Ever stood in the supermarket aisle, utterly bewildered by the wall of olive oil options? You're not alone. To cut through the confusion, we went straight to the source: professional chefs. We asked them to reveal the bottles they reach for in their own kitchens, and their answers might surprise you.
The Supermarket Staples: Chef-Approved & Budget-Friendly
Forget the myth that all the good stuff is expensive and hard to find. Many top chefs regularly use high-quality oils from your local supermarket.
Tesco Finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil was a standout favourite. Chefs praised its well-balanced flavour, noting it's "fantastic for everyday use" without breaking the bank. Its versatility makes it a reliable workhorse for dressing, drizzling, and cooking.
Aldi's Specially Selected Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil also received rave reviews. Hailed as an "absolute steal," this budget-friendly option delivers a remarkably authentic taste that belies its price tag, proving great flavour doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Other notable mentions from the big chains included Waitrose 1º Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil, both celebrated for their robust, peppery notes perfect for finishing dishes.
The Splurge-Worthy Showstoppers
For those special occasions where the oil is the star of the show, chefs recommended investing in a premium, artisanal bottle.
These oils, often single-estate and early-harvest, feature complex flavour profiles with grassy, artichoke, or peppery notes. They are strictly for finishing – drizzled over a creamy burrata, ripe tomatoes, or grilled fish to elevate the dish instantly. Using a high-end oil for cooking would be a culinary crime, as heat destroys its delicate nuances.
How to Shop Like a Pro: Key Tips from the Experts
The chefs didn't just share their favourites; they also offered crucial advice for navigating the oil aisle.
- Look for a Harvest Date: Olive oil is a fresh product. The most important thing on the bottle isn't the brand, but the harvest date. Always choose the freshest you can find.
- Dark Glass is Essential: Light and heat are oil's enemies. Always choose a bottle made of dark glass to protect its quality.
- Check for Certification: Look for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels, which guarantee authenticity and origin.
- Taste the Pepper: A true, high-quality extra virgin olive oil should have a slight peppery sensation at the back of your throat – a sign of freshness and high polyphenol content.
So next time you're shopping, you can confidently bypass the marketing hype. Whether you grab a trusted bottle from Tesco or Aldi for your cooking, or invest in a special artisanal blend for your finishing touch, you'll be cooking with the same wisdom as the pros.
