Best Olive Oil Brands for Every Budget

Our pick: Atlas 3 LT Organic Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil

After testing the Atlas 3 LT Organic Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it’s clear this product stands out for its purity, flavor complexity, and overall quality. Originating from a single family farm in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this EVOO lives up to its premium positioning. Its cold-pressed, unprocessed nature offers a fresh, clean taste that works well both as a finishing oil and in light cooking. The high polyphenol content is noticeable in its slightly peppery finish, which is a hallmark of freshness and antioxidant richness. Used by top chefs, it has the balance and depth expected from a high-end olive oil, although its premium status comes with a cost.

Pros:

• Rich, layered flavor profile

• Cold-pressed and organic from a single-source farm

• High in polyphenols for health benefits

• Trusted by Michelin-starred chefs

Con:

• Higher price point than average EVOO

Atlas Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers exceptional quality for those who value purity, traceability, and culinary excellence. While it’s priced at the higher end of the market, the flavor complexity and health advantages make it a worthy investment for discerning consumers.

Also great: FRESCOBALDI Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Frescobaldi Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil delivers a distinguished and bold expression of Tuscan craftsmanship. Sourced from early-harvest Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino olives grown in the hills around Florence, this EVOO reflects centuries of tradition with modern precision. The oil’s deep emerald hue signals its freshness, while its rich, layered flavor profile—bitter, peppery, and fruity—makes it stand out in both raw applications and as a finishing touch on warm dishes. Pressed within hours of harvest, its low acidity and high polyphenol content make it both flavorful and nutritionally potent.

Pros:

• Complex, robust flavor with peppery finish

• Early-harvest, single-region Tuscan olives

• Low acidity and high in polyphenols

• Excellent culinary versatility

Con:

• Strong bitterness may not suit all palates

Frescobaldi Laudemio is a premium extra virgin olive oil for those who appreciate a bold, authentic Tuscan profile. Its high quality and versatility make it well-suited for serious home cooks and professionals alike, though its intensity may be an acquired taste for some.

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

Amazon Fresh Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a practical option for everyday cooking. Sourced from multiple Mediterranean countries and bottled in Italy, it offers a mild, buttery flavor that works well in a variety of dishes without overpowering other ingredients. While it doesn't have the complexity or sharpness of premium single-origin oils, it delivers acceptable quality for its price point. The cold extraction process is a positive feature, but the use of a plastic bottle may raise concerns about long-term freshness and storage.

Pros:

• Mild, versatile flavor for daily use

• Large 2-liter size offers strong value

• Cold extracted for better quality retention

• Mediterranean-sourced and bottled in Italy

Con:

• Plastic packaging limits shelf life

Amazon Fresh Mediterranean Blend is a solid, budget-friendly EVOO suited for general cooking tasks. It lacks the depth of high-end oils but performs reliably in sautéing, baking, and light finishing. Ideal for home cooks who prioritize quantity and functionality over artisan flavor profiles.

Source: Amazon

Determining the best olive oil brand depends largely on your preferences—whether you're looking for everyday cooking oil or a premium bottle for finishing dishes. However, some brands consistently earn high praise for quality, taste, and production standards. Among the most highly regarded are:

• Colavita – A trusted name in many kitchens, Colavita offers extra virgin olive oil that’s cold-pressed and sourced primarily from Italy. It’s a good balance of price and quality.

• California Olive Ranch – Based in the U.S., this brand is known for its transparency and freshness. Their oils are made from California-grown olives and have a bright, grassy flavor.

• Kirkland Signature (Costco) – Surprisingly, this private label produces award-winning extra virgin olive oil. It’s affordable, comes in large quantities, and tests have shown it to be authentic and unadulterated.

• Lucini – A premium option, Lucini focuses on high-quality, organic extra virgin olive oil. It’s great for dipping bread or drizzling over salads.

• Partanna – If you prefer a richer, peppery oil with a robust flavor, this Sicilian brand is a great choice. It comes in distinctive tin containers and is often used for both cooking and finishing.

These brands are well-reviewed and often recommended by chefs, food critics, and home cooks alike.

Which company is best for olive oil?

The best company for olive oil typically aligns with strict production standards, traceable sourcing, and a reputation for authentic extra virgin olive oil. A few standout companies include:

• California Olive Ranch – As one of the most respected olive oil producers in the U.S., this company emphasizes quality control and sustainability. They also publish harvest dates and testing results, adding transparency for consumers.

• Cobram Estate – An Australian company with a U.S. branch, Cobram Estate uses innovative harvesting methods to ensure freshness and quality. Their oils are consistently ranked among the best in international competitions.

• Bertolli – While a mass-market brand, Bertolli has improved its reputation in recent years by updating sourcing and bottling practices. It’s widely available and offers various options for different cooking needs.

• PJ KABOS – A Greek family-owned company that produces award-winning, single-estate olive oils. Their oils are cold-pressed and traceable to specific groves.

When choosing a company, it’s important to look beyond branding—read labels for harvest dates, country of origin, and certification seals such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or COOC (California Olive Oil Council).

What are the best olive oil brand names?

Some of the best-known and highly rated olive oil brands worldwide include:

• Colavita

• California Olive Ranch

• Lucini

• Cobram Estate

• Partanna

• PJ KABOS

• Gaea

• Bari

• Ellora Farms

• La Tourangelle

These brands are often found on “best of” lists from food publications and consumer tests. They stand out for their taste profiles, purity, and production ethics. Many of them offer both premium and everyday olive oil options, so you can find one that suits your budget and culinary goals.

Which olive oil is best?

The best olive oil depends on how you plan to use it:

• For Cooking (High-Heat Use): While extra virgin olive oil can be used for sautéing, many prefer pure olive oil or light olive oil because they have higher smoke points and more neutral flavors.

• For Finishing (Salads, Dipping, Drizzling): Go for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s cold-pressed and unrefined, offering the richest flavor and most nutrients. Look for oils labeled as “first cold-pressed,” with a harvest date within the past year.

• For Health Benefits: Extra virgin olive oil is the best due to its high content of antioxidants, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fats. Choose certified organic or single-origin oils to ensure authenticity and purity.

Some of the best types of olive oil by region include:

• Tuscan olive oil (Italy) – Bold and peppery

• Koroneiki olive oil (Greece) – Fruity and complex

• Arbequina olive oil (Spain) – Mild and buttery

• California blends – Fresh and grassy

When in doubt, choose oils with certification seals (like COOC, DOP, or USDA Organic), stored in dark glass bottles or tins, and avoid those labeled just “olive oil” without further clarification.

Choosing the best olive oil brand ultimately comes down to how you plan to use it—whether it's for drizzling over salads, finishing a dish, or cooking at higher temperatures. The brands we’ve highlighted offer a balance of quality, flavor, and transparency, with options ranging from affordable everyday staples to premium bottles for special occasions. No matter your budget or taste preference, a good olive oil can elevate your cooking and support a healthy lifestyle. Just be sure to check the harvest date, opt for extra virgin when possible, and store it properly to get the most out of every drop.