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Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review

Most Failed to Be Approved. Find the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Avoid Problems.

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D. Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 04/24/2021 | Initially Posted: 03/26/2021
Extra virgin olive oils reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Extra virgin olive oils compared in this review

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California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Medium

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California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Everyday Blend

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Carapelli Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Lucini Italia Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Spectrum Culinary Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Terra Delyssa Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Trader Joe's Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Summary

  • What does extra virgin olive oil do?

     In addition to a pleasurable taste, extra virgin olive oil has potential health benefits including reduced risk of coronary heart disease, reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancers, and improved blood sugar control (see What It Does). Some of these benefits are associated with high amounts of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oils, as well as high concentrations of oleic acid.

  • How much olive oil should I take?

     Health benefits with extra virgin olive oil have been associated with intakes of about 2 to 4 tablespoons per day -- particularly when this replaces saturated fats (see What It Does).

  • Which are the best and worst extra virgin olive oils?

     Although all ten of the popular extra virgin olive oils selected for review by ConsumerLab.com passed chemical testing, analysis of flavor and aroma by an expert olive oil taster raised questions about the quality of seven products — grading them as not extra virgin, and some even as "lampante," meaning unfit for human consumption What CL Found.

    Among those considered "extra virgin," CL selected two as its Top Picks -- one that is mild and one that is moderate in robustness. Both have excellent flavor and aroma, correct chemistry, a high concentration of polyphenols and oleic acid, and are moderate in cost. Use the Results table to compare the test results (including ,polyphenol levels, which ranged from 149 mg/kg to 436 mg/kg -- a 193% difference!), taste descriptions, prices, and other features of products.

  • How to buy, use, and store olive oil?

     Buy olive oil in a dark-colored glass bottle to protect it from light (and/or store it in a dark cabinet), and don't worry about the color of the oil — it's not a reliable indicator of quality or flavor. If cooking with olive oil, limit use to later stages of cooking, keeping heating time to a minimum (see ConsumerTips).

  • Safety and side effects of olive oil

     Olive oil is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may interact with certain medications (see Concerns and Cautions).
You must be a member to get the full test results for 10 extra virgin olive oils along with ConsumerLab.com's recommendations and quality ratings. In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
  • Which extra virgin olive oils passed our tests of quality -- including laboratory testing and expert sensory testing -- and which did not
  • ConsumerLab.com's Top Picks, representing the best quality extra virgin olive oils at the best price -- we found that cost does not always reflect quality
  • How extra virgin olive oils compare in anti-oxidant polyphenol levels, oleic acid levels and freshness 
  • The health benefits of olive oil
  • How to buy, use, store, and cook with extra virgin olive oil, including the reliability of the "fridge test" for olive oil quality
  • Cautions when using extra virgin olive oil along with prescription medications

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Latest Clinical Research Updates for Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive Oil & Alzheimer's?

Can regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil improve cognition and reduce blood levels of markers associated with Alzheimer's disease? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among olive oils.

Olive Oil & Cognition

Does consuming extra olive oil improve cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for olive oil.

Olive Oil & Breast Cancer Risk

Is olive oil consumption associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women? See what a recent analysis found in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for olive oil.

Olive Oil and Heart Disease

Does consuming olive oil instead of butter or margarine reduce the risk of heart disease? Find out what studies are showing, and the amounts of olive oil being used, in the What It Does section of the Olive Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for olive oil.

Best Way to Cook With Olive Oil

Cooking can reduce levels of heart-healthy polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), but a new study showed how to minimize this loss. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fatty Liver Disease

Can consuming a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil decrease the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. Also see our tests and Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Diabetes

Several studies have looked at the effects of consuming extra virgin olive oil on improving blood sugar control. The most recent study looked at whether it could delay the need for glucose-lowering medication in people with type 2 diabetes. Get the results in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

Plastic Bottles Okay for Olive Oil?

A recent study compared the effects of storing extra virgin olive oil in plastic versus glass bottles, as well as the effects of light. Find out which bottle and setting fared best in the ConsumerTips section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our latest Top Picks for extra virgin olive oil.

Best Olive Oil for Heart?

