I always keep a bottle of the best olive oil in my kitchen because it is a common ingredient in my favorite recipes. It is great for keeping food from sticking while cooking, and it has a rich flavor that adds depth to any meal. It is also great for mixing homemade salad dressings, roasting vegetables, and dipping bread. I also use a sprayer when I want to use the oil lightly.
But with so many options at the grocery store, finding a high-quality olive oil can be difficult. I’ve tried dozens of different brands over the course of my career, looking for oils that are flavorful and easy to cook with, and here are a few of the best olive oils I’ve found, including options for everyday cooking and special occasions.
My top recommendation
- What's in my kitchen: Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $14.29 on Amazon
- Also great: California Olive Ranch Global Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $14.78 at Target
- Best for cooking: Graza “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $14.99 on Amazon
- The ultimate luxury: Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oils – $79 on Amazon
Best Olive Oil Reviews
1. What I have in my kitchen: Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The olive oil I use for daily cooking is this organic variety from Bertoli. It is available in most grocery stores, is reasonably priced, has very low acidity, and has a rich, plump flavor. It is made from a blend of organic olives, is unrefined and cold pressed, making it a bit healthier than other oils, and has a high smoke point of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for cooking.
specification:
- category: Organic Extra Virgin
- Bottle size: 25.36 ounces
- origin : Varies
Things I like:
- Reasonably priced
- Rich taste
- Organic Certification
- High smoke point
- Recycled plastic packaging
Things I dislike:
What other people are saying:
Wirecutter named Bertolli Organic one of the best, calling it a “solid yet affordable” option.
Buy Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
2. Also great: California Olive Ranch Global Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you prefer a milder olive oil, California Olive Ranch Global Blend has a smooth, balanced flavor that can be used in all kinds of recipes. Made from a blend of olives sourced from around the world, it can be found in most grocery stores. This extra virgin olive oil comes in an eco-friendly glass bottle rather than plastic, but keep in mind that it is slightly higher in calories than many other varieties.
specification:
- category: Extra Virgin
- Bottle size: 6.9, 25.4 or 33.8 ounces
- origin : Argentina, Chile, Portugal, USA
Things I like:
- Reasonably priced
- Smooth and balanced taste
- Suitable for everyday use
- Packaged in glass bottle
- Widely applicable
Things I dislike:
What other people are saying:
California Olive Ranch has an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 1,500 Amazon reviewers and was named a Best Everyday Restaurant by Food & Wine.
Buy California Olive Ranch Global Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
3. Best for cooking: Graza “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
While many grocery store olive oils are made from a blend of olives, Graza’s “Sizzle” is made entirely from Picual olives grown in Spain. The single-origin oil has a high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a versatile cooking option, and the brand claims it has a longer shelf life than other varieties. Plus, Sizzle comes in a convenient squeeze bottle that you can easily spray into your favorite skillet while cooking.
specification:
- category: Extra Virgin
- Bottle size: 16.9 or 25.3 ounces
- origin : Spain
Things I like:
- Mild flavor in cooking
- Higher smoke point
- Single Origin Olives
- Long-term storage possible
- Convenient squeeze bottle
Things I dislike:
- Not the strongest flavor
What other people are saying:
Elegance “Sizzle” has a 4.7-star rating from over 1,100 Amazon reviewers and was named one of the best foods in taste tests by Wirecutter and The Spruce Eats.
Buy Graza “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
4. The ultimate luxury: Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’re looking for a premium olive oil to use on special occasions, Brightland’s The Duo is worth the money. (It also makes a great gift for anyone who loves to cook!) This set contains two types of extra virgin olive oil: Awake, a bold, intense oil made from early-harvested Arbequina olives, and Alive, a soft, grassy flavor made from a blend of Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olives. All the olives are grown in California, and the oil is bottled in a sleek UV-coated bottle that protects it from harmful light to extend its shelf life.
specification:
- category: Extra Virgin
- Bottle size: 12.7 ounces
- origin : United States (California)
Things I like:
- Two flavor profiles for different uses
- Single Origin California Olives
- Stylish and UV-protected packaging
Things I dislike:
What other people are saying:
Brightland The duo was named Best Overall Restaurant by Food & Wine.
