Extra virgin olive oil, known for its rich flavor, not only elevates the taste of dishes but also offers a variety of health benefits. Its premium appearance makes it a gift that is sure to please. But with so many options out there, you might ask yourself, "What sets them apart?" and "What exactly are the health perks?” It can be challenging to figure out which one to go for.
This time around, we've gathered 14 of the most popular extra virgin olive oils from different brands, including the latest releases and top sellers. We've carefully analyzed them, comparing them across four key aspects. We'll present our top recommendations in a ranked list following our evaluation.
The best extra virgin olive oil, as defined by mybest, is a product that is fresh with a rich aroma and taste when paired with food. We'll guide you on choosing the best extra virgin olive oil based on our comprehensive review so you can use it as a helpful reference when purchasing.
Executive Chef with 15 years of experience across various food service sectors such as hotels, country clubs, corporate dining, and university and college food service. Graduate from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Involved in various organizations such as the National Restaurant Association, National Association for College and University Foodservice, American Culinary Federation
Leveraging her experience in trading companies, Yuko Ogawa is dedicated to providing high-quality, authentic oils as an Oil Sommelier. She conducts seminars and courses using oils and superfoods. Additionally, in February and March of 2018, she was featured in 'Sankei Shimbun's' 'Kiite!' magazine, where she introduced beauty methods and recipes using oils, showcasing her expertise in the field. She also serves as an exclusive writer for the Instagram expert account @bioil_official.
Haruna Tabe is a registered dietitian with five years of experience working in the content creation team for a recipe media outlet. There, her primary responsibilities included recipe supervision and quality control. She joined mybest in 2023, bringing her valuable experience to guide users in health foods, foods, and kitchenware. With a motto of "thinking from the users' perspective," she is dedicated to enriching users' lives through their diet, working daily to contribute to their well-being.
When evaluating excellent flavor, we set the standard for utmost satisfaction as a product that is not oxidized, has a good balance of bitterness, spiciness, fruitiness, and other flavors, and allows you to feel the deliciousness derived from olives.
As a product renowned for its delicious pairing with bread, we looked for products that olive oil lovers would find delicious when eaten with bread.
Our team tested for products that everyday olive oil users could comfortably use with salads and raw vegetables.
We thoroughly assessed for products that are less prone to deteriorate after opening from factors such as ultraviolet light, light, and oxygen exposure.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
Extra virgin olive oil is a special oil that's differentiated from regular olive oil. Not only does it have a rich flavor, but it also offers various potential health benefits.
Extra virgin olive oil represents the highest grade among virgin olive oils, crafted through the pressing and filtering of olive fruits. As per the standards set by the International Olive Council, it must possess an acidity level below 0.8% and maintain its distinctive flavor and aroma, as determined by sensory evaluation. This oil is solely derived from pressed and filtered olives, showcasing its exceptional purity.
On the other hand, regular olive oil typically features an acidity level below 1.0%. Non-extra virgin olive oil undergoes refinement and is blended with virgin olive oil to achieve a milder flavor profile compared to extra virgin olive oil.
So, extra virgin olive oil is the clear choice if you want to savor the robust aroma and flavor inherent in olives. It's ideal for enhancing dressings and seasoning raw foods. However, regular olive oil is well-suited for cooking methods such as sautéing or frying.
Extra virgin olive oil is more flavorful when consumed without heating. Heating it can change its taste and reduce its nutrients, so it's best to use it unheated whenever possible.
Extra virgin olive oil is increasingly recognized as a nutritious cooking oil. Its primary components - oleic acid and polyphenols - offer distinct health advantages.
Polyphenols (Oleocanthal): Reduces inflammation in the body and prevents aging
Polyphenols (Oleuropein): Lowers blood pressure and prevents the oxidation of cholesterol in the body
Extra virgin olive oil enhances dishes with its rich flavor and stands as a favored choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a recommended cooking oil.
Extra virgin olive oil typically comes with a higher price tag compared to regular olive oil, ranging from around $8.00 to upwards of $15.00 on average.
While cheaper oils aren't always inferior in quality, the rarity of extra virgin olive oil tends to place it in the pricier bracket. Moreover, investing in a slightly more expensive option often ensures a fuller, richer flavor experience. It's advisable to avoid overly cheap options to ensure freshness is maintained without compromising on taste.
