10 Best Italian Olive Oils (EVOO) – A Gourmet Guide

This is our review of the best Italian olive oils.

Olive oil is extracted from the olive fruit. About 13% of the oil contains a mono-saturated fatty acid resistant to heat, thus a healthy choice for cooking various dishes.

Apart from that, it contains several health benefits, and that’s why it is inescapable in Italian dishes. Therefore, consider high-quality Italian Olive oils if you love including olive oil in your daily health routine.

best italian olive oil

In our quest to find the best olive oils, we tested hundreds of Italian olive oils. The good news?  We found out that the best Italian olive oil is Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This oil has a dominating flavor, perfect for marinades and salad dressing.

With that in mind, let’s dig in!

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The Health Benefits of Italian Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used in various parts of the world for many years. Moreover, it is used in diverse ways-that is from food to skincare. But did you know that using the best Italian olive oil is good for your health?

Olive oil is loaded with omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, K, and E, responsible for building good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol. Besides that, it is used as a skincare product and an anti-inflammatory to lower blood pressure. 

Our-Top Picks of the Best Italian Olive Oils

1.   Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best for Salad Dressing and Marinades)

2. Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best for Sauteing and Stir-Frying)

3. Colavita Extra Virgin Oil (Best for Roasting and Baking Dressing)

4.   California Olive Ranch Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend (Best for Grilling and High Heat Cooking)

5.   Filippo Berio Olive Oil (Best for Sauteing and Roasting)

6.   Terra Delyssa Organic Single Source Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set (Best for Everyday Cooking)

7.   Viva Oliva Six 60 ML Gift Set – Premium Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oils (Best for Gift Set)

8. Amazon Fresh Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best for Grilling and Finishing Dishes)

9. THYA Garlic Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cold Pressed Olives EVOO for Salad Dressing and Cooking (Best for Salad Dressing and Cooking)

10.  Giusto Sapore Rosemary Infused Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best for Drizzling Atop Vegetables, Meat, and Bread)

Your 2021 Italian Olive Oil Buying Guide

Olive oil is used for many purposes, and among them is preparing delicious Italian dishes. But the flavor depends on factors such as quality, date of the expiry date, and flavor profile. Since there are varieties of Italian Olive oil brands, the taste and aroma may vary.

So, keep in mind the following important things when shopping for Italian Olive Oil.

Decide on your Flavour Profile

Topping the list of essential things to look for when buying  Olive oil is deciding on the flavor profile. There are many types of Olive oil flavors in the market. And that’s why the flavor profile is essential since each Olive Oil is unique. The flavors fall into the following categories.

Mild

Mild flavored Olive oil is light and tends to be soft and buttery. Moreover, it is suitable for delicate dishes such as eggs, fish, and potatoes.

Medium

Medium flavored oil is complex and grassier in that it contains a peppery finish. It is also suitable for foods such as pasta and steak.

Robust

Olive oil has robust flavors resulting from being harvested when still green and is suitable for stews, vegetables, and salads.

Before picking your olive oil, ensure that you smell and taste varieties of oils if possible. While tasting, watch out if the bitterness balances the amount of flavor and feel on the throat. This act will enable you to select the one that will fit your preferred dishes and enjoy it at home.

Look for Dark or Opaque Bottles-Olive Oil Doesn’t Like Light.

Just like any other product, Olive oil needs to be stored in a conducive environment. After buying a bottle or two, ensure that it is kept in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. In terms of heat, ensure that the room temperature is 57-70 degrees and away from the oven or cooker.

For better results, store in dark-colored or opaque bottles to protect the oil from light. If the oil comes in large containers, find dark bottles and pour them in for your daily use. The reason behind this is because plastic containers contain toxic chemicals.

Read the Label of Origin for Storage Instructions

The third important factor to consider is the label of origin. Checking the label of origin is vital in reading storage instructions. To add, the instructions vary, as they come from different regions. Every bottle of olive oil contains a label to help you store the oil and prove the place of origin.

Quality Check (EVOO)

Quality plays have a crucial role in Olive oils. Since different Olive oils have different flavors, the quality also varies. Quality oils tend to have many benefits and, most of all, a higher price. On the flip side, low-quality ones are cheaper and won’t give you the desired taste. So, select the one that has a high quality to get better results.

Also, ensure that the quality of extra virgin olive oil has protected designated origin. This will save you from purchasing a product that is mixed with other regular oils.

Expiration Date

When purchasing a bottle of Olive oil, it is wise to check on the expiry date. First, check on the manufacturing and the expiry date. If they contradict each other, don’t buy it since it can be harmful to your health.

