quality olive oil is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It is made from the first cold pressing of fresh olives and must meet strict chemical and sensory standards:

• Acidity level must be under 0.8%

• No defects in taste or smell

• No chemical refining or processing

In terms of specific products, award-winning oils such as:

• Rincón de la Subbética (Spain)

• Frantoi Cutrera Primo (Italy)

• Oleoestepa Hojiblanca (Spain)

often top international competitions and are considered benchmarks of quality.

What olive oil has the lowest grade?

The lowest grade of olive oil is simply labeled “olive oil” or “pure olive oil”, but it can also include:

• Refined olive oil – Made using heat and chemical solvents to neutralize flavor and defects.

• Pomace olive oil – Extracted from olive pulp using chemical solvents, often mixed with small amounts of virgin oil to improve flavor.

These types lack the flavor, aroma, and nutritional profile of higher-grade oils like EVOO. While still usable for high-heat cooking, they are not recommended for finishing or baking where quality matters.

Which brands of olive oil are not fake?

Several brands consistently produce authentic, non-adulterated olive oil, verified by independent testing and certification programs. These include:

• Cobram Estate – Fully vertically integrated, ensuring traceability.

• California Olive Ranch – A pioneer in transparency and testing in the U.S.

• Lucini Italia – Known for high-quality, traceable oils from Italian groves.

• Kirkland Signature (Costco) – Frequently passes third-party purity tests.

• Colavita (Certified Products) – Some lines are PDO-certified and meet EU quality standards.

To avoid fake olive oil, look for:

• Harvest date on the bottle

• Country of origin (preferably single origin)

• Seals from COOC, NAOOA, or European PDO/PGI programs

Avoid generic or suspiciously cheap “extra virgin” oils with vague labeling or no origin information.