The Best Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, According To Rigorous Testing

Source: Amazon

Our pick: Mythology Greek Olive Oil From Greece

After testing the Mythology Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it’s clear this is a premium product that lives up to its PDO certification from Kolymvari, Crete. The aroma is fresh and fruity, the color a vibrant golden-green, and the taste well-balanced with a smooth finish and subtle peppery kick. The low acidity of 0.5% is noticeable in its clean, pure flavor profile. This olive oil works beautifully both as a finishing drizzle over salads and as a cooking oil for enhancing Mediterranean dishes. The tin packaging preserves freshness while giving it a traditional, authentic look.

Pros:

• Low acidity for clean, pure taste

• Fresh, fruity aroma with balanced flavor

• Certified PDO from Kolymvari, Crete

• Versatile for cooking and finishing dishes

Con:

• Premium price compared to standard EVOO

Mythology Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil delivers on authenticity, flavor, and quality. If you value a true Greek olive oil with exceptional taste and health benefits, it’s well worth the investment.

Also great: Colavita Premium Italian Extra Virgin

Colavita Premium Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers a true taste of Italy, backed by the CERMET seal ensuring it’s made exclusively from Italian-harvested and pressed olives. The flavor profile is bold, with a fresh, fruity aroma, balanced bitterness, and a pleasant peppery finish, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more robust olive oil. The first cold press method preserves its natural qualities, and the glass bottles help maintain freshness. It shines as a finishing oil for meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, and hard cheeses, though its distinctive taste may be strong for those used to milder oils.

Pros:

• Certified 100% Italian origin

• Fresh, fruity aroma with complex flavor

• First cold pressed for quality preservation

• Versatile for finishing and pairing with savory dishes

Con:

• Strong flavor may not suit mild palate preferences

Colavita Premium Italian EVOO is a high-quality choice for those who appreciate a bold, authentic Italian olive oil. Its certification, flavor, and versatility make it a reliable staple in the kitchen.

Also great: De Cecco Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Classico

De Cecco Extra Virgin Olive Oil Classico offers a consistent, approachable flavor that makes it a versatile choice for daily use. Imported from Italy and made from carefully selected Mediterranean olives, it delivers a smooth, lightly fruity taste with subtle almond notes. The cold extraction process at under 27°C helps preserve its natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins, while the impressively low acidity of under 0.3% ensures a clean finish. Its flavor is mild enough for general cooking yet refined enough for drizzling over raw dishes without overpowering them. The large 101.4 fl oz container makes it economical for frequent use.

Pros:

• Smooth, light fruity flavor with almond notes

• Cold extracted to preserve nutrients and aroma

• Very low acidity for a clean taste

• Versatile for cooking and finishing dishes

Con:

• Large size may be cumbersome for small kitchens

De Cecco Classico EVOO is a reliable, mild, and nutrient-rich option for home cooks who value both quality and versatility. Its smooth profile works well across a wide range of dishes, making it a practical kitchen staple.

High-quality extra virgin olive oil should have a fresh, vibrant aroma—think freshly cut grass, green apple, or herbs. Its taste should be balanced with fruitiness, slight bitterness, and a peppery kick in the throat, which comes from healthy polyphenols. Always check the harvest date on the label; fresher is better, ideally within 12–18 months. Also, look for “cold-pressed” or “cold-extracted” and ensure it’s stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from light and heat.

What Brand of Olive Oil Is 100% Pure?

While no single brand dominates worldwide, some well-regarded names include California Olive Ranch, Kirkland Signature Organic, and PJ Kabos. These brands are known for transparent sourcing, certification from reputable bodies (like COOC or NAOOA), and consistent lab testing to confirm purity. Always verify authenticity by checking for quality seals and origin labeling.

Which Olive Oil Has the Highest Grade?

“Extra virgin” is the highest grade of olive oil, meaning it’s extracted without heat or chemicals and meets strict sensory and chemical standards. Within this category, oils with high polyphenol content (over 500 mg/kg) are considered exceptional for both flavor and health benefits. Specialty producers from Greece, Spain, and California often release limited-edition, ultra-high-grade oils each harvest season.

How to Tell if Your Olive Oil Is 100% Olive Oil?

First, read the ingredient label—it should list only “extra virgin olive oil” with no additives. Second, perform a quick home test: store the bottle in the fridge; pure EVOO will become cloudy and thicken, then return to liquid at room temperature. Lastly, taste it—if it’s flat, greasy, or odorless, it may be blended with cheaper oils. Trusted brands will also provide lab analysis or certification to prove authenticity.