The best olive oils for mass consumption

The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils

The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has published a comparative analysis of the best-selling extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) brands in Spain. This study, conducted every three or four years, generates great interest and debate, especially due to previous findings that some oils labeled as “extra virgin” were actually of lower quality (virgin) or borderline. However, the current analysis presents a positive outlook: the 23 brands evaluated meet chemical and organoleptic standards, offering satisfactory quality without exception.

This is the first time since 2007 that all brands have passed the evaluation, marking an important milestone in the quality of EVOO available to consumers.

Furthermore, no labeling fraud was detected, unlike previous studies.

On the other hand, private label brands or distributor brands obtained excellent results, with five of them placed among the top ten oils in the OCU ranking. Furthermore, these brands offer significantly lower prices (€1.50 per liter on average) compared to manufacturer brands.

Absence of Defects in Aroma and Flavor

The OCU tasting panel did not detect any defects in the aroma or flavor of the analyzed oils. On the contrary, the positive attributes of the characteristic fruity aroma of EVOO were highlighted in all products. Some oils even showed values ​​corresponding to superior qualities.

• Low Acidity: All oils have a very low acidity, below the 0.8% required for EVOO classification. This is attributed to the good health of the olives and the harvesting, storage, and oil extraction conditions.
• Labeling Could Be Improved: Although the brands comply with labeling regulations (designation, volume, best-before date, packager identification, and origin), the OCU believes there are aspects that need to be improved.

The 10 Best Olive Oils in Spain

The study provides a detailed classification of the analyzed oils:

Olive Oil Brands

1. Oleoestepa AOVE DOP Estepa: With a score of 93 out of 100 and a reference price of €12.44 per liter, this Sevillian oil tops the list.
2. Auchan (Alcampo brand) Organic EVOO: It obtained a score of 91 and a reference price of €10. 14.26 euros per liter (500 ml bottle at 7.13 euros).
3. Hacendado (Mercadona brand) EVOO: With a score of 89 and a price of 8.75 euros per liter, this private label brand ranks highly.
4. Carrefour EVOO: Score of 84 and a price of 8.96 euros per liter.
5. La Española EVOO Gran Selección: Scored 82 and a reference price of 12.43 euros per liter (750 ml bottle between 8.74 and 9.92 euros).
6. Urzante EVOO: Score of 82 and a reference price of 9.69 euros per liter.
7. Eroski EVOO: Score of 82 and a price of 8.69 euros per liter.
8. Mar de Olivos EVOO: Score of 81 and a reference price of 10.32 euros per liter.
9. Auchan EVOO: Score of 80 and a price of 8.84 euros per liter.
10. Coosur AOVE Ecológico: Score of 80 and a price of 11.88 euros per liter.

Other brands analyzed, although not in the top 10, include Consum EVOO, Maestros de Hojiblanca, Carbonell, La Almazara de DIA, Coosur AOVE Selección, La Masia Excelentium, Ybarra, Abril, Condis, Olearia del Olivar (Aldi), Dcoop, El Corte Inglés, and Olisone (Lidl).

Suggested Labeling Improvements

Despite regulatory compliance, the OCU proposes labeling improvements to provide greater transparency and utility to the consumer. Suggestions include:

• Production or bottling date: To determine the oil’s freshness.
• Olive variety: To provide information on the oil’s specific characteristics.
• Nutriscore nutritional information: To facilitate choosing healthy options.
• Packer contact information: To facilitate communication with the company.
• Lot and best-before date legibility: Avoid printing with black ink on dark backgrounds that make it difficult to read.

In summary, the OCU’s analysis ofThe analysis of extra virgin olive oils widely consumed in Spain offers an encouraging outlook for the overall quality of the product. The absence of fraud and the good ratings obtained by private label brands are notable aspects.

However, the OCU also points out areas for improvement in labeling to provide more complete and accessible information to consumers. This study serves as a valuable tool for consumers to make informed decisions when choosing an EVOO.