What are the 5 best olive oils in the world?

We tend to ask ourselves this question when we buy olive oil . But what is it really? What are the best olive oils in the world ?

However, there are several regions renowned for their production of quality olive oil . We will begin this article by analyzing high-end olive oil brands and comparing them with the olive oils commonly sold in supermarkets.

We will begin this article by analyzing brands of olive oil considered "high end" and we will compare them with the olive oils frequently sold in supermarkets.

Second, we will discuss the three regions of the world considered the best, without forgetting their most used olive varieties .

The best olive oils in the world:

1- Canoliva Organic olive oil, from Andalusia :

1. Aroma and Flavor :

   • Aroma : Canoliva Organic olive oil is distinguished by its fresh and fruity aromas with notes of fresh grass, green tomato, and sometimes touches of apple or almond.
   • Flavor : On the palate, it offers a balanced taste with a light bitterness and a subtle spiciness. Flavors can include nuances of artichoke, green fruits, and a slight bitterness characteristic of high quality oils.

2. Quality :

   • Extra Virgin : This oil is classified as extra virgin, meaning that it is extracted by mechanical processes without chemicals and has low acidity, usually less than 0.8%.
   • Organic : Certified organic, it meets strict production standards, guaranteeing the absence of synthetic chemicals.

2- Monini Monocultivar Frantoio olive oil, from Italy:

Italian olive oil that has won many international competitions. It exists in organic form.

1. Aroma and Flavor :

• Aroma : This oil is distinguished by its intense fruity aromas with notes of freshly cut grass, tomato leaves and almonds.
• Flavor : In the mouth it has a balanced taste with a light bitterness and a hint of spiciness, typical characteristics of Frantoio oils. Herbaceous and artichoke flavors may also be present.

1. Quality :

• Extra Virgin : Monini Monocultivar Frantoio olive oil is classified as extra virgin, which means that it is obtained by mechanical processes only, without the use of chemicals, and has a low acidity (usually less than 0.8%).
• Cold pressed : It is often extracted by cold pressing, thus retaining all its nutritional properties and aromas intact.

3- Gil Luna olive oil, from Spain :

Spanish olive oil from Malaga that has won many international competitions, especially in 2019 and 2020. It exists in Organic . This oil is a blend of 3 incredible varieties of olives. Hojijblanca, Picual and Zorzaleña (local variety of the Malaga region) . An intense and fruity olive oil with aromas of fresh herbs and herbs leaving a tomato aftertaste with a high level of bitterness and ardor.

Available on the site , in 2 formats 500ML and 1000ML.

1. Aroma and Flavor :

   • Aroma : El Renegado olive oil is characterized by fresh and complex aromas. It has notes of green fruits such as apple, as well as touches of fresh herbs and sometimes nuances of almond or green tomato.
   • Flavor : On the palate, it offers a well-balanced taste with moderate bitterness and light to medium spiciness. Flavors can include herbal, artichoke, and sometimes dried fruit nuances.

2. Quality :

   • Extra virgin : Classified as extra virgin, this oil is obtained by mechanical processes without the use of chemicals. Its acidity is generally less than 0.8%, guaranteeing high quality.
   • Production : Often produced in small quantities to ensure careful attention is paid to every stage of production, from choosing the olives to extracting the oil.

4- Monte Rosso olive oil, from Croatia :

Croatian olive oil, which has won some international competitions.

1. Aroma and Flavor :

   • Aroma : Monte Rosso olive oil is distinguished by rich and complex aromas. It contains notes of ripe fruit, freshly cut grass, and often hints of almond or tomato.
   • Flavor : On the palate, it offers a well-balanced taste with a mild bitterness and a subtle spiciness. Flavors can include nuances of apple, artichoke, and walnut, making it particularly enjoyable and versatile.

2. Quality :

   • Extra virgin : Classified as extra virgin olive oil, it is obtained solely by mechanical processes, without the use of chemicals. Its acidity is generally very low, often less than 0.3%, which is a testament to its high quality.
   • Harvesting and Production : Olives are often hand-picked and cold-pressed shortly after harvest to preserve all the flavors and nutritional qualities of the oil.

5- Terra Creta olive oil, from Greece :

Greek olive oil, which has won some international competitions, especially before 2022. It exists in organic form .

1. Aroma and Flavor :

   • Aroma : Terra Creta olive oil is distinguished by intense fruity aromas with notes of fresh grass, olive leaves, and often touches of green tomato, apple, and almond.
   • Flavor : On the palate, it offers a complex and balanced flavor with a slight bitterness and a subtle spiciness. Flavors can include herbal nuances, artichoke, and sometimes notes of pepper and nuts.

2. Quality :

   • Extra virgin : Classified as extra virgin, this oil is obtained solely by mechanical processes without chemicals, and it has a very low acidity, generally less than 0.8%, guaranteeing superior quality.
   • Certification : Terra Creta is often certified by quality labels such as PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), which guarantees its origin and traditional production methods.

