Best Olive Oil Brands: Fuel Your Body The Healthier Way

Oily foods have gotten a bad reputation. But did you know that not all kinds of oil are bad for you? Some are healthy and may not damage your health. And the best example for that is olive oil. Keep on reading and learn more about it. Plus, check out our list of the best olive oil brands that you can purchase online!

What is olive oil?

You'll be hard-pressed not to find a selection of olive oils in major supermarkets and health food stores nowadays. This kind of oil, which as you can guess, is made from pressed whole olives, has become a popular kitchen staple by the health-conscious. It's easy to use for cooking and it's also good for dips and salad dressings.

Benefits

It is one of the healthiest oils out there. There's a myriad of health benefits that it possesses. We've culled some of them below as explained by Healthline and BBC Good Food.

1. It's good for the heart.
   • It is said to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart diseases. It's one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet, whose key ingredient includes olive oil, has become a popular kind of fare for its health benefits.
2. It keeps inflammation at bay.
   • Inflammation is necessary to protect our bodies from injury. However, when it is prolonged, it can wreak havoc on our health. This can cause diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and more. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
3. It may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
   • Studies indicate that it is protective against this type of diabetes. This is thanks to its high polyphenol content.
4. Its antioxidant properties may protect against chronic diseases like cancer.
   • Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which can lead to dreaded cancer. Contains antioxidants that fight free radicals.
5. It has antibacterial properties.
   • Aside from antioxidants, it has nutrients that protect against harmful bacteria that may cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

How to choose the best olive oil

By now, you may be pretty convinced to use it for your cooking and eating needs. But before you do so, check out these attributes first:

• features - Where is it from? How is it manufactured? What are its benefits?
• price - The price range of olive oils is wide. Choose one that suits your budget.

Best olive oil brands in the Philippines

Contadina Pure Olive Oil

Most Pure

We've found one of the purest olive oil that you can buy online! And if you're curious what brand it is, check out Contadina Pure Olive Oil. You can also find this brand easily in supermarkets.

Additionally, this healthy oil is milled from Hojiblanca olives that were cultivated in Spain. It got a smooth, delicate flavor so we're sure that you'll enjoy adding this to your favorite dishes or even use it as frying oil.

Features we love

• pure
• has a high smoke point
• milled from Hojiblance olives

Mazza Olio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Best Virgin Olive Oil

If you are looking for an extra virgin olive oil, the best pick is Mazza Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is the healthier oil choice compared to others since it is unrefined. The product is also cold-pressed so rest assured that there are no alterations to the oil when processed and you'll get the highest quality of olive oil.

Moreover, being extra virgin, it retains its olive taste. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals that you can get from real olives.

Features we love

• extra virgin olive oil
• cold-pressed
• best for different recipes
• has a delicate taste

Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Best for dressings and sauces

This brand is named after its founder, Filippo Berio, from Lucca, Italy. Filippo Berio has a whole line of products from olive oils, pestos, vinegars, and glazes. But the brand's olive oil stands out since it is extra virgin, cold pressed and has fruit and grass notes.

Furthermore, because of its well-balanced with a slightly strong aftertaste, it is perfect to use for salad dressings and different sauces.

Features we love

• extra virgin olive oil
• cold-pressed
• suggested use is for salad dressings, sauces, and drizzles

Doña Elena Pure Olive Oil

Most Trusted

Another well-known and most trusted brand of olive oil is Doña Elena. It contains all the goodness of olives that are sourced in Spain.  This product is pure, which means it has a higher heat resistance than other kinds of its kind. And because of that, you can use it for sauteing and light frying.

What's more to love about this product is that it is high in Omega 9 and anti-oxidants which are good for the health. Also, it's a little bit cheaper compared to other brands.

Features we love

• pure olive oil
• higher heat resistance
• recommended for cooking

Basso Pomace Olive Oil

Best Pomace Olive Oil

This brand has been around since the early 1900s. This heritage is still represented in its products today like its pomace olive oil. It is made from olive peels, kernels, and pulp mixed with extra virgin olive oil to achieve this particular formulation. Use it for seasoning raw and grilled food and making focaccia, bread, and biscuits.

What we like about it

• pomace
• best for seasoning food
• for focaccia, bread, and biscuits

Alianza Pomace Olive Oil

Best for deep frying

It is processed following strict European Union laws. This means it bears high quality and food safety. This is also ideal for frying because it can take high heat. Because of its stronger flavor compared to extra virgin olive oil, it is also suitable for use in condiments and sauces like pesto.

Features we love

• pomace
• follows European Union laws
• for deep frying and use in condiments and sauces

Price Comparison Table

Tips for storing olive oil

Storing olive oil properly is important to maintain its quality and prevent it from spoiling. Here are some tips for storing olive oil:

• Choose a dark, airtight container.

Exposure to light can accelerate the oxidation process and degrade the oil's quality.

• Keep it in a cool place.

Ideally, the temperature should be around 57-70°F (14-21°C). Avoid storing it near windows or in the refrigerator, as temperature fluctuations can affect the oil's flavor and consistency.

• Seal the container tightly.

Tightly seal the container to prevent exposure to air. Oxygen can cause the oil to oxidize and turn rancid. Look for containers with airtight caps or lids that create a good seal.

• Avoid excessive exposure to air.

When using olive oil, pour out what you need and promptly seal the container. The less contact the oil has with air, the better it will retain its freshness. Avoid leaving the container open for extended periods.

• Use smaller containers.

If you buy olive oil in large quantities, consider transferring it to smaller bottles for everyday use. This reduces the frequency of opening and exposing the larger container to air, helping to maintain the oil's quality.

• Avoid storing near strong odors.

Olive oil can absorb strong odors from nearby items, affecting its flavor. Keep it away from spices, cleaning agents, and other strong-smelling substances.

• Check for freshness.

Olive oil has a shelf life, so it's essential to check its expiration date before purchasing. Additionally, try to buy olive oil from reputable brands that provide harvest and production information on the label.

Remember, proper storage can help maintain the quality and freshness of olive oil for a longer time. If stored correctly, most olive oils should remain good for up to 18-24 months from the date of bottling, though flavor and aroma may gradually decline over time.