How to Buy the Best Quality Olive Oil

Olive oil
Photo by Roberta Sorge on Unsplash

You probably noticed that not all olive oils are made the same. There is usually a big difference between the brands, and don’t get us started on homemade vs. mass-produced ones.

It’s not unusual for some olive oil producers to engage in shady doings in order to increase their margin profit. There were instances where all sorts of other oils—sunflower oil, canola oil, and soy oil—were found mixed with olive oil despite the declaration on them saying they were 100% pure. Luckily, there are a few ways you can make sure you get the good stuff. 

“Extra Virgin” Label is a Good Start

The label “extra virgin” on the olive oil package means that the oil was made 100% from olives. While this won’t guarantee the best quality, it will help you avoid those of lower quality.

Look For Seals and Proofs of Quality

If the package has a seal of authentication and other guarantees of quality noted on the label, that is a good sign. Also, if the producer bothered to put “harvest date” on the package, it usually means good quality.

Country of Origin

You might think that “made in Italy” should guarantee that you’re getting quality olive oil. However, it is actually Australia that produces the best quality olive oil. This is because of the country’s strict rules and advanced testing systems.