As a rule of thumb, the Italian Olive oil is suitable for use for the first 18 months upon production. Consequently, don’t buy oil that lacks the expiry date. Moreso, ensure that you store it in a proper place to maintain its freshness.

Review of the Best Selling Italian Olive Oil on the Market

Olive oil is perfect to be used in any dish. It not only contains varieties of flavors but is also available in different types. While there are several olive oil brands in the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming.

For that reason, here is a list of the best-selling Italian olive oils on the market today.

Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ.

Best for Salad Dressing and Marinades

Do you want Olive Oil perfect for making salads and marinades? Then opt for the Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Apart from being the best seller in the grocery and gourmet food section, it is also imported.

On top of that, it is made of pure olive oil and contains a robust extra virgin olive oil flavor. In addition to that, Pompeian is farmer-crafted and cold-pressed. As a result, it is perfect for sautéing, grilling, baking, frying, roasting, soups, and sauces.

The oil is also non-allergenic and gluten-free. Its four varieties are Extra Virgin, Classic Pure, Extra Light Tasting, and Organic Extra Virgin. Additionally, it won’t dominate the flavor of your food but will create an authentic taste in any dish. However, there’s one thing to remember, if the oil catches fire, turn off the heat and cover until cooled, do not use water!

Apart from that, it has low acidity and is labeled according to the United States standards. Customers love it for its robust flavor, while others complain about its high price.

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing & Stir-Frying, 68 FL. OZ.

Amazon’s Choice for “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”

Best for Sauteing and Stir-Frying

The Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil is imported and made Italian style. It is obtained from olives and has a smooth flavor. The oil is first cold-pressed and crafted by Pompeian olive farmers and artisans.

Moreover, it is readily available and perfect for soups, salads, stir-fries, and marinades. Similarly, you can use them for deep frying and drizzling. Pompeian Extra Virgin Oil is labeled according to European standards, thus high quality.

Customers love it for its excellent cooking taste and its great price. Therefore, it may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in its ingredients and allergen warnings. 

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, (2 Litres) 68 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Amazon’s Choice for “Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil”

Best for Roasting and Baking Dressing

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil is obtained from olives harvested from the finest groves in Europe. On top of that, it contains oil from Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. This extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and balanced with fruity and spicy notes–hence perfect for everyday use.

The olive flavor makes it best for roasting, baking, dressing, and marinades. According to the International olive council standards, this product bears the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) quality seal.

Besides being cholesterol-free, it’s a two-time winner in “Best Everyday Cooking Oil” in Men’s Health Magazine’s annual nutrition awards.

Moreover, customers love it for its affordable price, robust flavor, and packaging.

California Olive Ranch Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend – High Heat Cooking & Grilling Cold Pressed EVOO – Roasted Garlic Flavor – 750mL

Best for Grilling and High-Heat Cooking

You don’t need a lot of garlic in your food to get the flavor. You can use California Olive Ranch Garlic Oil, which has a roasted garlic flavor. It also has a combination of bold garlic and extra virgin olive oil suitable for any savory dish.

This unique and tasty garlic extra virgin olive oil is excellent for sautéing, roasting, blackening, and grilling. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil has a wide range of flavor profiles, thus ideal everyday cooking oil.

The olive oil is cold-pressed and crafted according to California quality standards and is vegan-friendly. Furthermore, it is packaged in dark green bottles to help protect the integrity and life of your oil. You need to store it in a dark and cool place to keep it fresh. This extra virgin olive oil is verified by the Non-GMO Project and certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union.

Filippo Berio Olive Oil, 50.7 Ounce PET Bottle

Amazon’s Choice for “Filippo Berio Olive Oil”

Best for Sauteing and Roasting

Filippo Berio Olive Oil from Filippo Berio is vibrant and significant atop any dish. It is also refined from quality olives with a subtle taste, thus ideal for sautéing, roasting, or grilling. The better part is that it will protect your health since it is cholesterol-free, making it suitable for mixing spices and sauces.

The bright yellow color enhances its great flavor. It is trans-fat-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, sugar-free, and contains sodium-free ingredients. Customers love it for having a well-balanced taste although some have raised complaints about its high cost.

