Often referred to as "liquid gold," olive oil has been used and lauded for its different benefits, as documented in ancient literature. Olive and olive oil's roots can be traced to the Mediterranean region, where olive symbolized wealth, peace, and fame. It also became a staple in daily life, specifically in diets where olive is used in many different types of dishes, cooked or uncooked. Fast forward to today, olive oil is widely used not just in cooking but also for health and beauty.
With many choices of different types, it could be quite hard to choose which bottle of olive oil is the best choice. Here, we will lessen that struggle by deciphering what labels like extra-virgin and pure mean and help you pick the best olive oil that suits your taste. To make your choice even easier, we asked nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales for some of her comments and tips.
Quick List - Top Olive Oils
Filippo Berio
Savor A Rich and Distinct Flavor, Perfect for Dressings and Marinades
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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More than the taste that olive oil brings to food, it is known for its many health benefits. Olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), contains healthy fatty acids called monosaturated oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamins E and K, which help prevent chronic diseases and cell damage caused by free radicals.
These properties naturally slow the aging process and even reduce the risk of cancer. Moreover, it lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and supports brain health. Plus, it helps with weight loss and obesity prevention since it supports healthy levels of HDL (good cholesterol). These benefits are mostly present in EVOO, so do take that into consideration when purchasing olive oil.
When it comes to olive oil, not all bottles are created equal. To help you select the best olive oil, it's crucial to understand the different grades available. Let's delve into the most common types of olive oils you'll find in the Philippines.
Virgin olive oil, a type of natural olive oil, is usually produced from riper olives. It is created after pressing the extra virgin olive oil. It is also slightly more acidic than EVOO. It still has good benefits but is not as healthy as the EVOO.
Refined olive oil is processed olive oil to prolong its shelf life, neutralize its flavor, and increase its smoke point to 465°F (240°C), making it ideal for high-temperature cooking.
Olive oil isn't just a cooking staple—it's a fundamental ingredient that can elevate the flavors of your meals. But with various grades, packaging options, and certifications to consider, how do you make the right choice? Fret not, as we'll discuss the essential factors to keep in mind while shopping for olive oil below!
When choosing which type of olive oil to purchase, Samantha Morales shares a tip—it’s best to remember and go back to what your purpose is for using olive oil. If you’re after the benefits of olive oil, go for extra-virgin olive oil. But for frying and roasting, opt for pure olive oil. Check out the details below.
Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the purest and highest quality olive oil. It is considered the best among the different types of olive oil since it’s cold-pressed and not refined with chemicals. Thus, it retains the natural flavor of olives, giving it a distinct taste. The nutrients also remain intact, so you get maximum health benefits—it’s definitely worth the purchase despite its steep price point.
However, it has a low smoke point, so it’s better used for salad dressings and dips rather than cooking. Samantha Morales mentions that regardless of the cooking oil you choose, nutrients diminish as you expose food to high temperatures. This includes heat-sensitive vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin C, antioxidants, and even enzymes.
EVOO has a smoke point of 325-375°F (around 162-190°C), which makes it ideal for salad dressings, dips, no-cook sauces (for example, basil pesto), or for cooking recipes that only require low temperature. Should you wish to use it for cooking your food, make sure you keep an eye on it so as not to reach its smoking point.
Always pay attention to labels. There are refined olive oils that are blended with vegetable oil to give it a more neutral flavor.
Olive oil goes bad relatively quickly, most especially when it is exposed to sunlight and heat. Good-quality olive oils are packaged in dark-tinted glass bottles or tin cans to prevent oxidation and keep them from turning rancid. Another way to check the quality of the olive oil is to place it inside the fridge—if it thickens and becomes cloudy, that’s a good sign!
Olive oil is very heat and light-sensitive so I don’t recommend those in light (or even plastic) packaging. Say, for example, you bought one that’s in light-colored/transparent plastic packaging from the grocery—this has already been sitting in the store for quite some time, under LED light. Again, olive oil is heat and light-sensitive, so chances are that the antioxidant properties are not as high anymore.
To determine the purity of the olive oil, see if it has certifications from the International Olive Oil Council. Organic extra-virgin olive oils, which are either cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, are good choices as well. Additionally, look at the bottling dates, use-by dates, or pressing dates to determine the freshness of the olive oil. If they’re more than a year old, best to select a newer one.
In order to maintain the freshness of olive oil, Samantha Morales recommends purchasing a small bottle first. Observe how long you can finish it before purchasing a new one.
