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Best Buyer's Guide and Reviews

Top 10 Best Olive Oils For Cooking in 2018

By Brianna Moore · Last updated February 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

Best Olive Oil For CookingWhen you decide to start cooking healthier, you often choose food items that are tasty substitutes for your usual choices, right? Switching from butter or vegetable oil to olive oil is one of the simplest changes you can perform to make cooking healthier. Olive oil has a makeup of mostly monounsaturated fats which are the good fats we need in our diets. Even when you cook olive oil, it only produces one percent of less trans fat which is a much smaller amount than vegetable oils like corn oil.

Using olive oil is a great idea when you want to fry foods because it has a higher smoke point than most oils. Extra virgin olive oil does not begin to smoke until you reach temperatures higher than 350 to 400 degrees, where regular olive oil can withstand heat higher than 450 degrees. We think that you may find that regular olive oils are best for high heat meals like stir-fry dishes, and EVOO is better for finishing off meals, salads, marinades, and dips.

Choosing healthy options like olive oil can help people who want to lower cholesterol levels and reduce calorie intake. We feel that our Top Olive Oil for Cooking list provides a wide range of products to suit every style cooking as well as providing quality products and unique flavors.

Comparison Table

ProductPhotoAvailable volumeOrganicPackaging material
Filippo Berio Olive OilFilippo Berio Olive Oil - Best Olive Oil for Everyday Cooking8.4 - 101.4 ozNoPlastic
O-Live & Co. Extra Virgin Olive OilO-Live & Co. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Dipping Recipe750 mlNoGlass
Partanna Extra Virgin Olive OilPartanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Best Pure Olive Oil for Cooking34 ozNoTin
Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive OilKalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking500 mlYesTin
Kasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Greek Olive OilKasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil – Best Organic Olive Oil for Cooking500 mlYesGlass
PJ Kabos Greek Extra Virgin Olive OilPJ Kabos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Quality Olive Oil for Cooking16.9 ozYesTin
Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive OilBertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for High Heat Cooking67.6 ozNoPlastic
Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive OilKirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Cooking and Frying67.6 ozYesPlastic
Sky Organics Extra Virgin Olive OilSky Organics Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking17 ozYesGlass
Zoe Organic Extra Virgin Olive OilZoe Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Tasting Olive Oil for Cooking750 mlYesTin

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right olive oil may mean that you want to add a couple of bottles to your shopping list. We think that you should pick a favorite brand for cooking most dishes, and then pick up another one for sides like sauces, salads, and dips. Usually, the lighter olive oils work best for fresh meals where regular olive oil is helpful when cooking. Several of our top picks might end up in your new recipes because they have unique flavor profiles that you may want to experiment with and mix and match.

Versatility

We recommend our top choice, the Filippo Berio Olive Oil as a pantry staple. This oil will work with just about any recipe and cooking method. It does not make the best salad dressing, but it may work if you forget to pick up your favorite EVOO on our list.

Flavor

When you want an olive oil that enhances the meal with deep undertones of natural flavors like artichokes, then the Partanna EVOO may be just what you are looking to add the next time you shop. The oil is made from a pure species grown in Sicily that only sees production in October. Our top olive oil pick, Zoe Organic EVOO has spicy and nutty hints that may enhance the herb choices you use when cooking.

Accessibility

If your goal is to keep an oil in your cabinet that you know that you can easily pick up at the grocery store, then the California Olive Ranch brand might be the oil you want to select. This product is easy to find, comes with great praise, and is a versatile oil that you can use for cooking, finishing foods, and serving as a dip.

Organic

If using organic products is a big deal for you, then you may want to select an option like the Kasandrinos EVOO. It is a 100 percent organic product, so you always know the quality and flavor will be consistent. The oil has Paleo certification too.

Quality

Choosing an olive oil like the Kalamata EVOO is an excellent choice for a healthy diet. You may feel comfort knowing what region your olives grow in, and that makes this olive oil an excellent option for people who only use top-grade products when cooking. The PJ Kabos brand is our favorite top-quality brand because it wins leading awards year after year, and it has a taste that is very distinct.