Surely, many of you do not know any of these brands of olive oil, but that is normal. Some brands are known in some countries, and some brands sell at very high prices and only on their websites or in very famous hotels. However, there are many international contests and competitions all over the world every year, so the ranking can change depending on the year, the harvest and where you live.

One of the most complicated questions to answer, and for which there is an ongoing debate between different producers and consumers.

In each country and region there are contests and competitions where certain brands participate to make their olive oil in the Top 3, Top 5 or Top 10 of the best oils, except that the ranking evolves and is completely different depending on its regions and countries.

As we said at the beginning of this article, " it is really difficult to objectively determine the best olive oils in the world, because tastes and preferences vary from one person to another ."

In addition to this, in international competitions, not all brands are represented, which gives an advantage mainly to the big olive oil brands in the world.
A clear example is the articles "on the best olive oil according to 60 million consumers". This type of article only takes into account the oils of large industrial companies that are present in supermarkets, and whose quality remains average. In this list, we do not take into account products flavored with truffle , garlic , lemon , basil, or other preparations with olive oil .

Taking into account all these aspects that I have just commented on previously, we have been able to distinguish some brands renowned for their product quality.

What about supermarket olive oils?

A question that often comes up is why does a supermarket olive oil cost 6 to 12 euros per liter, when the olive oils on the site are between 15 and 30 euros per liter.

To put it simply, supermarket olive oils are not the same type of product. They are often mixed, and of average quality, but can be used for cooking. You have to look carefully at the origin of the product. The origin plays a central role in the flavor and taste of the olive oil. Favor virgin and organic olive oils of Spanish or French origin. Olive oil brands like Puget or Carapelli can be olive oils for a tighter budget.

However, if you want to taste an olive oil with aromas and quality, you have to go for prices of 20 to 30 euros per liter, or buy a can of olive oil, and reduce to prices of 14 to 18 euros per liter.

The regions with the best olive oil production :

Extra virgin olive oil from Andalusia, Spain :

Andalusia or Andalucía (in Spanish) is the main producing region of Spain and the world. There are many PDOs, including PDO Baena, PDO Sierra de Segura. There are all qualities, but also very good quality. We find especially the Picual variety (the most widespread variety in the world. From a sensory point of view, it is an oil that has a lot of personality. It is full-bodied, slightly fruity, bitter and spicy.

There is also a second variety of olive, the Hojiblanca variety. This olive is characterized by its flavor and aroma of freshly cut grass, artichoke and aromatic plants. It has a slight bitterness and an intense spiciness at the end of the mouth.

Extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany, Italy :

Tuscany (PDO Chianti or PDO Terre di Siena) is also famous for its quality olive oil. As in Andalusia, you can find all the quality there. The Tuscan varieties are Frantaoio and Leccino. Frantaoio olive oil is dark green in color, with a slight touch of acidity and fruitiness. Like the Hojiblanca variety, it has an aroma of freshly cut grass, artichoke and aromatic plants. Leccino olive oil will have a neutral and slightly aromatic flavor, with a bitter and slightly spicy aftertaste.

Extra virgin olive oil from the island of Crete, Greece :

Crete is also famous for its long tradition in olive oil. 1/3 of the olive oils of Greece come from the island (PDO Sitia or PDO Messara). The oils of this island are appreciated for their robust taste. We mainly find the Koroneiki variety, a variety that resists climate changes and is arriving to other producing countries. With small olives, this one is fruity with a good balance between bitterness and spiciness.

And what about France?

Certainly France is starting to produce good olive oils, notably from Corsica (AOP oliu di corsica) and the Aix en Provence region (AOP aix en provence), but has not yet reached a sufficiently large volume to rank among the top in terms of volume and quality.

There are other regions of the world where you can find excellent olive oils, such as in the Maghreb countries, Croatia, Turkey, the Middle East and even in America, but the best olive oil will depend on your taste and the use you make of it. An olive oil for salad and an olive oil for cooking can be different. And what about brands of olive oils? Which are the best?

And what about the olive oils on this site?

We try to promote small producers and companies whose quality we know. We test all the products, which allows us to better advise our customers according to tastes and use.

On the other hand, Cuisine d'Espagne tries to offer products that are accessible to more people, and therefore balance quality and price. Our products are of excellent quality, but have a more affordable price.

How to buy extra virgin olive oil on Cuisine d'Espagne?

On Cuisine d'Espagne you will find a selection of extra virgin olive oils, and also organic. You will find fruity, truffle flavored, lemon flavored , chili flavored , garlic flavored , in glass, in flask, in bottle, in can or in discovery basket.

To buy it, just a few clicks, choose your delivery (there are several deliveries. Express delivery available in 24H/48H, delivery available in relay point 3/4 days and even delivery available in relay point 24H). You can buy oil for cooking, but also to offer in a gift box ( Discovery basket Olive oil )

The stock of olive oil is available in our warehouse in France. There is a selection of products that are available for purchase. In small bottles you have truffle, smoked, koroneki, Manzanilla or smoked paprika. In bottles you have Canoliva, garlic, lemon or organic. In cans, you have picual or hojiblanca oil (Canoliva), or a mixture of Arbequina, Picual and Cornicabra.