Drizzled on salads or used to saute, very little can beat a good olive oil. With its sumptuous mouthfeel, deeply rich flavor, and added bonus of incredible health benefits, olive oil is the perfect healthy fat to include in your meal planning. But how do you know which is the best olive oil?
That depends on what it is you're looking for. Our review team has broken it down here to help you choose the best olive oil for all of your specific needs.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming food products, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that rank high in nutritional value. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
The Best Olive Oil - Our Top Picks
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
- Best Overall Olive Oil: California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Olive Oil for Cooking: Filippo Berio Olive Oil
- Best Organic Olive Oil: 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Olive Oil for Dipping: La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Olive Oil for Baking: Tuscanini 100% Pure Extra Light Italian Olive Oil
- Best Olive Oil for Dressing: Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Flavored Olive Oil: Pianogrillo Farm Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Budget Olive Oil: Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Best Spray Olive Oil: Pompeian USDA Organic Non-Stick Cooking Spray
- Best Bulk Olive Oil: Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Overall - California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 16.9 fl. oz., 25.4 fl. oz., 33.8 fl. oz., 68 fl. oz. bottles
- Servings per size: 33 per 16.9 oz., 50 per 25.4 oz., 66 per 33.8 oz., 133 per 68 oz.
- Calories per serving: 130 calories
- Fat per serving: 14g
We chose California Olive Ranch as our top pick because of its all-around quality. All the olives in this oil are grown, processed, and bottled in California. With a mild, fruity flavor, this oil is a good option for any use—cooking, dipping, and, or salad dressings.
Not only is it a high-quality, versatile oil, but the company itself is also conscious of its processing and sustainability practices. They are committed to transparency and include a QR code on every label that can be scanned with a smartphone to show you more about the source, quality, and quality testing results of your specific bottle. The testing results include data on free fatty acid, phenol, and oleic acid content. If you want fantastic olive oil with transparency around its source and quality, this one will not disappoint!
What We Like
- Quality and flavor of the oil
- Reliability and trustworthiness of the company
- Product transparency
- Well-designed bag-in-a-box container for larger-sized options
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Some people may prefer a stronger flavor
BUY: California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Olive Oil for Cooking - Filippo Berio Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 8.4 fl. oz., 16.9 fl. oz., 25.3 fl. oz., 50.7 fl. oz., 101.4 fl. oz.
- Servings per size: 17 per 8.4 oz., 33 per 16.9 oz., 50 per 25.3 oz., 100 per 50.7 oz., 200 per 101.4 oz.
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat per serving: 14g
Because extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of around 350 F, it isn't recommended for cooking in high heat. Extra virgin olive oil also imparts its flavor to the food. In cases where this isn't preferred, Filippo Berio Olive Oil is the best choice. It is made with a blend of virgin and more refined olive oil, which gives it a smooth taste that is milder than traditional extra virgin olive oils. This also gives it. With a higher smoke point, between 400 and 437 degrees Fahrenheit, you could even fry with this oil.
Filippo Berio is a widely known and trusted brand, originating in Italy in 1867. They offer a wide variety of oils ranging in grade and quality. Their classic olive oil comes in many sizes and with its mild taste and higher smoke point, it's a sure fit for our choice as the best olive oil for cooking.
What We Like
- Mild taste compared to extra virgin olive oil
- Higher smoke point of 400-437 F
- Pure olive oil, despite being a blend of virgin and refined olive oil
What We Don't Like
- Some people might miss the rich olive flavor that some people may prefer
- Most sizes come in a clear bottle rather than a tinted glass or tin
Best Organic Olive Oil - 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 33.8 fl. oz.
- Servings per size: 67
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat per serving: 14g
Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is our pick for the best organic olive oil. Whole Foods knows organic and they know how to make a good product. Packaged in a tinted glass bottle, the price won't blow you away either at around $12.99 for a 33.8 fluid-ounce bottle.
The olive oil is medium in flavor intensity with rich buttery and floral undertones and bright green color. This is a great versatile option for cooking on low heat, blending into salad dressings, or drizzling over meals. Although packaged in Italy, the oil is a blend from various places in Europe: Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, and Syria.
What We Like
- Rich in flavor and color
- Versatile
- Organic
- Dark glass packaging to preserve freshness
What We Don't Like
- Many countries of origin
- Not sold in most stores
BUY: 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Olive Oil for Dipping - La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 25.4 oz.
- Servings per size: 50
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fat per serving: 14g
La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is our pick as the best olive oil for dipping. Of course, you could certainly use this oil for cooking, but slathering it on a fresh piece of bread will really allow the bright flavors to shine. We like this oil because the olives are all grown on the same farm in Andalucia, Spain, and are cold processed on the very same day they are harvested, usually within two hours.
This process allows for a bright, rich flavor with low acidity and notes of pepper and cut grass. Interestingly though, the flavor isn't overpowering, making it fantastic for dipping. The company rightly stores the olive oil in metal containers to preserve freshness, however, the oil has the tendency to drip down from the spout, which can leave the bottle itself a bit oily. This oil has a slightly higher price point compared to some other extra virgin olive oils of the same size due to the processing techniques, packaging, and importing.
