Top 5 Olive Oil Brands in the World

Top 5 Olive Oil Brands in the World

Olive oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," is a cornerstone of culinary traditions worldwide, prized for its rich flavors and health benefits. With countless brands vying for attention, choosing the best extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can be daunting. Based on quality, flavor profiles, awards, and expert recommendations, here are the top five olive oil brands in the world for 2025, perfect for elevating your cooking, drizzling, or dipping.

5. Kosterina (Greece)

• Why It Stands Out: Kosterina, a Greek brand celebrated for its high-polyphenol oils, has gained a loyal following in the U.S. for its authentic, single-origin EVOOs made from Koroneiki olives. It’s a favorite among health-conscious consumers and chefs alike.

• Flavor Profile: Kosterina’s oil is bold and peppery, with intense woody aromas and notes of rosemary, basil, and bitter walnuts. Its buttery texture and fiery finish make it ideal for finishing roasted vegetables or enhancing salads.

• Why Choose It: Sourced from small family farms in Greece, Kosterina prioritizes cold-pressed extraction to preserve nutrients and flavor. Its dark glass bottles ensure freshness, and its high polyphenol content supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

• Where to Find It: Available at Whole Foods, Amazon, or Kosterina’s website.

4. Bona Furtuna (Sicily, Italy)

• Why It Stands Out: Bona Furtuna, based in Sicily’s Sicani Mountains, is a rising star in the olive oil world, ranking No. 1 on The Daily Meal’s top olive oil brands. This organic farm emphasizes sustainable production and heritage varietals, producing oils that have won awards across New York and Japan.

• Flavor Profile: Expect a full-bodied, earthy oil with accents of dried flowers and herbs. Its robust flavor shines when drizzled over grilled vegetables, steak, or fresh bread, making it a go-to for finishing dishes.

• Why Choose It: Bona Furtuna’s commitment to organic farming and traditional methods ensures a high-polyphenol oil packed with antioxidants. Its classy packaging also makes it a great gift for food enthusiasts.

• Where to Find It: Available through Bona Furtuna’s website, Amazon, or specialty retailers like World Market.

3. Cobram Estate (Australia)

• Why It Stands Out: Cobram Estate brings Australian olive oil to the global stage, earning accolades in the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Known for its innovative approach, this brand uses modern techniques to produce high-quality EVOO from olives grown in Australia’s ideal climate.

• Flavor Profile: Cobram Estate California Select offers a grassy, nutty scent with notes of green apple, mint, and citrus. Its silky texture and mild bitterness make it a versatile choice for cooking, baking, or drizzling. Testers praise its “juicy” consistency and elegant balance.

• Why Choose It: The brand’s bottles feature convenient pour spouts and are tinted to protect against light degradation. Cobram Estate is widely available in U.S. grocery stores, making it a practical yet premium choice for everyday use.

• Where to Find It: Available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Amazon, or Cobram Estate’s online store.

2. Oro Bailen (Andalusia, Spain)

• Why It Stands Out: Oro Bailen, hailing from Andalusia, Spain, is a frequent winner in international competitions, scoring 99/100 in Flos Olei 2025. This family-owned brand is renowned for its sustainable practices and single-origin oils made from Picual and Arbequina olives.

• Flavor Profile: Oro Bailen’s Picual oil offers a vibrant, fruity taste with hints of tomato vine, green banana, and a spicy, peppery kick. Its Arbequina variant is smoother, with sweet, buttery notes, making it a favorite for dressings and marinades.

• Why Choose It: The brand’s dedication to quality is evident in its UV-resistant bottles and clear harvest date labeling, ensuring freshness. It’s a top pick for those seeking authentic Spanish olive oil with bold flavors at a reasonable price point.

• Where to Find It: Available on Amazon, specialty food stores, or directly from Oro Bailen’s website.

1. Frantoio Franci (Tuscany, Italy)

• Why It Stands Out: Frantoio Franci is a Tuscan powerhouse, consistently earning top honors in global competitions like Flos Olei, where it scored a perfect 100/100 in 2025. This family-run estate, operating since 1958, produces meticulously crafted extra virgin olive oils from handpicked olives in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

• Flavor Profile: Expect a rich, green aroma with notes of artichoke, almond, and freshly cut grass, followed by a robust, peppery finish. Their flagship oils, like Villa Magra, are bold yet balanced, ideal for finishing dishes or pairing with crusty bread.

• Why Choose It: Franci’s commitment to traditional harvesting and cold-pressing ensures low acidity and high polyphenol content, delivering both flavor and health benefits. Its versatility makes it perfect for drizzling over salads, soups, or grilled meats.

• Where to Find It: Available through specialty retailers like Artisan Olive Oil Company or directly from their website.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil

When selecting a premium olive oil, consider these factors:

• Harvest Date: Look for a clearly marked harvest date to ensure freshness, as olive oil is best consumed within 12–18 months of harvest.

• Bottle Type: Opt for dark glass or opaque containers to protect against light and oxygen, which degrade oil quality.

• Single-Origin: Oils from a single region or estate often have more distinct flavors than blended oils.

• Certifications: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or NAOOA certification ensures authenticity and quality.

• Taste: High-quality EVOO should taste fruity, slightly bitter, and peppery, with no rancid or metallic notes.

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

• Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality grade, made from the first cold pressing of olives without heat or chemicals.

• It’s rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which offer anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits. Whether used for cooking, drizzling, or dipping, EVOO elevates dishes with its complex flavors.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

What is extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil, made by pressing olives without using heat or chemicals. It has a fresh taste and low acidity, and is considered the healthiest type of olive oil.

Can I cook with olive oil?

Yes, you can cook with olive oil. It is safe for roasting, sautéing, and even frying, and retains many of its healthy compounds when used in cooking.

How should I store olive oil?

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light, to keep it fresh for longer. Use bottles made of dark glass or metal to protect it from light