With the cost of olive oil having more than doubled in recent years, British shoppers are increasingly asking which bottles deliver genuine quality for their money. To answer this, a comprehensive taste test of supermarket shelves has identified the top five extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) worth buying in 2026.
The Liquid Gold Standard: What Makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil Special
Extra virgin olive oil sits at the pinnacle of quality. It is essentially pure, unrefined olive juice, extracted using a cold-press method where temperatures never exceed 27C. To preserve its fresh flavour and nutrients, the olives must be pressed within 72 hours of harvest.
Much like wine, EVOO is a product of its terroir, with flavour and aroma profiles deeply influenced by its region of origin. It does not improve with age and is best used within two years of harvest. For storage, opt for dark or tinted bottles kept in a cool, shaded place to protect the oil from light damage.
Beyond its culinary virtues, EVOO is celebrated for significant health benefits. It is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and packed with polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How We Tested: A Professional Taste Methodology
The testing process was rigorous and followed traditional professional methods. For each of the 15 bottles sampled, the oil was poured into a glass, warmed by hand, and then assessed through a deep sniff and a sip.
The oil was held at the front of the mouth before air was sucked in to aerate it, allowing the full flavour profile to reach the back of the palate. Each oil was also evaluated by dipping bread into it. Key considerations included taste, aroma, versatility, value for money, and quality indicators like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status.
The Top 5 Supermarket Olive Oils for Your Basket
After extensive tasting, these five bottles emerged as the stand-out choices for British shoppers.
1. Best Supermarket Olive Oil Overall: Asda Extra Special Greek Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Priced at £7 for 500ml, this own-brand offering from Asda impressed with its depth and intensity. Made from Greek koroneiki olives, it delivers a fruity, slightly creamy flavour with bitter and nutty notes, finishing with a pleasant, rocket-like pepperiness. Its balanced, rich profile makes it excellent for finishing a classic Greek salad.
2. Best Budget Buy: Aldi Specially Selected P.D.O Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Proving that quality need not be expensive, this £5.49 bottle from Aldi holds PDO status from Italy's Puglia region. It offers a big, bold flavour with fruity and herbaceous aromas, a slightly bitter and floral taste, and a long peppery aftertaste. It's best enjoyed drizzled over cold meats or other strong-flavoured foods. Note: it is only available in-store.
3. Best for Bold Flavour: Belazu Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil
While not a supermarket own brand, Belazu is widely available in major stores. This £14 oil is made from early-harvested Spanish arbequina olives, capturing intense flavours. It has a distinctive tomato-like aroma, a balance of bitterness and floral sweetness, and is ideal for salads. The bottle details the cold-extraction process, a mark of higher-end oils.
4. Best for Everyday Use: Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A familiar and trusted name since 1867, this organic blend of olives from Italy, Spain, and Tunisia is a versatile kitchen staple. Currently priced at £11 for 1 litre (down from £18), it presents grassy, herbaceous notes with a slight bitterness and nutty undertones. Its glass bottle packaging is also a plus.
5. Best Mild Olive Oil: Waitrose Duchy Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Costing £7, this oil from Waitrose's charitable Duchy Organic range is smooth, light, and fresh. It has a subtle tomato aroma and floral notes, with only a mellow hint of pepperiness at the finish. It's an excellent choice for bread-dipping or for those who prefer a more subdued flavour profile.
As prices continue to climb, this expert guide ensures that your spend on 'liquid gold' is an investment in genuine quality and flavour, whether you're cooking, dressing, or simply dipping.
