However, it can be hard to find high-quality olive oil since there are so many options to choose from in the grocery store. Over the course of my career, I’ve tried out dozens of different brands, searching for oils that are flavorful and easy to cook with, and the following are several of the best olive oils I’ve found, including options for everyday cooking and special occasions.
My Top Picks
Reviews of The Best Olive Oil
1. What’s in My Kitchen: DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
My go-to olive oil for everyday cooking is this organic variety from Delallo. It can be a bit harder to find, but the quality is completely worth it. It’s made of Italian-grown, handpicked olives, with each batch tested to guarantee the highest quality. I also like that it’s created using a cold press process without the use of heat or chemicals for the freshest flavor. If you find it in your grocery store, grab it. Otherwise, you can find it in bulk online
The Specs:
Type: Etra virgin Bottle size(s): 3 liters Country of origin: Italy
What I Like:
Rich flavor Cold pressed High smoke point Recycled plastic packaging
What I Don’t Like:
Only in bulk packaging
Buy DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
2. Also Great: California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you prefer a more mild olive oil, the California Olive Ranch Global Blend has a smooth, well-balanced flavor that can be used in all sorts of recipes. It’s made from a blend of olives sourced from California, and you can find it in most grocery stories. This extra virgin olive oil comes in a glass bottle, which is more eco-friendly than plastic, but keep in mind that it’s slightly higher in calories than many other varieties.
The Specs:
Type: Extra virgin Bottle size(s): 6.9, 25.4, or 33.8 ounces Country of origin: USA, California
What I Like:
Reasonably priced Smooth, balanced flavor Good for everyday use Packaged in glass bottle Widely available
What I Don’t Like:
Higher in calories
What Others Are Saying: Buy California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
3. Best for Cooking: Graza “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Many grocery store olive oils are made from a blend of olives, but Graza’s “Sizzle” is made solely from Picual olives grown in Spain. The single-origin oil has a mellow flavor with a high smoke point, making it a versatile option for cooking, and the brand claims it has a longer shelf life than other varieties as well. Plus, Sizzle comes in a convenient squeeze bottle that makes it easy to drizzle into your favorite skillet while cooking.
The Specs:
Type: Extra virgin Bottle size(s): 16.9 or 25.3 ounces Country of origin: Spain
What I Like:
Mild flavor for cooking Higher smoke point Single-origin olives Long shelf life Convenient squeeze bottle
What I Don’t Like:
Not the strongest flavor
What Others Are Saying: Buy Graza “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
4. Best Splurge: Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oils
If you’re looking for fancy olive oil to use on special occasions, The Duo from Brightland is worth the splurge. (It also makes a great gift for people who love to cook!) The set comes with two types of extra virgin olive oil: Awake is a bold and robust oil made from early-harvest Arbequina olives, while Alive has a milder, grassy flavor that comes from a blend of Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olives. All the olives are grown in California, and the oil comes in stylish UV-coated bottles that protect it from damaging light to improve its shelf life.
The Specs:
Type: Extra virgin Bottle size(s): 12.7 ounces Country of origin: USA (California)
What I Like:
Two flavor profiles for different uses Single-origin California olives Stylish, UV-protected packaging
What I Don’t Like:
Very expensive
What Others are Saying: Brightland The Duo was named the best overall by Food & Wine. Buy Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oils:
Other Olive Oils to Consider
If you’re looking for an option with a punchy flavor to drizzle over finished dishes, Graza “Drizzle” is a popular pick that comes in a handy squeeze bottle. It’s made from the same type of olives as “Sizzle,” but the olives are picked earlier for a bolder flavor. It’s great for salads, sandwiches, and pesto, but because its flavor is so prominent, it’s not the best choice for cooking. Graza “Drizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available at Target for $16.99.
Why You Can Trust Me
I’m Gina, the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste. I love creating nutritious meals that are loaded with flavor, and olive oil is a key ingredient in many of my recipes. It’s such a versatile ingredient, and I often use it to stop food from sticking to the pan, as well as add a burst of flavor to a dish. Because I cook with it so often, I’ve tried out many different brands, and I used my firsthand experience to put together this list of the best olive oil. I also took user reviews into account when selecting oils to feature, as well as taste tests by trusted food publications.
Everything to Know Before Buying Olive Oil
What to Consider Before Buying Olive Oil
There are dozens of olive oils to choose from, so here’s what to look for to narrow down your selection: Type: There are a few different types you can buy, but extra virgin is the most popular, as it has the highest standards for aroma and flavor. Extra virgin olive oil also contains the highest levels of antioxidants and healthy fats. You can also find organic options if you prefer. Flavor: Olive oil may have different flavors depending on the olives used. You can find oil that’s milder and subtle, making it versatile for cooking, but there are also varieties that have a more robust flavor for dipping bread or making salad dressing. Harvest date: For the freshest oil, look to see if there’s a harvest date on the bottle. This indicates when the olives were picked and processed. Oils with more recent harvest dates will be fresher and have a longer shelf life.
Is Olive Oil Good for You?
There are several health benefits to cooking with extra virgin olive oil. The ingredient is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. However, keep in mind that it is high in calories, so it should be used in moderation. I like to use a sprayer to ensure I’m not using too much when I cook.
What Is the Olive Oil Smoke Point?
An oil’s smoke point is the temperature at which it starts to burn, which can result in an unpleasant flavor while cooking. Most extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can vary based on the purity of the product.
What Are the Olive Oil Benefits?
When used as part of a balanced diet, olive oil can offer several health benefits. Studies have linked the ingredient to decreased inflammation in the body, a lower risk of heart disease, and even protection against cancer. When used as an alternative to butter or other ingredients high in saturated fats, it has also been associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol and reduced blood pressure.
What is the Difference Between Avocado Oil and Olive Oil?
Avocado oil is another popular oil for cooking. In terms of nutrition, it’s very similar to olive oil, containing healthy fats and antioxidants, but avocado oil has a neutral flavor, so it’s a good choice if you don’t like the taste. Avocado oil also has a higher smoke point around 520 degrees, so it’s better-suited for high-heat cooking.
The Best Olive Oil Recipes
Olive oil is an extremely versatile ingredient, and it’s used in a wide range of dishes, from Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes to Strawberry and Gorgonzola Salad. The following are some of my favorite recipes to make with it, all of which put the robust flavor on display:
Pasta with Roasted Broccoli, Garlic and Oil Mediterranean Quinoa Salad The Best Baba Ganoush Homemade Basil Pesto
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