Buy Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oils:
Other Olive Oils to Consider
Graza “Drizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’re looking for an intensely flavored option to sprinkle on finished dishes, Graza “Drizzle” is a popular choice in a convenient squeeze bottle. It’s made from the same type of olives as “Sizzle,” but the olives are picked earlier for a more intense flavor. It’s great for salads, sandwiches, and pesto, but it’s not the best choice for cooking because the flavor is so strong. Graza “Drizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available at: Target is $16.99.
Partana Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tin
This is the best choice for everyday use, perfect for sautéing, roasting and baking. Made from 100% Castelvetrano olives, it has a buttery flavor with a peppery finish. It comes in a metal can, which helps keep it fresh, but it is not as easy to pour as a regular bottle, so it is recommended to transfer the oil to another container, such as a spray bottle, to distribute it. Partana Extra Virgin Olive Oil cans are available at: $16.95 on Amazon.
Corto TRULY 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Corto TRULY is another oil made from California-grown olives. The olives are harvested and processed at their peak ripeness, resulting in an intense, fresh flavor that is great for dipping bread or finishing off salads. However, it is more expensive than other options, making it not the best option for everyday cooking. Corto TRULY 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available at: $25.50 on Amazon.
Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’re looking for an inexpensive oil to use in the kitchen, this is a popular and budget-friendly option. You can most likely find it at your local supermarket, and the oil comes in a variety of bottle sizes, from 16 ounces to over 100 ounces. It has a mild profile that’s great for cooking, but isn’t necessarily the most flavorful option. Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available at: $10.94 on Amazon.
why can you trust me
I'm Gina, the author and recipe developer at Skinnytaste. I love making nutritious meals that are full of flavor, and olive oil is a key ingredient in many of my recipes. It's a very versatile ingredient, and I often use it to keep food from sticking to the pan and to add flavor to dishes.
Since I cook a lot, I have tried many brands and compiled a list of the best olive oils based on my own experience. I also considered user reviews and taste tests from trusted food publishers when choosing which oils to recommend.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Olive Oil
Things to Consider Before Buying Olive Oil
There are dozens of olive oils to choose from, so here are some things to consider to help you narrow down your choices:
category: There are a few different types you can buy, but extra virgin is the most popular because it has the highest standards for flavor and taste. Extra virgin olive oil also has the highest levels of antioxidants and healthy fats. You can also find organic options if you like.
taste: Olive oil can have different flavors depending on the olives you use. You can find oils that are mild and subtle, which are great for cooking, but there are also more robust varieties that are great for dipping bread or making salad dressings.
Harvest Date: For the freshest oil, check the bottle for the pick date. This indicates the date the olives were picked and processed. Oil with a recent pick date is fresher and has a longer shelf life.
Is olive oil good for you?
Cooking with extra virgin olive oil has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which may help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
But keep in mind that it is high in calories, so use it in moderation. I like to use a spray bottle when cooking so I don't use too much.
What is the smoke point of olive oil?
The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to burn, which can produce unpleasant flavors during cooking. Most extra virgin olive oils have a smoke point of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can vary depending on the purity of the product.
What are the benefits of olive oil?
When used as part of a balanced diet, olive oil can provide a number of health benefits. Studies have linked it to reducing inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease, and even protecting against cancer. When used as a substitute for butter or other ingredients that are high in saturated fat, it has also been linked to lower LDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
What is the difference between avocado oil and olive oil?
Avocado oil is another popular oil for cooking. It is very similar to olive oil in terms of nutrition, containing healthy fats and antioxidants, but avocado oil has a neutral taste, making it a good choice if you don’t like the taste. Avocado oil also has a high smoke point of about 520 degrees, making it better suited for high-temperature cooking.
Best Olive Oil Recipes
Olive oil is a very versatile ingredient, and is used in a variety of dishes, from crispy oven-baked baby potatoes to strawberry and gorgonzola salad. Here are some of my favorite olive oil recipes, all of which are packed with intense flavor.
Prices were correct at the time of publication.
