Extra virgin olive oil (UK): our favourites
A practical shortlist of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) with notes on freshness, storage, and what to look for on the label.
At a glance
A short, practical shortlist plus the label cues that matter (freshness, ingredients, and how you’ll actually use it).
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Top options (shortlist)
Three solid starting points, then a fuller list below.
Single-origin EVOO (glass bottle)
Top label qualityLook for harvest date, origin, and dark glass.
- Prefer harvest date
- Dark glass helps
- Store away from heat/light
Cold-pressed organic EVOO
Organic favouriteIf organic matters to you, choose reputable brands and check dates.
- Check bottling/harvest info
- Avoid big “detox” claims
- Buy smaller bottles more often
EVOO in tin (freshness)
Top protectionTin can protect from light. Choose a good brand and use it.
- Great light protection
- Use within a reasonable time
- Decant if needed
Full shortlist
Choose based on your needs (space, budget, comfort, and how often you’ll actually use it).
Single-origin EVOO (glass bottle)
Top label qualityLook for harvest date, origin, and dark glass.
- Prefer harvest date
- Dark glass helps
- Store away from heat/light
Cold-pressed organic EVOO
Organic favouriteIf organic matters to you, choose reputable brands and check dates.
- Check bottling/harvest info
- Avoid big “detox” claims
- Buy smaller bottles more often
EVOO in tin (freshness)
Top protectionTin can protect from light. Choose a good brand and use it.
- Great light protection
- Use within a reasonable time
- Decant if needed
High-polyphenol marketed EVOO
OptionalSome bottles highlight polyphenols — still check freshness and taste.
- Taste matters
- Freshness matters more than buzzwords
- Don’t overpay for marketing
Cooking-friendly EVOO (daily use)
EverydayA decent everyday EVOO you’ll actually use regularly.
- Use it daily
- Heat exposure is about storage too
- Buy from brands you trust
Spray EVOO (minimal ingredients)
ConvenientIf you use sprays, choose minimal-ingredient options.
- Check ingredients (avoid propellants if preferred)
- Good for portioning
- Don’t rely on sprays only
How we build our shortlists
Our approach here is: sensible features, decent reviews across many buyers, and a realistic fit for most homes — not hype, not extreme claims.
Always check sizing/specs and current pricing before you buy. If a product makes strong health claims without evidence, treat that as marketing.
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