Not all olive oils are created equal: extra virgin olive oil is the only cooking oil made without the use of chemicals and industrial refining

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

highest quality, rich flavors & aromas

Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest and purest olive oil, made without chemical solvents or industrial refining. It offers rich flavors and aromas, crafted through a meticulous process that begins with the careful harvesting of fresh olives. During extraction, the temperature is strictly kept below 75°F to preserve quality. Once bottled, the oil must be stored away from heat and light to maintain its freshness and nutritional benefits

Virgin Olive Oil

A Fair Quality Alternative

Virgin olive oil is an unrefined oil with higher acidity levels compared to extra virgin olive oil, making it a less premium option. Commonly found in Europe, it is rarely available in U.S. stores and is free from chemical refining but lacks the superior flavor and quality of extra virgin olive oil.

Refined Olive Oils

Low Quality and Minimal Benefits

Refined olive oils are made from low-quality, rancid olives using chemical and heat treatments, stripping them of natural flavors, colors, and health benefits. Bottles labeled simply as “Olive Oil” often contain these heavily processed oils.

  • Lite Olive Oil: Misleadingly marketed as lighter, it offers no additional health benefits and has the same calories as extra virgin olive oil.
  • Pure Olive Oil: Despite its name, it can contain up to 80% refined oil, making it a poor-quality choice.

For the best health and flavor, choose extra virgin olive oil over refined options.

Pomace Oils

Poor Quality and Harmful Processing

Pomace olive oil is a low-quality byproduct extracted from the solid residue left after the initial olive oil pressing. It is far removed from true olive oil quality and should be avoided, similar to processed vegetable oils.

The extraction process uses petroleum-based solvents, primarily hexane, combined with heat, which significantly degrades the oil’s nutritional value. This industrial method is identical to the processes used for seed oils like soy, sunflower, and canola.

Did you know? Olive pomace oil has no connection to high-quality extra virgin olive oil and offers none of its health benefits.