20 Olive Oil Brands You NEED To Ditch (And 5 You Should Switch To)

Not all olive oil is what it claims to be. The market is filled with products that are diluted, mislabeled, or made from poor-quality olives. Here is how to recognize olive oil that is not worth your money, and what to look for instead.

20 Signs of Low-Quality Olive Oil

1. Labeled “light” or “extra light” – These terms refer to highly processed, refined oil, not fewer calories.
2. Sold in clear glass bottles – Light degrades olive oil quickly.
3. No harvest date – Freshness is key. Without a harvest date, you cannot know how old it is.
4. Vague origin information – “Product of Italy” or “Imported from the Mediterranean” may hide a blend of oils from multiple countries.
5. Low price – Quality olive oil costs more to produce. Exceptionally low prices suggest poor quality.
6. No acidity level listed – High-quality extra virgin olive oil should have an acidity level below 0.8%.
7. Smells flat, waxy, or metallic – Real olive oil should smell fresh and grassy.
8. Tastes flat or greasy – Real olive oil should taste slightly peppery or bitter.
9. Sold in bulk or unlabeled containers – Bulk oil is often stored improperly and may be of unknown origin.
10. Blended with other oils – Some brands mix olive oil with cheaper soybean, canola, or sunflower oil.
11. Made from olive pomace – This is a highly processed byproduct of olive oil production.
12. Added “natural flavors” – Real olive oil does not need flavoring.
13. No third-party certification – Certifications like PDO, PGI, or COOC ensure authenticity.
14. Old or expired – Olive oil is best consumed within 12 to 18 months of harvest.
15. Stored near a heat source – Heat accelerates spoilage.
16. Grown with pesticides – Non-organic olives may contain pesticide residues.
17. Extracted with hexane – Some lower-quality oils use chemical solvents instead of mechanical pressing.
18. Added preservatives – Pure olive oil needs no preservatives.
19. Unclear ingredient list – The label should say only “extra virgin olive oil.”
20. No company transparency – If the brand does not share sourcing or testing information, quality is uncertain.

5 Signs of High-Quality Olive Oil

1. Harvest date clearly displayed – Freshness is the most important factor.
2. Dark glass or opaque container – This protects the oil from light.
3. Third-party certification – PDO, PGI, or COOC certification indicates quality.
4. Single origin – Oil from a specific region or farm is easier to trace and verify.
5. Short, clear ingredient list – It should say only “extra virgin olive oil.”

How to Read an Olive Oil Label

• Ingredients should list only “extra virgin olive oil.”
• Look for a harvest date, not just a “best by” date.
• Choose dark glass or tin containers.
• Check for third-party certifications.
• Avoid exceptionally cheap olive oil.

A Gentle Reminder

You do not need to memorize brand names to buy good olive oil. Once you know what to look for on the label, you can confidently choose a quality product no matter where you shop. Your health and your taste buds will thank you.

For more health insights, discover the longevity secret of a 97-year-old grandma and learn which foods to avoid mixing with oatmeal for seniors, or find out what happens when you eat this fruit tonight.