As olive oil prices continue their dramatic climb, with standard bottles of this liquid gold more than doubling in cost in recent years, consumers face a pressing question: which supermarket offerings actually deliver quality worth the investment? To provide clarity, food editor Emma Henderson has conducted an extensive taste test, sampling 15 different extra virgin olive oils from major supermarket shelves to identify the top five bottles for 2026.
Understanding Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality
At the pinnacle of the olive oil hierarchy sits extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which represents pure olive juice produced through cold-press methods that maintain temperatures below 27°C. To preserve freshness, flavor, and nutritional value, olives must be pressed within 72 hours of harvest. Unlike refined oils, EVOO remains completely unprocessed, with its characteristics reflecting its geographical origin much like fine wine.
Beyond its culinary credentials, EVOO offers significant health benefits, being rich in monounsaturated fats similar to those found in avocados and nuts. Research links regular consumption to reduced cardiovascular disease risk, while its high polyphenol content provides strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For optimal preservation, experts recommend storing EVOO in dark or tinted bottles away from light and heat, using it within two years of harvest.
Testing Methodology and Criteria
Henderson employed traditional olive oil tasting techniques, pouring each oil into a glass, warming it with her hands, cupping her hand over the top, taking a substantial sniff, then sipping. Similar to wine tasting, she held the oil at the front of her mouth before drawing air through to distribute flavors across her palate. Her evaluation considered multiple criteria including aroma intensity and complexity, flavor balance, bitterness, pepperiness, texture, performance in bread-dipping tests, versatility for different culinary uses, quality markers like PDO status, and overall value for money.
The Top 5 Supermarket Olive Oils for 2026
1. Best Overall: Asda Extra Special Greek Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: £7.70 for 500ml at Asda.com
Origin: Greece
Made from koroneiki olives, the predominant variety used in Greek olive oil production, this offering impressed with its fruity, slightly creamy profile featuring bitter and nutty notes. Henderson praised its rich, balanced character and subtle rocket-like peppery finish, noting excellent depth and intensity of flavor. The distinctive blue marbled label packaging makes it stand out visually among competitors.
2. Best Budget Buy: Aldi Specially Selected P.D.O Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: £5.49 for 500ml at Aldi (in-store only)
Origin: Puglia, Italy
This PDO-certified oil from Italy's Puglian region delivers exceptional value, featuring big, bold flavors that can stand up to strongly flavored foods. Henderson detected fruity and herbaceous aromas with slightly bitter and floral flavors, followed by a long peppery aftertaste. She particularly recommended it for drizzling over cold meats.
3. Best for Bold Flavor: Belazu Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: £11 for 500ml at Ocado.com
Origin: Spain
While not a supermarket own brand, Belazu is widely available in major supermarkets and represents a reliable, high-quality option. Made from early-harvested arbequina olives picked in early October before full ripeness, it captures intense flavors with a distinctive tomato-like aroma. Henderson noted its slight bitterness balanced by floral sweetness, making it excellent for salads.
4. Best for Everyday Use: Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: £17.50 for 1 liter at Ocado.com
Origin: Blend from Italy, Spain, and Tunisia
Perhaps the most recognizable olive oil brand globally, Filippo Berio has produced olive oil since 1867. This organic version blends olives from three Mediterranean countries, presenting grassy and herbaceous notes with slight bitterness and nutty undertones. Henderson appreciated its glass bottle packaging and consistent quality for daily cooking needs.
5. Best Mild Olive Oil: Waitrose Duchy Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Price: £7 for 500ml at Waitrose.com
Origin: Spain
From Waitrose's charitable Duchy Organic range, this Spanish oil offers smooth, light flavors with fresh tomato aromas and floral notes. Its subtle warming pepperiness makes it ideal for bread dipping and suitable for those preferring milder oils, though some might find it too subtle for robust culinary applications.
Common Questions About Supermarket Olive Oils
Should you cook with extra virgin olive oil? While EVOO has a lower smoke point than some oils, Mediterranean cultures have cooked with it for centuries. For deep frying, sunflower oil may be preferable, but EVOO works well for most everyday cooking at moderate temperatures.
What makes an olive oil worth buying? Beyond price, consumers should consider flavor complexity, freshness indicators, production methods, and intended use. Henderson's testing revealed that supermarket own brands can compete effectively with premium labels when selected carefully.
Henderson's expertise as former editor of The Independent's IndyEats magazine and Guild of Food Writers Awards shortlistee lends authority to these recommendations. For those seeking further supermarket food guidance, she has also reviewed sourdough breads, pizzas, wines, and whiskies available through major retailers.