This week, the FDA agreed that oils that are at least 70% oleic acid may claim to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when substituted for saturated fats. Oleic acid is the dominant fatty acid in olive oil. However, our tests of popular extra virgin olive oils show that only some reach the 70% level. Get the details in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.)

Mediterranean Diet Study Retracted

A landmark study about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet was retracted and republished this week. Does this change what we know about the benefits of extra virgin olive oil? Find out in the Cardiovascular Disease section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.)

Choosing Olive Oil for Cholesterol Benefit

Certain types of olive oil may be more effective at improving cholesterol levels according to a recent analysis. Find out more in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils).

Lower Heart Risk With Olive Oil

Using olive oil was associated with a dramatic reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease in a recent study. But what about using olive oil along with other oils? Get the results and learn more in the "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

Olive Oil and Prostate Cancer

Another possible benefit of olive oil within a Mediterranean diet is a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer, according to a new study. For details about this and other benefits of olive oil, see the updated "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aids Fat Loss

A study among overweight women found that substituting extra virgin olive oil for another plant oil led to greater losses of body fat during dieting. See the details in the "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review -- which includes our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

Olive Oil Helps in Pre-Diabetes

Adding extra virgin olive oil to a meal decreased the rise in blood sugar and increased insulin levels after the meal, according to a new study in people with pre-diabetes. Similar benefits with olive oil have been shown in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For details, see the "Insulin Control and Blood Sugar" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review, which includes our tests and comparisons of popular olive oils on the market.

Olive Oil Lowers Diabetes Risk

Consuming a certain amount of olive oil daily reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 13%, according to a new study. Consuming more than this amount did not reduce the risk further. Get the details, and see our tests of popular oils, in the "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review >>

Mediterranean Diet with Olive Oil Improves Depression

A recent study found that men and women with major depression who consumed a Mediterranean diet with olive oil had significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who maintained their typical diet. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Olive Oil Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Reason for Olive Oil Defects?

We recently noticed that all three of the extra virgin olive oils which failed to be Approved in our recent review share something in common. For details, see the "What CL Found" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Bone Fracture Risk

A recent study found that higher consumption of extra virgin olive oil was associated with a 51% reduction in the risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
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Related CL Answers (10)

What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.

Best Supplements for Depression and Anxiety -- sad young woman sitting on couch, looking toward the window

How do I find the best quality olive oil and what are the health benefits?

Health Benefits of olive oil, including heart benefits, anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, how to choose a quality olive oil and cook with olive oil

Health Benefits of Olive Oil -- Pouring Olive Oil Into a Bowl

Which supplements reduce the risk of stroke? Which increase the risk of stroke?

Find out which supplements (may help reduce the risk of stroke/might increase the risk of stroke.)

Which supplements help for osteoarthritis of the hip?

Supplements for hip pain and osteoarthritis, such as SAMe, ginger and collagen, may help or reduce pain.

Is it true that low-carb or Mediterranean diets help for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Find out if a low-carb diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, or lifestyle changes help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Low-carb & Mediterranean Diets for GERD? -- Table with Mediterranean foods such as fish, olive oil, walnuts, vegetables

Which oils can help lower my cholesterol and risk of heart attack? How are coconut oil, olive oil, and fish oil for example?

Find out which fats and oils, such as coconut oil and fish oil, lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Oils and Heart Health

Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?

Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements to Lower Triglyceride Levels -- fish oil capsules and stethoscope

How can I get the equivalent of 20 ml of extra virgin olive oil (4 teaspoons) as oleic acid capsules?

Info on taking extra virgin olive oil as a supplement in pill form. ConsumerLab.com explains.

Are there vitamins or supplements that can reduce my risk of breast cancer? Do any increase cancer risk?

Find out if certain vitamins, supplements and foods such as fish oil, olive oil, vitamin C and others, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements & Breast Cancer Risk -- doctor holding pink breast cancer awareness ribbon

Is canola oil good or bad for you? I heard it can be toxic.

Find out if canola oil is bad for you or good for you, and whether it helps heart health. Clinical evidence and how it compares to other oils.

Is canola oil good or bad? -- bottle of canola oil

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