The Best Olive Oil is Not from the Grocery Store

Written By Kara McClements

I love olive oil. The two most memorable times I’ve had olive oil have been (1) at a farmer’s market in New Zealand from a Canadian business man turned olive oil farmer and (2) during a lunch at a vineyard in Napa. High quality and fresh olive oil is so good. 

The olive oil we had at home was not even close. Even the “higher end” brands like California Olive Ranch were missing the mark on flavor and quality. I did some research and started buying and trying olive oils, especially in tins. And WOW. Such a huge improvement in flavor and quality. I definitely haven’t tried all of them but the brands I can recommend so far are:

  • Partana - Cold Pressed, from Italy, full flavor, great for every day.

    • $35 101 oz, $0.35/oz —> Buy

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  • Frantoia Barbera - Cold Pressed, from Italy, full flavor, tastes very fresh, slight tingle, great for everyday but also my favorite for dressings and eating straight, a little more expensive.

    • $53 - 101oz, $0.53/oz —> Buy

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Both of these olive oils can be bought on Amazon. If buying local is important, check out an Italian market. Our Italian market has both of the olive oil brands (and others), so hopefully your’s will too.

Beyond the greatly improved taste, the second best realization is that the cost (per ounce) is comparable or cheaper in a lot of cases. Our old standbys were California Olive Ranch and Kirkland and their prices are the following:

  • California Olive Oil $24.99, 34oz, $0.74/oz

  • Kirkland Olive Oil $32, 67oz, $0.48/oz

One potential hurdle is it may be overwhelming to buy such a large container of oil. But in the tin, even after opening, the oil will last months or years stored in a cool, dark place, like the bottom shelf of the pantry.

I also recommend you have an easy-dispense bottle for the counter because pouring from the tin is not the easiest. This bottle is my favorite - It’s black to further prolong the quality of the oil, it’s simple and sleek, and has a solid pour. It comes in a few sizes and will last forever.

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Infinity Jars 500 Ml (17 fl oz) Black Ultraviolet Square Glass Oil Bottle with Plastic Pour Spout —> Buy

 

If you try these oils or have a favorite, let me know!

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Kara McClements
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Full Kitchen + Pantry Refresh in Los Angeles.