Top 10 Best Olive Oil For Cooking

Our pick: Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil

After using Filippo Berio Light Olive Oil for several weeks in a variety of cooking tasks—sautéing, roasting, and baking—it's clear that this is a high-quality, versatile oil suitable for daily use. While labeled as “light,” it doesn’t lack in flavor. The oil delivers a smooth, clean taste without overpowering dishes, making it ideal for those who prefer a milder olive oil that still retains the essence of cold-pressed quality. Its deep greenish-gold color and low acidity point to careful processing and consistency.

Pros:

• Subtle yet authentic olive flavor

• Cold-pressed for higher quality

• Generous volume for the price

• Versatile for high-heat and delicate cooking

Con:

• Plastic packaging may not suit all storage preferences

Filippo Berio Light Olive Oil offers a great balance of quality and value. It’s particularly well-suited for home cooks who want a dependable, everyday olive oil that works across a range of recipes without dominating the flavor profile. Overall, it performs reliably and maintains a high standard in both taste and cooking versatility.

Also great: Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil

Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil is well-suited for anyone looking for a neutral, reliable oil for everyday cooking. With its high smoke point of 410°F, this olive oil excels in high-heat applications such as frying, sautéing, and baking. During testing, it consistently performed without burning or imparting any unwanted flavor. While labeled “extra light,” this refers to taste, not calories or fat content. The mild flavor makes it a great substitute for vegetable or canola oils, especially when you want the health benefits of olive oil without altering the dish’s profile.

Pros:

• High smoke point for versatile cooking

• Mild flavor suitable for baking and frying

• Large bottle offers good value

• Non-GMO and widely trusted brand

Con:

• Lacks distinct olive oil aroma or depth

Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil stands out for its performance in high-heat cooking and everyday usability. It may not be the top pick for drizzling or dipping, but it’s an excellent pantry staple for those who value function, consistency, and mildness in their cooking oil.

Also great: Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers a well-rounded option for home cooks who value quality, traceability, and a mild flavor profile. Made from first cold-pressed olives and certified by the North American Olive Oil Association, it provides the benefits of authentic extra virgin olive oil without being overpowering. During testing, the oil performed especially well in sautéing and stir-frying, delivering a clean finish and subtle aroma. Its smooth texture and delicate taste make it versatile enough for both cooking and light drizzling.

Pros:

• Smooth, non-bitter flavor

• First cold pressed for higher quality

• NAOOA-certified authenticity

• Large size for consistent home use

Con:

• Milder than some may prefer for raw applications

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a solid choice for those seeking a balanced, everyday EVOO that complements rather than dominates a dish. Its combination of authenticity, versatility, and mildness makes it dependable for daily cooking needs.

Source: Amazon

When it comes to cooking with olive oil, light or refined olive oil is often considered the most suitable. It has a higher smoke point—typically around 465°F (240°C)—which makes it a safer choice for high-heat cooking methods like sautéing, baking, or stir-frying. Unlike extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil has a more neutral flavor, which can be beneficial if you don’t want the oil to overpower your dish.

That said, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can also be used for many types of cooking, especially low to medium-heat methods such as roasting vegetables, simmering sauces, or finishing dishes with a drizzle of flavor.

Is it safe to use olive oil for cooking?

Yes, it is completely safe to cook with olive oil, as long as you stay within its smoke point. The smoke point of extra virgin olive oil is around 375°F to 410°F (190°C to 210°C), which is sufficient for most everyday cooking techniques.

Some concerns have been raised in the past about olive oil breaking down into harmful compounds at high heat. However, research has shown that olive oil remains stable and safe even under cooking conditions, largely because of its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Is extra virgin olive oil OK for frying?

Extra virgin olive oil can be used for shallow frying, as long as the temperature stays below its smoke point (ideally under 375°F). It is rich in antioxidants and has a full-bodied flavor that can enhance certain dishes. However, for deep frying or high-heat searing, many chefs prefer a more refined olive oil or other high-smoke-point oils like avocado or grapeseed oil.

Keep in mind that while EVOO may not be the most economical choice for large-scale frying due to its cost, it’s still a great option for pan-frying or sautéing foods like eggs, fish, or vegetables when flavor matters.

Is it better to cook with olive oil or virgin olive oil?

The choice between olive oil and virgin olive oil depends on the type of cooking and your flavor preferences.

• Refined olive oil (sometimes just labeled “olive oil”) has a neutral taste and higher smoke point, making it better for high-temperature cooking like grilling or stir-frying.

• Virgin and extra virgin olive oils have richer flavor profiles and are best used for medium-heat cooking, light sautéing, or as a finishing oil for salads, pasta, or grilled vegetables.

If you want to preserve the natural antioxidants and get the full health benefits of olive oil, extra virgin olive oil is the top choice. But if you're cooking something at high heat or need a more neutral flavor, refined olive oil might be more practical.

Choosing the best olive oil for cooking depends on your taste preferences, cooking style, and budget. Whether you prefer a robust extra virgin olive oil for finishing dishes or a lighter refined option for high-heat cooking, there’s a quality bottle out there to suit your needs. The key is to look for freshness, reputable sourcing, and the right grade for your intended use. A good olive oil not only enhances flavor but also supports a healthier lifestyle—making it a smart staple in any kitchen.