Ideally, choose the amount that you can consume for up to six weeks. This is best for small households or those who don’t consume olive oil often. That’s because when you open a bottle of olive oil, it gets exposed to air, leading to oxidation.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Flavor Profile | Dark Packaging | Organic | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | Savor A Rich and Distinct Flavor, Perfect for Dressings and Marinades | Extra Virgin | Fruity and grassy with a slightly strong aftertaste | 500 mL | |||
2 | Mazza Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed) | ![]() | A Vitamin-Packed Nutritious Olive Oil for Every Meal | Extra Virgin | Mild and fruity | 500 mL | |||
3 | Doña Elena Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | Rich, Fruity Olive Oil for Everyday Cooking and Dressings | Extra Virgin | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste | 1 L | |||
4 | Capri Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | A Versatile Olive Oil Fit for All Your Culinary Creations | Extra Virgin | Light and Delicate | 250 mL | |||
5 | Borges Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bottle | ![]() | Robust, Mediterranean Olive Oil for Cooking and Finishing | Extra Virgin | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste | 250 mL | |||
6 | Valencia Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | A Fresh, Premium-Quality Olive Oil in an Easy-Grip Bottle | Extra Virgin | Sweet, Fruity, and Almond-Like | 500 mL | |||
7 | Mazza Black Truffle in Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | Turn Any Dish Gourmet With This Restaurant-Quality Italian Truffle Oil | Extra Virgin | Earthy and Aromatic With Distinct Truffle Notes | 250 mL | |||
8 | Dolce Vita Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-Pressed) | ![]() | Bulk-Sized Cold-Pressed Olive Oil for Everyday Cooking | Extra Virgin | Light, Mild, and Spicy | 5 L | |||
9 | Dolce Vita Pure Olive Oil (Cold-Pressed) | ![]() | Large-Format Pure Olive Oil for Frying and Everyday Cooking | Pure | Light and Neutral | 5 L | |||
10 | La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | Fruity Flavor and Peppery Pungency With Slight Bitterness | Extra Virgin | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Customers trust this for its consistent quality and smooth, balanced taste. Many describe the flavor as fresh and fruity, making it a go-to for salads and light cooking. The dark bottle is appreciated for protecting the oil from light.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Fruity and grassy with a slightly strong aftertaste |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Buyers often choose this for its clean, smooth taste and versatility in everyday cooking. The flavor is described as mild and not overpowering, making it suitable for a wide range of dishes. Customers also appreciate the sturdy, dark bottle that helps maintain freshness and quality over time.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Mild and fruity |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Shoppers appreciate its consistent flavor and aroma, often describing it as fresh, smooth, and not overpowering. It’s frequently praised for being a reliable pantry staple for both cooking and raw uses like salad dressings. Some mention its premium feel at a more affordable price point compared to imported European brands.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 1 L |
Features and benefits:
Capri’s extra virgin olive oil is often described as pleasantly mild and versatile — great for people who prefer a lighter, less bitter oil. Users highlight the value for money, especially for its quality in a smaller, more affordable bottle. The compact size is also appreciated by those trying olive oil for the first time or using it occasionally.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Light and Delicate |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Features and benefits:
Customers often commend this for its rich and authentic Mediterranean flavor, with some describing its taste as bold and slightly peppery — great for salad dressings or drizzling over pasta. Many say it's a dependable premium brand, and the smaller bottle size is favored by solo users or those who cook occasionally.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
It is often praised for offering organic extra virgin olive oil at a reasonable price point. Users describe the taste as clean, mellow, and subtly fruity — perfect for drizzling over vegetables or mixing into dressings. The organic label is a major plus for health-conscious buyers.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Sweet, Fruity, and Almond-Like |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Features and benefits:
Shoppers highlight the deep, luxurious aroma of real truffle that elevates simple meals into gourmet experiences. It's frequently used as a finishing oil due to its bold scent and flavor. While some note that a little goes a long way, many say it adds restaurant-quality flair to home cooking. The bottle is praised for being both elegant and gift-worthy.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Earthy and Aromatic With Distinct Truffle Notes |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Buyers frequently note its great value for the large quantity, making it a go-to for families or small food businesses. The flavor is described as light and versatile — well-suited for everyday cooking. The packaging is said to preserve freshness well, though some recommend transferring portions to a smaller bottle for easier use.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Light, Mild, and Spicy |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 5 L |
Users often choose this product for its excellent value and versatility in high-heat cooking. It’s described as light-tasting and non-overpowering, making it suitable for Filipino-style frying and general-purpose kitchen use. Many appreciate its affordability for a 5L bottle, especially those who cook regularly in large batches or run small food businesses.
Type | Pure |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Light and Neutral |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 5 L |
Features and benefits:
It is often praised for its bold, authentic Spanish olive oil flavor — fruity with a slight bitterness and peppery finish. Consumers enjoy using it raw for salad dressings or as a dip, noting that it adds a gourmet touch to meals.
Type | Extra Virgin |
---|---|
Flavor Profile | Fruity and Grassy With a Slightly Strong Aftertaste |
Dark Packaging | |
Organic | |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
If you still have some questions in your mind regarding olive oils, our expert Samantha Morales has answered them below! Continue reading to find out more.
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Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Filippo Berio|Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 2: Mazza|Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed)
No. 3: Doña Elena|Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 4: Capri |Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 5: Borges |Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bottle
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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