Olive oil is a fascinating ingredient for cooking that’s been around for thousands of years. Its use is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Mediterranean cultures and that’s where the trend primarily stems from. The appeal of it goes beyond just cooking, however; it’s also a symbol of health, purity, and flavor. Depending on the type, olive oil can be fruity, peppery, bitter, or buttery, and its smoke point (the temperature at which it starts to burn) varies depending on how refined it is.
The quality of olive oil can vary quite drastically. A good olive oil can transform a simple dish, while a lesser quality one may leave food tasting flat. Understanding the different grades – like extra virgin, virgin, and refined – can be a game-changer when selecting the best olive oil for cooking. In this article, we’re going to help you discover the best options to consider. Let’s get started!
Reviewing the Top 5 Olive Oil for Cooking
1. A Atlas Olive Oils – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This Moroccan Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a premium addition to any kitchen! It’s ideal for health-conscious cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Plus, the oil is sourced from a single family farm in Morocco, which means it’s pure and rich in polyphenols and cold-pressed to retain maximum nutrients and flavor.
The harsh desert environment where the olives are grown results in a high concentration of antioxidants, particularly hydroxytyrosol, making it not only a flavorful choice but also a nutritious one. Whether you’re drizzling it over a salad or using it for sautéing, this olive oil adds depth and richness to any dish. Additionally, its sustainability certifications, including USDA Organic and EU Organic, reflect the brand’s commitment to environmentally friendly production.
Pros
- Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, offering both health benefits and excellent flavor
- Sustainably produced and certified organic, making it an eco-friendly choice for consumers
- Cold-pressed extraction preserves nutrients and the full-bodied taste of the olive oil
- Available in two sizes, a 170 fl. oz pack and a 110 fl. oz pack
Cons
- The packaging, while functional, may be cumbersome to handle compared to smaller bottles
2. Pompeian USDA Organic Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Next on our list is another extra virgin olive oil. The Pompeian USDA Organic Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a versatile, high-quality oil perfect for those seeking a mild yet flavorful option for everyday cooking. This olive oil also comes first cold-pressed and ensures that it retains its natural flavor and nutrients.
The smooth and delicate taste makes it an ideal choice for sautéing, stir-frying, or even drizzling over salads. Pompeian’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and USDA organic certification adds to the appeal of this product and makes it a strong contender!
Pros
- Available in 16 fl. oz, 24 fl. oz, 32 fl. oz, 48 fl. oz, and 68 fl. oz options
- USDA Organic and sustainably produced, ensuring high-quality and environmentally friendly practices
- The mild and smooth flavor makes it versatile for both cooking and salad dressings.
Cons
- The price has increased over time, which may affect long-term affordability.
3. Pompeian Mild Taste Olive Oil
Pompeian Mild Taste Olive oil is another option for those seeking a versatile cooking oil that works well for both roasting and sautéing, especially if you’re not inclined to the virgin/extra virgin side. This olive oil is naturally gluten-free, and non-allergenic, and its non-GMO attributes make it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. This olive oil won’t overpower your dishes, making it ideal for various recipes.
The mild taste is complemented by its high-quality production, certified by the North American Olive Oil Association. Available in multiple sizes, including the large 68 fl oz option, it offers excellent value for regular cooking needs.
Pros
- The mild taste makes it ideal for everyday cooking without overwhelming the flavors of your dishes
- Available in multiple size options, making it convenient for different usage levels and household sizes
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and non-allergenic – it’s a versatile option for various dietary needs
- Kosher-certified and naturally sourced, adding to its appeal to health-conscious buyers
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with bottle leakage
4. Gundry MD® Chef’s Select Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Gundry MD Chef’s Select Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a premium olive oil designed to deliver both flavor and health benefits. Sourced from the renowned “LES TERROIRS DE MARRAKECH” in Morocco, this USDA Organic certified oil is cold-pressed to ensure the highest quality. Not only does it enhance dishes with its rich, smooth taste, but it’s also packed with health-promoting antioxidants and polyphenols.
Unlike the other options on our list, this olive oil claims to support heart health as well as enhance joint mobility, making it a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate high-quality, versatile olive oil into their cooking while extracting maximum biological benefits out of it!
Pros
- Sourced from a unique environment in Morocco, offering a rich, robust flavor that elevates any dish
- USDA Organic certified and first cold-pressed, ensuring the highest quality with maximum retention of nutrients
- Packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, it supports heart health, joint mobility, and immune function
Cons
- The design of the bottle is a bit unconventional and can cause spillage
- The bottle can become oily to the touch due to its design
5. Premium Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Last on our list, but not least — Premium Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known for its rich Mediterranean roots. Sourced from the finest olives harvested across Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, this oil embodies a perfect balance of fruity and spicy flavors. Cold-pressed to preserve its natural aromas and nutrients, it’s ideal for roasting, baking, dressings, or even drizzling over finished dishes.
The Colavita brand, with a legacy of quality, guarantees the oil’s authenticity with the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) Quality Seal. For anyone seeking premium olive oil for everyday use, this product delivers both flavor and health benefits, making it an excellent choice for Mediterranean-inspired cooking.
