Key Points
High-quality olive oil has specific markers to look for. Chefs recommend choosing extra virgin olive oil that’s labeled 100% olive oil, comes with third-party certifications, lists a recent harvest date, is packaged in a dark bottle or tin, and ideally comes from a single-country origin for better production control.California Olive Ranch is the unanimous chef-recommended brand. All three chefs praise it for its bright, peppery flavor, freshness, reliable quality, and third-party certification as true extra virgin olive oil. It’s also widely available and reasonably priced.A good olive oil should be versatile and used often. Chef-approved oils like California Olive Ranch can elevate cooking, dressings, marinades, and finishing touches on dishes—from soups and roasted vegetables to pasta and even oatmeal.
It goes without saying that olive oil is a kitchen staple. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it’s nutritionally impressive too. In fact, it’s so high in anti-inflammatory nutrients that it’s considered to be the healthiest oil by dietitians. The key is to choose a quality olive oil to ensure its flavor, function, and nutritional content meets the mark.
However, not all olive oil is equal, and finding a top-notch product can be daunting. How can you tell an olive oil is high quality—and tastes good to boot? To find out, we asked chefs for tips on shopping for olive oil, along with their most recommended brand.
Shawn Matijevich, lead chef-instructor of online Culinary Arts & Food Operations at the Institute of Culinary Education
Ruben Ruggier, executive chef at InterContinental New York Barclay
Marissa Stevens, chef, recipe developer, and founder of Pinch and Swirl
What to Look for When Buying Olive Oil
There are several features that point to a high-quality olive oil. According to chefs, these include:
Extra Virgin Variety
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade, “meaning the oil was mechanically extracted without heat or chemicals, and contains no sensory defects,” shares executive chef Ruben Ruggier.
Percentage
According to chef-instructor Shawn Matijevich, the U.S. has loose rules for what can be considered olive oil. Therefore, it’s important to choose a product labeled “100% olive oil.”
Certifications
“There are various certifying organizations that test and certify olive oil,” explains Matijevich, who looks for certifications from The North American Olive Oil Association or the Olive Oil Commission of California.
Harvest Date
A harvest date that falls within the last 12 months is the perfect choice for optimal flavor and nutrients, Ruggier notes.
Dark Container
According to Ruggier, high-quality oils are packaged in a dark glass bottle or tin to protect oxidation. “Avoid all clear plastic bottles, as light and heat degrade olive oil quality,” Ruggier explains.
Origin
A single-country origin indicates the producer had more control over the production process, according to chef and recipe developer Marissa Stevens. This typically indicates a better quality product.
The Best Olive Oil Brand, According to Chefs
When asked to name their favorite olive oil brands, all three chefs called out California Olive Ranch. “It’s bright, peppery, and fresh, which is what I’m trying to get out of an extra virgin olive oil,” explains Matijevich. “It’s also third-party tested and certified as 100% extra virgin olive oil, so I know I’m getting what I’m paying for,” he adds.
On that note, it’s affordable and easy to find, Stevens points out. For example, the California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is priced at $19.99 in the brand’s online shop. It’s also available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon.
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Amazon
Ruggier is particularly fond of the California Olive Ranch Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil. “This is a versatile, mild extra virgin olive oil with herbal notes, perfect for everyday cooking, dressings, and drizzling. It’s consistently fresh thanks to California-grown olives,” he explains.
Once you’ve stocked up on the chef-recommended olive oil, use it for cooking, homemade salad dressings, or marinades. You can drizzle olive oil to finish various meals, such as soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, or even oatmeal.
Dining and Cooking