The Best Supermarket Olive Oil, Test & Review

Our pick: Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rich Taste, offers a robust and authentic olive oil experience rooted in over 150 years of Mediterranean heritage. The oil’s cold-pressed, unrefined nature delivers a full-bodied, fruity flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. Packaged in a dark bottle to preserve freshness, it’s a reliable choice for home cooks seeking premium quality olive oil for dressings, cooking, and more.

Advantages

• Rich, full-bodied flavor

• Cold-pressed, unrefined quality

• High smoke point suitable for diverse cooking methods

• Large 50.7 fl oz bottle offers great value

Drawback

• Bulk bottle size may be less convenient for occasional users

Bertolli’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Rich Taste is a high-quality product that balances flavor and versatility well. Its authenticity and preservation methods make it a solid addition to any kitchen, particularly for those who regularly cook with olive oil.

Also great: Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil delivers a strong, full-bodied flavor ideal for enhancing salads, marinades, and pasta dishes. Sourced from first cold pressing and crafted by experienced farmers, this olive oil combines quality tradition dating back to 1906 with a robust taste profile. The generous 68 fl oz bottle provides good value for regular use in the kitchen.

Advantages

• Bold, full-bodied flavor

• First cold pressed for maximum quality

• Large 68 fl oz bottle size

• Versatile for dressings, marinades, and cooking

Drawback

• Robust flavor may be overpowering for delicate dishes

Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a dependable, flavorful option for those who prefer a stronger olive oil taste. Its traditional production and sizable bottle make it a practical choice for everyday culinary use, especially in robust-flavored recipes.

Also great: Pompeian Mild Taste Olive Oil

Pompeian Mild Taste Olive Oil offers a delicate, mild flavor that works perfectly for roasting, sautéing, and finishing dishes. Crafted from olives grown by dedicated farmers, this oil is a healthy, non-GMO alternative to butter and other cooking fats. Its large 68 fl oz bottle makes it ideal for regular use, and its certifications ensure high quality and authenticity.

Advantages

• Mild, versatile flavor

• Cold-pressed and farmer-crafted

• Healthy alternative to butter and margarine

• Non-GMO, gluten-free, and non-allergenic

Drawback

• Mild flavor may lack intensity for those seeking stronger olive oil taste

Pompeian Mild Taste Olive Oil is a reliable and health-conscious choice for home cooks looking for a subtle, versatile oil. Its quality certifications and farmer heritage add confidence, making it an excellent option for everyday cooking needs.

Source: Amazon

To store olive oil properly for the long term, you need to protect it from its biggest enemies: light, heat, and air. The best way is to keep it in a cool, dark place—like a pantry or cabinet away from the stove or any windows. Ideally, olive oil should be stored at temperatures between 57°F and 70°F (14°C to 21°C).

Always use containers made of dark glass, stainless steel, or tin to shield the oil from light. Clear glass bottles may look nice, but they allow light to degrade the oil faster. Also, make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent oxygen from entering, which can cause the oil to go rancid more quickly.

If you buy olive oil in bulk, consider decanting small amounts into a smaller bottle for daily use and storing the rest in a larger, airtight container in a cool location. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can cause condensation and affect the flavor and texture.

What's the difference between cheap and expensive olive oil?

The price difference usually reflects quality, production methods, and origin. Expensive olive oils are often extra virgin grade, meaning they are made from the first cold pressing of the olives and meet strict standards for acidity (under 0.8%) and flavor. These oils are typically harvested and pressed quickly to preserve taste and nutrients.

Cheap olive oils, on the other hand, might be blends of refined oils and lack transparency about origin or processing. They may also be produced using heat or chemicals to extract oil from lower-quality olives, which strips away much of the flavor and health benefits. Some inexpensive options are even mislabeled, containing oils that aren’t 100% olive oil.

That said, price isn’t everything. Some reasonably priced oils are high quality, especially if they’re from trusted producers or regions with strict regulations like Italy, Greece, or Spain.

How do you know if your olive oil is good quality?

There are a few ways to check if your olive oil is good quality:

1. Label and certification: Look for “extra virgin” on the label and certifications like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), or USDA Organic. A harvest date is a good sign, too—it means the producer wants you to know it’s fresh.

2. Packaging: High-quality olive oil usually comes in dark glass or tin containers to protect it from light.

3. Smell and taste: Real extra virgin olive oil should smell fresh—like grass, herbs, or green fruit. On the palate, it may taste fruity, slightly bitter, and have a peppery finish. These qualities indicate antioxidants are present. If it tastes greasy, flat, or like nothing at all, it may be low quality or even fake.

4. Price: While not a guarantee, very low prices can be a red flag. Genuine extra virgin olive oil is labor-intensive to produce, so it comes at a cost.

Does olive oil go bad or expire?

Yes, olive oil can go bad. It doesn’t spoil like milk, but it does oxidize over time and can become rancid. Rancid olive oil loses its health benefits and develops an unpleasant smell and taste—often described as waxy, stale, or like crayons.

Most bottles have a “best by” date, which is usually about 18–24 months from the harvest date. However, olive oil is best consumed within 6–12 months of opening for peak flavor and nutritional value.

To tell if your olive oil has gone bad, smell and taste it. If it smells musty or tastes flat or greasy, it’s time to replace it. To extend its shelf life, always store it properly—tightly sealed, away from heat, light, and air.

Finding the best olive oil at the supermarket doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for a bold flavor for finishing dishes or a smooth, versatile option for everyday cooking, there’s a quality bottle for every kitchen and budget. Brands like California Olive Ranch, Lucini, and Colavita continue to stand out for their taste and reliability. The key is to look for extra virgin, check the harvest date when possible, and choose dark bottles to protect the oil’s freshness. With the right pick, even a quick grocery run can elevate your meals with rich, authentic flavor.