Healthy diet

If you are looking for the leanest oil on our list, then we would have to say that The Governor EVOO is our pick for nutritional value. The higher level of antioxidants in this product is due to the low acidity of the brand making it very healthy to use when cooking. The tin will ensure that this product stays fresh too.

We recommend that you select a few of the best sounding olive oils from our list, and give them a try. Most of our choices are readily available and affordable, so you might find it easy to stock up on cooking oil. Surprise your friends and family by pairing your olive oils with a favorite wine or meal selection to see if they like the combination as much as you do. The options are endless with the amount of choices we give you. Keeping in mind how long you want to store the oil, what packaging you prefer, and the rarity of the product may help you choose the best olive oils for your home.

Reviews

Check out our reviews below, and see how many best olive oil for cooking picks you decide to buy the next time you go to the grocery store. We think you will like that we found several mild blends for everyday cooking along with bolder flavors that you can use for special meals and gourmet cooking.

Filippo Berio Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Everyday Cooking

Filippo Berio Olive Oil - Best Olive Oil for Everyday CookingDo you need a healthy oil that allows you to cook anything you want without the need to think about what you need to grease the pan? Some days, we just want to toss some oil in the pan and get our eggs done so we can get a headstart on reading emails or feeding the kids so that we can get out the door.

You may feel that the Filippo Berio brand oil is a great pantry staple because you never have to think about it. You could put some of the oil in the pan and fry up your eggs, pancakes, or mush without worrying about the calories or whether or not the oil is going to burn.

Pros
  • 100 percent pure
  • Excellent for high-heat use
  • Cholesterol-free
  • Gold label with bold black lettering makes the oil easy to find on grocery store shelves
Cons
  • Works well as a salad dressing or dip, but it is not as good as some of our top EVOO picks for this application
When you want a healthy cooking oil to use all the time, then we suggest that you pick up a bottle or two of the Filippo Berio because it pairs well with most foods, and it cooks in high temperatures, so you can use it when frying, baking, sauteing, and roasting.

O-Live & Co. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Dipping Recipe

O-Live & Co. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Dipping RecipeDo you love to munch on fresh bread with a little drizzle of olive oil? We do too! The O-Live & Co. brand is one item that you will want to keep just to sprinkle on your salad, toss with some fresh spinach, or to liven up your arugula. We like that the olive press squeezes out this nectar within a few short hours of harvesting to keep it fresh and full of nutrients.

When you want to lose weight, lower bad cholesterol, or eat healthier, we think that the O-Live & Co. oil can help you achieve your goals when you combine it with other recommendations from your physician. You may like the bright flavor that enhances fresh foods. We recommend trying this oil on roasted peppers for a nice change.

Pros
  • Less than 0.2 percent acidic level
  • Made only in Colchagua Valley in Chile
  • 2015 Los Angeles International EVOO Gold Medal Winner
Cons
  • Non-organic

When you want a fresh option that gives you the ability to create a quick salad dressing or a dip for bread, then we feel that the O-Live & Co. brand olive oil may be just what you want to keep around for your fresh meal options.

Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Pure Olive Oil for Cooking

Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Best Pure Olive Oil for CookingDo purity and rich flavor sound like a combination you find appealing in olive oil brands? We feel the same way! The thing about Partanna EVOO that catches our eye, besides the bright red label, is the fact that it comes from a long line of family olive farmers in the Partanna region in Sicily, Italy.

The oil comes from the Noceralla del Belice olives that give the brand a distinct flavor. We think that the notes of artichoke along with the nutty taste will tempt your taste buds, and may give you all kinds of ideas to try.

Pros
  • Large amount of oil
  • Excellent for dips and finishing along with cooking
  • Versatile for a variety of temperatures and cooking methods
Cons
  • Comes in a tin that can make it a little difficult to pour even with the spout
When purity is of great importance to your cooking style, then we feel that the Partanna EVOO is a great choice for your kitchen. We chose this oil because it has a distinct flavor profile that we feel many of you might like.

Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking

Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil for CookingAre you a fan of leading Greek flavors? We sure are! Our top EVOO pick is organic olive oil that comes from the Iliada region in Greece. The area is protected helping keep the natural methods of farming alive as well as providing a flavor that is unique to the region and the brand of olive.

When you want a particular flavor for your spaghetti dinner, then Kalamata oil may be the one you want to have in your pantry. This cooking oil may be an excellent choice when you have a few friends coming over for an intimate steak dinner because it is light in texture and fully organic.

Pros
  • Uses cold extraction to retain raw flavor
  • Organic
  • Unique flavor
Cons
  • Some users find that the tin is a little messy to use when pouring

The Kalamata olive taste is a flavor known around the globe, so it is no wonder that this brand lands on our top olive oil list. We feel that you will enjoy the taste of the olive oil, even more, knowing that it is a healthy option to add to your diet. With no cholesterol, you can saute or fry as much as you want without the guilt.

Kasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil – Best Organic Olive Oil for Cooking

Kasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil – Best Organic Olive Oil for CookingAre you the type of person that worries about what your family eats? Does the nutrient content in foods keep you up at night? Great! We have an olive oil option that we think may fit your needs the best. Kasandrinos EVOO has Paleo certification and comes from harvesting olives and pressing them with a cold process that retains the nutrient value and flavor.

This olive oil comes from a family farm where the oil goes through the packaging process in less than two days after harvesting. The screw on cap makes it much easier to pour the oil than some of the tins with spouts.
Pros
  • Olives come from a farm in Laconia, Greece
  • Dark bottle to keep the oil fresh for longer
  • Two-year shelf life
Cons
  • Longer processing time than some brands on our list
We think that the health benefits of this olive oil may make it a favorite for your family. We want to create delicious meals that are low in cholesterol too, so you may like this option to help your family support someone with specific nutritional goals.

PJ Kabos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Quality Olive Oil for Cooking

PJ Kabos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Quality Olive Oil for CookingIf quality is high on your list when it comes to picking out groceries, then we think that you may add PJ Kabos EVOO to your pantry this weekend. The bold flavor of this olive oil has hints of fruitiness that you may not find in every pick on our list. You may like this flavor if you are a fan of light and refreshing oils versus the earthy, rich ones.

BPA-free packaging makes this oil and even better choice for you and your family. Cold extraction within twelve hours of harvesting helps the olive oil retain fresh flavors and vital nutrients for a healthy diet.
Pros
  • Award winner for 2015, 2016, and 2017 at the New York International Olive Oil Competition
  • Hand harvesting keeps bruising at a minimum
  • Farming occurs in the Peloponnese region in Greece
Cons
  • The spout on the container can make the oil easier to spill

When you want to impart your dish with a grassy flavor that has hints of artichokes and a bit of green fruit and herbs, then PJ Kabos olive oil might be the quality product to fit the bill. We think that the rich flavor is extremely desirable, and something that you cannot find in any of the top picks on our list.

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for High Heat Cooking

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for High Heat CookingDo you like to fry foods, but you need a healthy alternative that can stand up to the heat? We like to use the Bertolli EVOO for our stir-fry dishes and Sunday hash browns. Why, you might ask? We think that this brand has a mild taste that we can use in almost any recipe. It is so easy to use Bertolli, that we find new ideas for it almost every day.

This olive oil brand works with all cooking methods making it a wonderful option to keep in the cupboard all the time. We think that you will agree that it works better than butter because the mild, olive taste means that you can fry eggs, add this oil to some chocolate chip cookies, or make a tasty sauce for your spaghetti dinner.
Pros
  • Filtering provides a very mellow taste allowing you to pair this oil with any dish
  • Excellent for high heat up to 400 degrees
  • Certification of quality from the North American Olive Association
Cons
  • Light coloring for the bottle does not protect the oil from light breakdown as well as darker containers

Besides the Bertolli name being famous for quality and flavor, the EVOO is very versatile letting you use it in entrees, breakfast dishes, and desserts. The light taste lets the flavors in the dish shine instead of putting the olive taste front and center. You may find that this product is a great option to keep as a pantry staple because it works so well with any temperature and cooking method.

Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Cooking and Frying

Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil for Cooking and FryingWe love to fry our favorite foods like hash browns and omelets, but keeping the flavor in the dish and making it healthy was not always easy until we found this top pick for our olive oil list. Kirkland Signature has USDA certification, so you may feel more comfortable knowing that it is high-quality oil.

Using the first cold pressing gives this brand an excellent flavor that is not present in oil collections on the third or fourth pressing. Cooking this oil on high heat does not take out the flavor as much as it does in other olive oils because of the robust flavor profile it has fresh.

Pros
  • Superior quality
  • Large size bottle
  • Certification from the USDA
Cons
  • Plastic packaging may be less desirable than glass for some
When you want an affordable olive oil that has great quality, then you may feel that Kirkland Signature Olive Oil is right for your cooking needs. You may find that it is a very versatile cooking oil like we do. We like that we can saute veggies, sear a roast, and use it braise our steaks.

Sky Organics Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking

Sky Organics Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Virgin Olive Oil for CookingDo you prefer to use products with organic and pure certifications? So do we! The Greek Sky Organics EVOO is our top pick for virgin olive oils because it does not go through a filtering process. The oil collection method uses cold pressing to retain the pure flavor of the olives.

By using only a pressing method to get the olive oil, Sky Organics olive oil keeps the nutritional content of the oil the same as if you were eating the olive itself. You can even use this product to treat your hair and skin to a deep moisturizing session.

Pros
  • No filtering
  • High nutrient values
  • Blue cap for easy recognizing when shopping
  • Award winner several times over
Cons
  • Plastic bottle instead of glass or tin
You may find that this Greek olive oil is a great addition to your kitchen. When you want a pure taste and a quality product, then the Sky Organics EVOO may work great while cooking and as a finishing sauce because of the light and airy flavor.

Zoe Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Tasting Olive Oil for Cooking

Zoe Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Best Tasting Olive Oil for CookingIn this case, we think you may feel we put the best olive oil last because the Zoe Organic EVOO uses three Spanish olive varieties to get a unique yet robust flavor. You may feel that our top pick becomes a prize object in your kitchen too since it has the North American Olive Oil Association quality seal.

No matter what dish needs some jazzing up, the notes of basil, almond, and artichoke may be welcome flavors that tempt your palate. You might feel that adding this healthy oil to your diet gives you the bright flavors you want from “diet” food. We think you may even use it to lose a little weight or bring your cholesterol down without sacrificing the flavor you deserve.

Pros
  • USDA organic certification
  • Award winner
  • Bright, recognizable packaging
Cons
  • Tin makes pouring a little trickier than bottles
We bring you our favorite pick from the list in the Zoe Organic Brand giving you the option to select tasty and healthy oils to cook with whether you want to try new dishes or surprise guests. We think this olive oil pick will end up on your shelf no matter what.

Conclusion

Although our extensive list of olive oils is long, we feel that you may be ready to try a few of our favorites because you could use a healthy yet flavorful addition to your cooking regimen. We think you might find a use for several of our top olive oils because they are so versatile that you can use many of them in desserts. Who knew that eating healthy could be so beneficial and tasty?

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About Author

Brianna MooreHello! My name is Brianna Moore. I am a regular author on the FoodieBoon.com website. This article is written after a thorough analysis of the products executed by our expert team. My task here is to put important and sometimes difficult for understanding information full of terms and descriptions in simple words making the article easy and exciting for reading. Read More…

Navigation

  • Best Olive Oil for Everyday Cooking
  • Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Cooking
  • Best Organic Olive Oil for Cooking
  • Comparison Table
  • Buyer’s Guide

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