What We Like
- Single-origin olive oil
- Low acidity, processed quickly after harvest
- Bright, rich flavor without overpowering your taste buds
What We Don't Like
- Oil drips from container spout
- Higher price point
BUY: La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Olive Oil for Baking - Tuscanini 100% Pure Extra Light Italian Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 33.8 oz. two pack
- Servings per size: 66 per container
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat per serving: 14g
Tuscanini 100% Pure Extra Light Italian Olive Oil is our choice as the best olive oil for baking. It is extra light because it has been refined to remove the strong flavors that are common in extra virgin olive oil. This also increases the smoke point and therefore, its versatility. We like this olive oil because of its mild taste that goes undetected in baked goods. Unless you're baking an olive oil cake, you probably don't want the robust flavor that comes with extra virgin olive oil impeding the flavors of your dessert.
For this reason, many bakers use vegetable or canola oil to give baked goods moisture that only oil can provide. However, with Tuscanini 100% Pure Extra Light Italian Olive Oil, you're still receiving the many health benefits from the olive oil itself without the bold flavors overtaking your final product. This oil may also be a good option to use when you'd like to cook with olive oil but don't want the strong extra virgin olive oil taste in the dish.
What We Like
- Little to no olive flavoring
- Higher smoke point
- Versatility
What We Don't Like
- Some people might miss the strong flavor
- Clear bottle allows light in
BUY: Tuscanini 100% Pure Extra Light Italian Olive Oil
Best Olive Oil for Dressing - Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 12.7 fl. oz., 25.3 fl. oz.
- Servings per size: 25 servings per 12.7 fl. oz., 50 servings per 25.3 fl. oz.
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat per serving: 14g
Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an offshoot of the very popular Australian olive oil brand Boundary Bend. All olives are grown in California, milled within four hours of harvesting, and then bottled and shipped on-site. This allows for the highly touted and very low acidity of 0.3%—much lower than—far below industry standards of 0.8% or below.
The flavor profile that is both buttery and peppery makes for the best olive oil for dressings. It can stand up to acidic additions like lemon juice or vinegar without being overpowered by them, instead complementing them nicely. You're guaranteed to enjoy dousing your greens and other veggies with this sumptuous olive oil.
What We Like
- Low acidity
- Complex flavor profile including both pepper and buttery notes
- Well packaged in dark-tinted glass
What We Don't Like
- Price point somewhat high
- May not be as versatile as other oil options
BUY: Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Flavored Olive Oil - Pianogrillo Farm Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 16.9 oz.
- Servings per size: Not listed
- Calories per serving: Not listed
- Fat per serving: Not listed
Pianogrillo Farm Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from Ragusa, Sicily. There, the olive trees are said to be ancient, producing a local olive variety called Tonda Iblea. This family-owned farm harvests the olives and transports them to their mill where they are processed into extra virgin olive oil and shipped to their destination.
This careful process during which the Tonda Iblea olives are chosen, harvested, and milled straight after harvest leads to the special flavor of this oil. It has a very low acid content and a rich, buttery flavor. With notes of artichoke, fruit, and herbs, this is hands-down our pick for the best-flavored olive oil.
What We Like
- Single origin olive oil
- Old traditions carried into modern times using new technologies
- Robust yet delicate flavor of artichoke, fruits, and herbs
What We Don't Like
- Single grove means flavor and quality is dependent on each year's crop
- Higher price point
BUY: Pianogrillo Farm Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Budget Olive Oil - Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 16 fl. oz., 24 fl. oz., 32 fl. oz., 48 fl. oz., 68 fl. oz., 101 fl. oz.
- Servings per size: 32 per 16 fl. oz., 48 per 24 fl. oz., 64 per 32 fl. oz., 96 per 48 fl. oz., 136 per 68 fl. oz., 202 per 101 fl. oz.
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat per serving: 14g
This was an easy pick for us. We chose Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the best budget olive oil because it's just that—the best olive oil at its price on the market. It's smooth and the taste is not overwhelming. and If you are looking for a robust extra virgin olive oil with a strong, pungent flavor, this oil is not for you. Smooth doesn't mean flavorless, however. This olive oil is fragrant with peppery notes on the back end.
Consistently ranked with near five-star reviews, this olive oil is a fan favorite. It's also quite versatile because of its milder taste. It can be used for cooking, sautéing, and even in salad dressings. Coming in at a great price point, you'll get a high-quality taste along with the purity of this cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
What We Like
- Great reasonable price
- Wide array of sizes to choose from
- Mild taste and versatility
What We Don't Like
- Not for someone looking for robust flavor
- The cap may be difficult to remove, per reviews may be
BUY: Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Spray Olive Oil - Pompeian USDA Organic Non-Stick Cooking Spray
SPECS
- Available sizes: 5 fl. oz. 3 pack
- Servings per size: 500 per container
- Calories per serving: 0
- Fat per serving: 0
Our choice for the best olive oil spray is Pompeian USDA Organic Non-Stick Cooking Spray. Pompeian for the win yet again. What can we say? They just make a good olive oil product. We specifically like that this spray is free of the chemical propellent found in most of the cooking sprays currently on the market. That means if you spray it directly onto your food, you won't be contaminating your dish with propellant. The ingredient list is short and sweet, listing nothing but olive oil. The same can't be said for many of the available alternatives.
