Not all olive oils are not created equal. Experts explain how to find the best bottle
The small logo that indicates certain olive oils are better than others
- Olive oil is widely recognised for its health benefits, but experts highlight that quality varies significantly based on factors such as tree health, milling practices and growing conditions.
- Although more expensive olive oils generally indicate better quality, consumers are advised to look for trusted certifications and transparent sourcing rather than just fancy packaging.
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is recommended as the least processed type, retaining a higher concentration of beneficial polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants.
- EVOO is produced by crushing olives and separating the oil, while more refined olive oils undergo heat or chemical treatments to correct impurities from lower-quality olives.
- Spain is the world's largest producer, and experts suggest selecting olive oil according to its intended use, with robust oils suitable for cooking and EVOO offering greater versatility.