Discover the Best Olive Oil Consumer Reports

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, I am genuinely impressed by its exceptional quality and rich, complex taste. Sourced from a single family farm in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, this olive oil stands out for its purity and flavor depth. It carries a delicately layered aroma and taste profile that makes it suitable not only for salads and drizzling but also for cooking and baking. The cold-pressed, single-harvest method ensures both nutritional value and authenticity. Notably, the same oil is used by Michelin-starred chefs, which reflects its high standard in professional kitchens.

Pros:

• Rich, complex flavor with subtle notes of herbs and fruit

• 100% organic and free from additives or chemicals

• Versatile use for cooking, baking, and finishing dishes

• Large 3-liter volume offers excellent value for premium quality

Cons:

• Premium price point may not fit all budgets

Atlas 3 LT Organic Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an outstanding choice for those seeking premium, authentic Moroccan olive oil with superior taste and health benefits. While it comes at a higher price, the quality, purity, and versatility make it worth the investment for home cooks and professionals alike.

Also great: Terra Creta | Award Winning | Kolymvari Estates

The Terra Creta Kolymvari Estates 100% Pure Greek Olive Oil delivers outstanding authenticity and craftsmanship that is evident from the first taste. Sourced directly from the PDO-certified Kolymvari region in Crete, this cold-extracted olive oil offers a fresh, clean, and balanced flavor profile with subtle bitterness and peppery finish typical of premium Greek oils. Its full traceability — including lab reports and satellite imagery of the fields — ensures exceptional transparency and quality control. The 3-liter tin packaging maintains freshness while offering great value for serious home cooks or Mediterranean diet enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Fully traceable origin with lab certification

• Cold extracted for maximum flavor and nutrients

• Multi-award winning, internationally recognized quality

• Fresh, balanced taste ideal for dressings and finishing dishes

Cons:

• Metal tin packaging may be cumbersome for daily use

Terra Creta Kolymvari Estates Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands as a premium, trustworthy choice for those seeking authentic Greek olive oil with certified quality and traceability. Its rich flavor and purity make it suitable for both casual and gourmet cooking, though the bulk packaging may require transfer to a smaller bottle for convenience.

Also great: N°1 Drinking Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The VIRGEEN N°1 Drinking Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a premium, small-batch product designed specifically for health-conscious consumers and gourmet enthusiasts. Sourced from a single family farm in Tuscany, this cold-pressed EVOO boasts an exceptionally high polyphenol content (514 mg/kg), making it ideal for daily consumption straight from the spoon or as a flavorful finish to salads, bread, or Mediterranean dishes. Its fresh, grassy, and slightly peppery profile reflects the care taken during harvest and processing. Each bottle includes lab reports verifying its polyphenol levels, adding credibility and assurance of quality.

Pros:

• Exceptionally high polyphenol content for health benefits

• Ideal for drinking and finishing use

• Single estate, small-batch production for guaranteed freshness

• Elegant, gift-ready packaging with included usage instructions

Cons:

• Small bottle size may not suit heavy kitchen use

VIRGEEN N°1 Drinking Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers exceptional quality and health benefits in a thoughtfully packaged, limited-edition product. Its rich taste and verified polyphenol content make it an excellent choice for daily wellness routines and gourmet applications, though the small volume makes it best reserved for finishing rather than bulk cooking.

Source: Amazon

The highest quality olive oil is known as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This type comes from the first cold pressing of fresh olives, without the use of heat or chemicals. EVOO must meet strict chemical and sensory standards, including a free acidity level of less than 0.8%. It is prized for its rich flavor, fresh aroma, and high antioxidant content.

High-quality EVOO is typically unrefined, offering more nutrients and a fuller taste profile compared to refined or pure olive oils. When choosing EVOO, it’s best to look for oils that are certified by reputable organizations like the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), International Olive Council (IOC), or those labeled as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which indicates authenticity and origin.

Which brand of olive oil is best?

There are several trusted brands that consistently offer top-quality extra virgin olive oils. Some of the most recommended by chefs, nutritionists, and olive oil experts include:

• California Olive Ranch – Known for producing fresh, flavorful oils from California-grown olives.

• Colavita – An established Italian brand offering smooth, balanced EVOO options.

• Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A surprising favorite among value-conscious buyers, offering quality and affordability.

• O-Live & Co. – A Chilean brand recognized for its fresh, fruity flavor and high polyphenol content.

• La Tourangelle – Known for artisan oils, including organic EVOO with a delicate and complex taste.

It's always a good idea to select brands that provide harvest and bottling dates on their labels to ensure freshness.

Which company is best for olive oil?

When it comes to overall reputation, sourcing transparency, and consistent quality, these companies stand out:

• California Olive Ranch (USA) – Emphasizes sustainable farming and offers traceability from grove to bottle.

• Castillo de Canena (Spain) – Highly regarded for its premium, award-winning oils produced from olives grown on family-owned estates.

• Frantoio Franci (Italy) – Known for producing some of the world’s finest EVOOs with exceptional flavor depth.

• Cobram Estate (Australia/USA) – Focuses on freshness, with rapid processing to preserve taste and nutrients.

These companies are praised not only for product quality but also for ethical production practices and innovation in olive oil crafting.

Which country produces the best quality olive oil?

Several countries are renowned for their exceptional olive oil production, but Spain, Italy, and Greece consistently rank as the top producers:

• Spain – The world’s largest producer, offering a wide variety of olive oils. Regions like Andalusia are famous for robust, fruity oils.

• Italy – Known for rich, complex EVOOs with varying flavor profiles depending on the region, such as Tuscany and Liguria.

• Greece – Particularly Crete and Kalamata regions, producing oils noted for their smooth, grassy, and slightly peppery taste.

Other emerging producers like Australia, Chile, and the United States (California) are also gaining global recognition for their high-quality, award-winning extra virgin olive oils thanks to modern techniques and strict quality control.

In short, while the Mediterranean countries remain the traditional leaders, New World producers are proving that excellent olive oil can come from many corners of the globe.

Choosing the best olive oil can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market, but the right bottle makes a real difference in both flavor and health benefits. Whether you prefer a bold, peppery extra virgin for finishing dishes or a milder option for everyday cooking, the brands highlighted by Consumer Reports offer quality and value you can trust. Remember to consider factors like origin, certification, and processing methods when making your pick. With a little care, you’ll find an olive oil that elevates your kitchen and supports your well-being.