Terra Delyssa Organic Single Source Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil Gift Set – 4 Bottles of Infused Olive Oils: Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Rosemary

Best for Everyday Cooking

Terra Delyssa Organic Single Sources Extra Virgin Oil delivers various flavors, such as lemon, garlic, chili, and rosemary. Terra Delyssa OEVOO organic extra virgin lemon olive oil is ideal for everyday cooking, dipping, marinades, pasta dishes, and fresh vegetables. Better still, it comes in a dark glass bottle that protects the oil’s freshness and quality by eliminating contact with oxygen. 

This oil is hand-harvested by the same farmers who treat the olives with the cold-press method within four hours of harvesting. It is also naturally rich in antioxidants and high in polyphenol delyssas. Since it’s vegan and Keto friendly, you can gift one or two bottles to your loved ones.

Moreover, this olive oil is certified Non-GMO, Kosher, Gluten-Free. Allergen-free and processed in a nut-free facility. This brand has won awards such as:

  • New York: NYIOOC.
  • Japan: Gold medal.
  • France: Flavor of the Year
  • Germany: Best in Show

Viva Oliva Six 60 ML Gift Set – Premium Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oils (Tuscan Herb, Basil, Mushroom & Sage) and All Natural Balsamic Vinegars (18 years traditional, Grapefruit, Black Mission Fig)

Amazon’s Choice for” Olive Oil and Vinegar Gift Sets”

Best for Gift Set

With the Holidays ahead, gift your loved ones something that they can enjoy, like the Viva Oliva Six 60 ML Gift Set. Sourced from the northern and southern hemispheres of the world, it contains six of the most popular olive oils and balsamic, each 2oz.

The bottles contain Tuscan herb-infused olive oil, Wild Mushroom & Sage Infused olive oil, basil-infused olive oil, Traditional 18 Year balsamic vinegar, white grapefruit balsamic, and black mission fig balsamic.

Viva Oliva’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils are of the ultra-premium standard, the highest industry standard worldwide. Besides that, it has no preservatives, no artificial coloring, or added sugars, gluten-free, labeled, and packed at Viva Oliva’s premises in Santa Barbara, California.

AmazonFresh Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 68 Fl Oz (2L)

Amazons Choice for “Aceite De Oliva Extra Virgen”

Best for Grilling and Finishing Dishes

Coming from Amazon, AmazonFresh Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil boasts a smooth blend with subtle notes of pepper and herbs. It is pressed and bottled in Italy, thus perfect for cooking, grilling, and finishing dishes.

The 100% Italian EVOO has a money-back guarantee, in that customers can return it If they are not satisfied. Furthermore, customers love it for its great price although some complained about it having a poor quality for salad dressing and drizzling in finished dishes.

THYA Garlic Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cold Pressed Olives EVOO for Salad Dressing and Cooking (8.45 fl oz/ 250ml)

Best for Salad Dressing and Cooking

THYA Garlic Flavoured Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes in glass bottles with a non-drip cap. The garlic flavor makes it excellent for dipping, bruschetta, salad dressing, pasta dishes, tomato sauces, vegetable soups, steamed vegetables, steamed white meat, and fish.

Additionally, it is cold-pressed to ensure that it maintains its flavor. What’s more, it is not harmful to your health; thus, gluten-free and naturally non-GMO. Customers love it for its affordability.

Giusto Sapore Rosemary Infused Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cold-Pressed, Imported from Italy – 8.5oz.

Best for Drizzling Atop Vegetables, Meat, and Bread

Giusto Sapore Rosemary Extra Virgin Oil hits almost all the right notes. It’s affordable and delivers the rosemary flavor, which creates an herbal flavor profile suitable for everyday cooking.

It originated from southern Italy and was also made with hand-selected olives from the Puglia region, thus high quality. This oil is also suitable for drizzling atop vegetables, bread, and meats. To add, it is ideal for consumption since it is gluten-free and natural vegan. Customers love it for its great taste, but some complained about being quite expensive.

Why You Should Trust the Proud Italian

The Proud Italian contains all varieties of foods, ranging from classic to traditional ones. It is also driven by a passion for preparing different kinds of cuisines using the most natural methods and recipes that are not harmful to your health.

The Final Word

Italy is known for many beautiful things. And among them is olive oil. This oil has been used for quite some time in many countries. It has a lot of benefits ranging from skincare to cooking. However, finding the best one is a personal thing, since everyone has different tastes.

We found out Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil to be our number one choice. It contains various health benefits and is suitable for preparing salad dressing and marinades.

For that reason, every soul should experience fresh-pressed olive oil, but this choice isn’t available for everyone. This is because finding the best one depends on personal preference. So, having a good understanding of different olive oils will lead you to the best one and make you enjoy a tasty meal.