Experts Evaluate Extra Virgin Olive Oils, From Budget to Luxury

Consumer experts have assessed 14 varieties of extra virgin olive oil, ranging from a budget-friendly option at £5.49 to a premium selection costing £13, to determine if more expensive oils offer superior quality. The tasting panel included a chef, a certified olive oil sommelier, a producer, and an importer, all of whom evaluated the oils blind.

Testing Methodology

The experts rated each oil on its taste, aroma, complexity, and balance. A key metric for extra virgin olive oil is its acidity level, which must not exceed 0.8 percent. The testing organization, Which?, purchased all products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.

Varietal Highlights

One budget-friendly option was praised for its fresh aroma and balanced, light taste with delicate notes of tropical fruit and banana. While it was considered good value due to a larger bottle size than some competitors, its flavor was noted as less intense than other tested oils.

A mid-range oil impressed with its lasting peppery aftertaste, deemed suitable for drizzling over dishes like prosciutto or carpaccio. However, some testers found its texture to be slightly greasy.

The top-rated oil, described as the overall winner by the panel, offered a fresh, fruity flavor with a pleasant peppery bitterness and a grassy aroma. Despite its high praise, its price of £12 was acknowledged as a potential drawback.

Olive oil has evolved from a niche product, once viewed with suspicion and assigned limited culinary uses, to a widely consumed staple. It is now frequently promoted for its health benefits, with some wellness advocates recommending daily consumption and chefs incorporating it into various dishes.