Pros
- Cold-pressed to retain maximum flavor and nutrients, ensuring top-tier quality
- Imported from Italy and certified by the NAOOA for authenticity and high standards
- A well-balanced flavor, combining fruity and spicy notes, ideal for various culinary uses like roasting, baking, and salad dressings
Cons
- Only available in a 68 oz size option
Buying Guide to Easily Choose the Best Olive Oil for Cooking
Now that you have a list of the best olive oil for cooking, it’s important to understand what olive oil is and how to choose the best option for your kitchen. It will usually come down to what your goal is for using it and what you’re cooking.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Olive Oil for Cooking
When selecting the best olive oil for cooking, several factors come into play to ensure you’re choosing the right product for your needs:
Flavor Profile
Olive oils range from mild to robust, and the right one depends on what you’re cooking. For example, a mild olive oil is great for baking or roasting vegetables, while a robust, peppery extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) works well in salad dressings or as a finishing oil.
Smoke Point
Different types of olive oil have varying smoke points. Extra virgin olive oil generally has a lower smoke point (about 375°F/191°C), making it better for low to medium-heat cooking. For higher-heat cooking, like frying, you might want to choose a more refined olive oil with a higher smoke point.
Certifications
Look for certifications like USDA Organic, NAOOA, or PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). These can ensure the oil is genuine, organic, and meets certain quality standards.
Packaging
Olive oil is sensitive to light and heat, so choose oils in dark glass bottles or tins to protect their quality. Avoid oils in clear plastic containers, as they can degrade more quickly. Also, avoid the olive oil in tins as that tends to be messy and the tin can over time become dirty in hard-to-reach places.
Size
Some olive oil bottles are only available in large sizes, which can be a hindrance for people who only need it in small quantities. Among the five options we listed above, we recommend you choose the one that comes in the size option that suits your needs.
Understand the Different Types of Olive Oil
There are four major types of olive oils:
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
This is the highest-quality olive oil, made from the first cold pressing of the olives. It has a rich flavor and retains the most antioxidants, vitamins, and natural fats. It’s ideal for finishing dishes or used raw in salads and dips.
2. Virgin Olive Oil
This is also made from the first pressing but allows for a slightly higher acidity level than EVOO. While still flavorful, it’s less rich than extra virgin and is a good middle ground for cooking.
3. Refined Olive Oil
This oil is chemically treated to neutralize flaws in flavor and increase its smoke point. It lacks the depth of flavor found in extra virgin but works well for frying and sautéing at higher temperatures.
4. Light Olive Oil
This is more refined and has a very mild flavor. Despite the term “light,” it doesn’t refer to lower calories, just the flavor and color. It’s suitable for baking or cooking when you don’t want the oil’s taste to dominate.
What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest-quality olive oil, known for its superior taste, purity, and health benefits. It is made from the first cold pressing of fresh olives without using heat or chemicals, which helps preserve its natural flavors and nutrients. EVOO is characterized by a low acidity level of less than 0.8%, ensuring a smoother, more robust flavor that can be fruity, peppery, or slightly bitter.
The extra virgin olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. This means that EVOO offers numerous health benefits such as promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. Due to its delicate processing, extra virgin olive oil retains the most vitamins and beneficial fats, making it ideal for drizzling over salads, dipping, or as a finishing oil to enhance the flavor of dishes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil are both made from the first pressing of olives, but they differ in quality, flavor, and acidity. EVOO is the highest grade of olive oil, with an acidity level below 0.8%, ensuring a smooth, rich flavor. It undergoes strict quality control and taste tests, resulting in a more complex flavor profile, often described as fruity, peppery, or grassy. EVOO is also richer in antioxidants and nutrients due to its minimal processing.
On the other hand, virgin olive oil, while also made from the first pressing, has a slightly higher acidity level (up to 2%) and less stringent quality standards. Its flavor is milder and less robust compared to EVOO, making it suitable for cooking rather than finishing or raw applications. Virgin olive oil is still a good quality oil, but it lacks the depth of flavor and health benefits that make extra virgin olive oil so prized.
What Olive Oil Should I Use for Cooking? The Characteristics of Ideal Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is widely regarded as the best overall choice for cooking, provided it’s used in the right way. EVOO is rich in antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, making it one of the healthiest oils you can use. Its complex, fruity, and sometimes peppery flavor adds depth to dishes, especially when used raw in dressings, drizzles, or as a finishing oil.
For low to medium-heat cooking like sautéing, EVOO retains its flavor and nutritional value, making it a great option. However, due to its relatively low smoke point (around 375°F/191°C), it’s not ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying.
For high-heat cooking (e.g., frying or roasting), you might want to use a more refined olive oil or light olive oil. These oils have higher smoke points and milder flavors, making them more stable under heat without compromising the integrity of the dish.
Conclusion
What makes olive oil special is its ability to retain so many of its natural antioxidants and healthy fats, especially when you go for the high-quality extra virgin types. And when we’re at that, extra virgin olive oil is usually the top choice and it goes without saying. Our list of the best olive oil for cooking provides plenty of options for you to choose from! Just make sure you go for the right size and taste based on what you use the olive oil for.
