10 Best Olive Oils Of 2023 + How To Find A High-Quality EVOO
Kristine Thomason is the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen.
If there's one product you can absolutely, always, guaranteed find in my pantry, it's olive oil. This healthy oil often makes an appearance in my go-to dishes—whether I drizzle it on top of veggies or blend it into salad dressings.
It's no secret that olive oil is a healthy kitchen staple—but with so many products on the market to choose from, are they all really at the same level? Let's chat about how to find a truly high-quality oil, along with some standout options worth adding to your cart.
The best olive oil of 2023:
The best olive oil of 2023:
Why olive oil?
There's a reason olive oil is a cornerstone of the much-loved Mediterranean diet—this healthy fat is packed with benefits. Here are a couple of expert- and research-backed perks to consider:*
- Antioxidant-rich: "It is notably rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps to maintain the integrity of cell membranes and protect it from free radicals," registered dietitian Titilayo Ayanwola, MPH, R.D., L.D., previously told mbg.
- Heart-healthy: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help support healthy cholesterol1.
- Brain-supporting: "It's said that what's good for the heart is good for the brain," nutritional psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, M.D., previously shared with mindbodygreen. "Olive oil, which contains a special phytonutrient called hydroxytyrosol, protects your blood vessels to keep both your cardiovascular and nervous systems in top working order."
- Anti-inflammatory actions: Unlike other unhealthy cooking oils, olive oil helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response since it is low in polyunsaturated fats, family physician and New York Times bestselling author Cate Shanahan, M.D., said in a mindbodygreen podcast episode.
- Longevity-promoting: A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming more olive oil, particularly in place of other fats, may lead to a longer life.
Choosing your olive oil: what to look for & what to avoid.
When it comes to choosing an olive oil that's going to give you top-notch benefits, steer clear of the highly refined products since the healthiest oils are unrefined and minimally processed. Instead, opt for extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). "It's the least processed and therefore has the greatest nutritional benefit, compared to other types of olive oils," says Ayanwola. "Since it is derived from olive berries, it contains large amounts of antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamins2," which can be stripped away when the oil is refined. (Here's a handy trick to check if your EVOO is totally authentic.)
For that reason, it's worth taking an extra moment to check how your oil is manufactured—this should be communicated very clearly on the brand's bottle or website (for example, we love seeing "cold-pressed" on the label). Here are a few other tips for scoping out the most top-notch olive oil.
Just remember that EVOO is going to have a lower smoke point—around 325 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit—than more processed versions. For that reason, it's best as a finishing oil (think drizzling on top of dishes or using in dressings) versus baking or high-heat roasting.
When you're scoping out the bottle itself, there's one more thing to note: Olive oil should come in a darkly tinted, opaque container. Remember: "The antioxidants in olive oil degrade when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen," Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D. shared with mindbodygreen, which is why the packaging is important. (More on how to store and keep your olive oil fresh here.)
The Best Olive Oils of 2023:
As for the best options to choose from, as a health editor, here are some of my top picks based on research and personal experience:
Best Overall : Kosterina Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Cold pressed
- From high-polyphenol olives
Cons:
- Additional shipping costs
This lovely olive oil has a lot going for it: It's cold-pressed and created in small batches. Plus, it uses Greek Koroneiki olives, a varietal that renowned physician and researcher William Li, M.D., recommends since these olives are potent in the bioactive polyphenol compound hydroxytyrosol.
Best cold extracted : Corto Truly 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil,
Pros:
- Organic
- Cold extracted
Cons:
- Some reviewers say it's bland
This 100% organic EVOO has a bright slightly fruity flavor and is another fantastic staple for any kitchen. The brand is very deliberate about their method: The olives are picked at peak freshness, then cold-extracted within hours and stored in a climate-controlled cellar until there is a customer order.
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Best budget: California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Affordable
- Cold pressed
Cons:
- Mild flavor
This cold-pressed EVOO, which uses olives grown in California, is a go-to on my grocery list. It has a mild flavor, which makes it incredibly versatile for all kinds of cooking projects. I'm also a big fan of their limited release Olio Nuovo, made with Sikitita and Koroneiki olives.
Best for everyday use : Primal Kitchen Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Organic
- Non GMO
Cons:
- Pricier for the size
Primal Kitchen makes so many nutritious products we love at mbg, and their olive oil is no exception. The tasty blend of olives was personally selected by founder Mark Sisson—and we love that it's USDA-certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
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Best for salads : Brightland Alive 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Cold pressed
- Olives grown in California
Cons:
- Distinct flavor makes it less versatile
Another California-sourced olive oil, Brightland's Alive EVOO is a beautiful addition to salads, marinades, or even baked goods. I also love that they feature the harvest date right up front on their website, which helps ensure you're getting fresh, nutritious oil. (Note: Olive oil is generally good for 12 to 20 months past its harvest date, according to Moon.)
Best for cooking: Cobram Estates California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros
- Cold pressed
- Affordable
- Flavorful
Cons:
- Lower smoke point than other oils
Whether you're buying this California Select bottle or one of their more standard offerings, Cobram Estates is a great go-to olive oil to snag at your local supermarket. Not only are their cold-pressed EVOOs great for cooking, but the Sacramento-sourced brand has also won multiple awards for their top-notch taste.
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Best splurge: Manni The Oil of Life 2021: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Distinct flavor
- Sourced from high polyphenols Tuscan olives
- Display worthy bottle
Cons:
- Expensive
Manni offers a wide selection of high-quality olive oils (including the Grand Cru variety we featured in our mbg food gift guide this year). This option from the Olive Oil of Life collection has a rich flavor, which makes it delicious to drizzle on just about anything. Plus, I love that this bottle is made with 99.99% UV-ray-resistant glass to protect the EVOO.
Best sustainably grown : Madhava Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pros:
- Non GMO
- Tested for contaminants
Cons:
- Some reviewers call it bland
Another excellent choice, this Italian brand sources their olive oil directly from organic and non-GMO farmers that share their environment-first values. They've also received multiple awards from the clean label project, which verifies product quality and safety.
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Pros:
- Organic
- Cold pressed
Cons:
- Some reviewers have received damaged bottles
A pantry mainstay of our mbg CEOs and founders, Frankies is another excellent, flavorful choice—created by the chefs and owners of Frankies Spuntino in Brooklyn, NY. This slightly spicy EVOO is USDA certified organic and made with 100% Nocellara del Belice olives grown in Sicily, Italy.
Pros:
- Flavorful
- Beautiful bottle
- Greek olives
Cons:
- Limited quantities available
Yes, this bottle is gorgeous to look at, but it's what's inside the bottle that we really love. Made in Corfu, Greece—with Lianolia and Koroneiki olives from a small family farm—this delicious olive oil is flavorful yet subtle enough for any dish.
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Meet The Experts
Kristine Thomason is the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen.