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Best extra virgin olive oil to buy in 2025, from everyday to extra special
These are the bottles to take along to your next dinner party
Tested by Callum BlackFood and Drink Testing Manager
Is extra virgin olive oil the new wine? While we always appreciate being gifted a great bottle of plonk (if you need any help with that, we can recommend the best red wine), we think a special bottle of the best extra virgin olive oil makes the ideal gift for your dinner party host. A little more unexpected and something they can enjoy long after the last guest has left.
Extra virgin olive oil is incredibly versatile after all – perfect for drizzling on salads and sandwiches, swirling into soup and dipping your sourdough into. It's even delicious on desserts – olive oil ice cream anyone? However, unlike wine, extra virgin olive oil does not age well. So don't keep your favourite bottle for best!
To help you find the most flavoursome options on the market, the Good Housekeeping Institute enlisted a consumer panel to taste 39 types of extra virgin olive oil, so you know which are worth stocking up on (and will make gorgeous gifts for the host).
From fresh and grassy to bold and spicy, we’ve found the perfect bottle for you...
Best extra virgin olive oil 2025
Need a bottle in a hurry? These are our experts' top picks.
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Best supermarket extra virgin olive oil
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml
Read review - 3
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Best extra virgin olive oil to gift
Nicolas Alziari Cuvee Prestige Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1L
Read review
What is the difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?
All extra virgin olive oil is made from cold-pressed olives, whereas regular olive oil will be a blend, combining processed oils in the mix. Extra virgin olive oil is therefore a healthier choice, retaining more of the natural antioxidants and vitamins that can be lost during processing.
As such, EVOO is considered a more premium product, with a more nuanced flavour profile. For that reason, many consider it a waste to cook with, saving it for finishing dishes, drizzling and dipping.
In fact, research from olive oil experts, Filippo Berio and Glasgow University has discovered that enjoying 20ml of raw (meaning, uncooked) olive oil each day has significant heart health benefits. The research also shows that no other type of oil has a positive effect on heart health (sorry sunflower and rapeseed oil!).
What's the best way to eat extra virgin olive oil to maximise the benefits?
While a "spoonful a day" is a good start, current studies show that you actually need between 30-50ml of EVOO a day, over a prolonged period of time, to really feel the benefits. "To easily incorporate these amounts into your diet, use it like those in the Mediterranean – liberally." – explains Sarah Vachon, olive oil sommelier and founder of Citizens of Soil.
"Think of it like a sauce that can be used to drizzle across everything you eat, from plain rice to roasted vegetables, barbecued meat and pasta,” she says. "Less in the pan, more on the plate, means you’ll get the most of the antioxidant properties."
On the topic of health benefits, one innovative new release we haven't had the chance to test yet (it's making its way to our lab as we write!) is Odysea's Good for You Extra Virgin Olive Oil (£11 for 250ml). Rich in polyphenols — powerful antioxidants known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases — Odysea claims its high polyphenol olive oil is the only one of its kind currently available in UK supermarkets, which is why we're so keen to try it out.
While polyphenol counts in olive oils decline gradually over time, Odysea guarantees a minimum of 250mg/kg until the best before date. The ability to reach such high counts is due to the use of Koroneiki olives and an early harvest from water-stressed groves on the island of Crete.
We can't wait to see what our panel thinks of the slightly bitter and more peppery taste that's associated with high polyphenol olive oil. We'll update our list below when the results are in!
How we test extra virgin olive oil
The Good Housekeeping Institute tried 39 bottles of extra virgin olive oil from across the Mediterranean and beyond to see which was the tastiest. Each was tried neat, to allow the full flavour profile to be evaluated.
Ranging in price from £4.50 to over £50, we tasted styles from budget-friendly supermarkets and restaurant-quality brands to see which were worth the money.
Score: 89/100
Made with Koroneiki grapes from Greece, this extra virgin olive oil has "very intense woody aromas" along with herbaceous notes of rosemary, basil and pine.
Testers liked the peppery notes of the oil when it hits the back of the throat and praised the inclusion of bitter walnuts, which "give it a nutty depth" and its buttery texture. Use it to finish off your vegetables after cooking.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml
Score: 88/100
This fresh and fruity EVOO comes from the South West Peloponnese region of Greece's mainland and is perfect for everyday use.
Our testers enjoyed the rich oil with a real depth of flavour and buttery tones, with one saying it reminded them of “being in Greece and eating buttery, earthy green olives by the sea”. Sounds heavenly to us.
Score: 87/100
The single variety extra virgin olive oil is made with olives from centenary trees on the Cristiano's family estate. It also follows sustainable farming methods and has been awarded the Slow Food Presidium oil status.
A quality oil, its aroma features notes of lime, coriander, rosemary with a hint of mellow grassiness. Our testers thought it would work well with desserts such as chocolate mousse or one of Taste Approved best ice creams.
Score: 84/100
Recreate your last Italian holiday with a drizzle of this organic Tuscan olive oil. The handpicked olives are pressed within 24-hours for a fresh taste.
Our testers were impressed with the nutty, peppery notes, picking out layers of pine nuts, banana and tomato. Delicious with pizza, pasta or a crunchy green salad.
Nicolas Alziari Cuvee Prestige Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1L
Score: 82/100
This may feel like an extravagant purchase, but this blend of French, Italian and Spanish black olives comes in a one-litre bottle, so should last a while, and would also make a thoughtful gift for the foodie in your life.
Our panel enjoyed the delicate flavour, which is grassy but smooth, without the associated bitterness found in some oils.
Abel & Cole Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1L
Score: 82/100
For a fully organic shop, add Abel & Cole’s own-brand oil to your weekly fruit and veg box delivery. It’s a great everyday option, with notes of peppery rocket leaves, green tomato and a touch of briney saltiness.
Score: 82/100
Our testers thought this aromatic oil had a “wonderful green appeal”, likening it to crisp salad leaves or freshly cut grass. It’s just as grassy on the palate, with a big, bold peppery thwack and a super-smooth aftertaste.
Score: 81/100
With a beautiful golden colour, this organic oil comes from Chania in Greece. It smells like bright apples with a hit of citrus that’s balanced by the herby, umami notes of tomato leaf and pepper.
Flavour-wise, it's savoury with a nice bitterness to the finish. Our testers enjoyed the thick consistency of this one.
Score: 80/100
Aldi's Toscano extra virgin olive has a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certification from Tuscany, a quality mark that means it originates from (and tastes of) the region.
With buttery aromas, citrus undertones and a lasting peppery aftertaste, this is balanced, “moreish” oil that’s suited to everyday cooking.
Abel & Cole Zaytoun Palestinian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml
Score: 79/100
Zaytoun is the world’s first Fairtrade-certified olive oil, which ensures farmers are paid a fair price for their efforts. It tastes great too, created with organic olives sourced from the Palestinian West Bank for an intense and vibrant flavour.
Buttery and beautifully fresh, with a powerful fiery finish, our panel thought this would be great for making pillowy soft goat's cheese focaccia.
Score: 79/100
Belazu is a our favourite brand for seeking out obscure Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients, including a wide range of authentic oils.
This one is made with Spanish Arbequina olives, which delivers an initial sweetness with hints of basil. Our testers found the spice builds, with a slight bitterness that complements the creamy flavour.
Score: 78/100
Products with P.D.O (protected designation of origin) status like this one have a strong link to the place where they are made — in this case, the Trapanesi Valleys in Sicily.
Rich and velvety smooth, there’s a lovely creaminess here, leading to a lasting peppery finish. The deliciously deep flavour was a hit with our testers.
Aldi Specially Selected Terra Di Bari Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml
Score: 75/100
With a rich fragrance and bitter undertones, Aldi’s inexpensive olive oil is lighter on the palate than expected. However, testers found it clean and fresh, with notes of tomato and herbs — making it great quality given the price.
Score: 75/100
Testers felt this vibrant oil offered a sweeter flavour, with a hint of tropical guava. Although some found the aftertaste a touch metallic, they enjoyed the peppery taste overall.
Score: 74/100
This single estate extra virgin olive oil is a truly artisan product. The brand brings the freshest EVOO to the UK as quickly as possible, with the latest harvest coming from the Peloponnese of Greece.
The result? A beautifully balanced oil with a hearty flavour (think raw almonds and peppery rocket). Savour the unique flavour over a light salad or with burrata.
What’s more, Citizens of Soil gives one percent of profits to soil regeneration projects to protect future harvests.
Score: 74/100
Unfiltered olive oil has a slightly cloudy appearance as it’s made from a blend of cold pressed olives, which helps retain all the goodness.
Testers said this bottle from M&S has a "pleasing herbal minerality", ripe avocado notes with a creamy finish and a long-lasting bitterness.
Score: 74/100
This is for those who like their oils full flavoured and intense. On the nose, you get hints of green peppercorns and savoury ripe tomatoes, while our testers liked the “punchy” flavour, which has nice peppery and nutty notes. Note, you only need to use this oil sparingly.
Score: 73/100
Stock up with this authentic Greek olive oil from Odysea that comes in either one, three or five litre packs.
Testers enjoyed the notes of green vine tomato and peppery rocket on the nose, moving to a vibrant, fruity palate. Well-rounded and balanced, the quality of this product is apparent.
These also passed...
- Lidl Deluxe Premium Puglian Extra Virgin Olive Oil; £4.19 (in-store only); Score: 72/100
- La Espanola Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil; £9; Score: 72/100
- Napolina Extra Virgin Olive Oil; £4.50; Score: 72/100
- Asda Extra Virgin Olive Oil; £5.50; Score: 70/100
- Clearspring Extra Virgin Olive Oil; £16.44; Score: 70/100
Extra virgin olive oil recipes
Once you’ve stocked up, try these delicious extra virgin olive oil recipes by the Good Housekeeping Cookery Team:
Heirloom Tomato and Giant Couscous Salad
Lentil Imam Bayildi
Goat’s Cheese, Rosemary and Red Grape Focaccia
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
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