The company touts a higher smoke point of 380 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit Fahrenheit, which is perfect for most cooking endeavors. One of the best things about this product is its accessibility. If you were shopping for a good olive oil spray sans propellant and other additives a couple of years ago, you'd have to go to a health-food store. Thanks to a larger brand like Pompeian bringing this product to the market, more people have access to quality products like this.
What We Like
- Organic
- Free of propellant and other additives
- Widely accessible
What We Don't Like
- The spray has a tendency to not fan out across the cooking surface
- Smoking point not high enough for some high-heat, cooking, i.e., grilling
BUY: Pompeian USDA Organic Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Best Bulk Olive Oil - Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
SPECS
- Available sizes: 128 fl. oz.
- Servings per size: 252
- Calories per serving: 122
- Fat per serving: 14g
The best bulk olive oil is hands-down Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is produced in a remote mountain area of Tunisia using traditional Tunisian olive oil processing. It is cold pressed and then filtered to preserve its rich flavor. This oil is filtered to preserve its rich flavor. This oil is also versatile, with a smoke point of 380 Fahrenheit, good for lower heat cooking. With a fruity aroma, this olive oil stacks up with the rest when it comes to flavor and taste.
Although we like that the gallon jug is BPA-free, it is clear and not tinted and therefore does not protect the oil from degradation by the light. Because this gallon-sized bottle is intended to last for a while, it would be nice if the jug itself would help extend its shelf life. However, stored in a dark cabinet or pantry away from light or heat, this oil should easily maintain its freshness.
What We Like
- High value,
- Generous bulk size
- Organic olives processed with traditional Tunisian methods
What We Don't Like
- Clear plastic jug
- Some reports of the large plastic jug breaking or leaking during shipment
BUY: Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
What To Look For When Buying Olive Oil
Searching for the best olive oil can be overwhelming. Make buying simpler by looking out for a couple of important things.
Choose the Bottle Wisely
Olive oil is sensitive to light and degrades easily. To reduce the risk of buying rancid olive oil, avoid buying it in clear glass or plastic bottles whenever possible. Choose containers that are either metal or have tinted glass or plastic to protect the contents from the light.
Extra Virgin All the Way
This isn't always true, but in general, when looking for the best olive oil, choosing extra virgin is the way to go. Extra virgin means that it is unrefined, contains no added impurities or chemicals and has never been processed with heat. If you know nothing about olive oil, by simply choosing extra virgin, you're guaranteed a certain level of purity.
Harvest Date
Many olive oils will print the harvest date on their bottles. This is the date of when the olives were picked and approximately when they were processed. Olive oil is going to be freshest within 18 to 24 months after the harvest date, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Olive Oil Storage Tips
Olive oil is most sensitive to light and heat. As mentioned above, you should aim to purchase your oil in a tinted glass or metal packaging. Beyond the packaging, you'll want to store it in a dark cabinet or pantry away from light and heat. Storing your oil next to a heat source like the stove will more quickly degrade your oil.
Olive oil has a shelf life of anywhere between 12 to 24 months after bottling. Once opened, its exposure to air will further degrade the oil, causing it to go rancid more quickly. Unlike wine, olive oil doesn't get better with age. For this reason, it's a good idea to use it liberally and somewhat quickly.
FAQs About Olive Oil
What origin of olive oil is best?
There is no "best" origin for olive oil. The best olive oil origin is the one you like best. Different areas offer some different nuances in their olives based on location, precipitation, harvest date, and more. These variations will continue to develop during processing, making two companies using the same olives produce olive oil with differing flavors. The bottom line is that you should shop around and experiment with tastes and flavors to determine your favorites.
How can you tell if olive oil is still good?
The first step is to ensure that you are consuming your olive oil within the first 18 to 2 to 4 months after the harvest date on the bottle. Next, when in doubt, put your nose to the test. If it smells a bit like fermented fruit or like crayons, the oil has gone rancid and it's time to pitch it.
What is the difference between olive oil and virgin olive oil?
Virgin olive oil is processed using cold methods by simply grinding down the olives to extract their oil. Heat and chemicals are not used in this process and therefore, it is usually richer in color and flavor. Regular olive oil, on the other hand, is processed further using heat and sometimes chemicals to remove impurities. It can be a blend of virgin oils and more refined olive oil, and is lighter in color with significantly less flavor.
Which olive oil grade ranks best?
The highest grade of olive oil on the market is extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is required to have an acidity of 0.8% or lower. It is processed without heat or chemicals and it's the least adulterated of all the olive oils. From there, the grading goes down based on quality and refinement.
Discuss This Article