As olive oil prices rise, choosing the right bottle has become a small investment. To help shoppers, a food editor taste-tested 15 extra virgin olive oils from major supermarkets, including Aldi, Asda, and Waitrose, to find the best buys.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality, made by cold-pressing olives at low temperatures. It retains flavour nuances from olive variety, region, and harvest, and is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
The top pick was a Greek olive oil made from koroneiki olives, described as fruity, creamy, with bitter and nutty notes and a peppery finish. It is ideal for Greek salads. Another standout was Aldi's Specially Selected Italian olive oil with PDO status, offering bold, herbaceous flavour at an affordable price, best drizzled over cold meats.
Belazu, sold in many supermarkets, impressed with its early-harvest arbequina olives, tomato-like aroma, and slight bitterness. Filippo Berio, a long-established brand, offered a grassy, herbaceous organic blend in a glass bottle. Waitrose's Duchy Organic range also featured.
The full testing criteria and results provide guidance for shoppers seeking quality olive oil without overspending.