A dark container is important for keeping extra virgin olive oil fresh because it helps to shield the oil from exposure to light. Light, especially sunlight, can cause oil oxidation and degradation, leading to a loss of flavor and nutritional value. Therefore, a dark container helps to preserve the oil's quality by minimizing its exposure to light.
However, it’s essential to note that even with a light-shielding container, some degradation could eventually occur due to air seeping into the bottle if the seal is not airtight or if there are any imperfections in the glass.
If you're unsure about the price range, finding an authentication mark can provide reassurance. While the absence of such a mark doesn't automatically denote substandard quality, products bearing the mark generally guarantee a certain level of flavor quality.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Among the options evaluated, Brightland's Alive emerged as the most recommended extra virgin olive oil. Let's delve into the reasons behind this choice.
To appreciate the flavor of extra virgin olive oil, we conducted a tasting led by an oil sommelier.
We checked for signs of oxidation in the oil and confirmed if we could taste the distinct flavor typical of extra virgin olive oil. Upon test, Brightland's Alive was rated as a delightful oil, boasting strong bitterness and spiciness, allowing you to savor the unique flavor of extra virgin olive oil fully. It's noteworthy that while it offers a nutty sensation akin to walnuts, it also exhibits the refreshing quality of green apples.
Furthermore, the container is a dark bottle, which is advantageous as it can prevent degradation caused by light.
Our taste test found that the olive oil paired well with bread and raw vegetables. Testers said, "It has a balanced bitterness and spiciness that complemented the bread" and "There's a depth of flavor in the bitterness." The ability to taste the olive's flavor even when combined with food received positive feedback.
It will enhance the dish's deliciousness while harmonizing with the ingredients' flavors without overpowering them.
Not only is it easy to pair with quality ingredients, but it also comes in a beautifully designed package, making it an ideal choice for gifts.
If price is a concern, we suggest considering DESERT MIRACLE's Cold Pressed Polyphenol Rich Moroccan Olive Oil.
The bottle is designed to shield light, reducing the risk of degradation after opening, and no oxidation was detected during a test by a sommelier. Moreover, despite its fruity nature, it was praised for preserving the authentic flavor of olives while maintaining a harmonious balance of bitterness and spiciness.
Our testers rated the flavor highly when paired with foods, such as bread and veggies, noting comments such as "it added a nice richness to the bread" and "its fresh flavor matched well with vegetables." Therefore, after testing it, we think you will be able to enjoy it with bread and your favorite vegetables,
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||
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Taste | Compatibility With Bread | Compatibility With Vegetables | Shelf Stability | Content Volume | Country of Origin | Container | Certification Mark | Date of Harvest Mentioned | Produced in a Single Region | Cold Pressed Method | Pungency | Bitterness | Aroma | ||||||
1 | Brightland Alive | ![]() | 4.60 | mybest's Top Choice: Great Quality; Enhance Flavors When Combined with Foods | 5.00 | 4.50 | 4.39 | 5.00 | 12.7 oz | California | Dark Jar | Strong | Strong | Woody, Walnut, Green Apple | |||||
2 | DESERTMIRACLE Cold Pressed Polyphenol Rich Moroccan Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.43 | Currently unavailable | Taste the Original Olive Flavor, While Harmonizing with Ingredients | 5.00 | 4.22 | 4.22 | 5.00 | 17 oz. | Morocco | Dark Jar | USDA Organic Seal | Strong | Strong | Green banana, Artichokes | |||
3 | Atlas 1 LT Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Polyphenol Rich from Morocco | ![]() | 4.40 | Currently unavailable | Mild Bitterness and Spiciness, Easy Pairing with Simple Ingredients | 4.50 | 4.22 | 4.39 | 5.00 | 34 oz. | Morocco | Dark Bottle | USDA Organic Seal | Mild | Mild | Green banana, Sweet almond | |||
4 | Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.37 | Currently unavailable | Sufficient Freshness, Mild with Subtle Spiciness | 4.50 | 4.39 | 4.39 | 4.00 | 68 oz. | Italy | Dark Bottle | Mild | Strong | Ripened Fruits | ||||
5 | Olio Santo California Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.36 | Bitterness and Spiciness Add Accent, but Some Find it Hard to Eat | 5.00 | 4.11 | 4.17 | 5.00 | 16.9 oz. | California | Dark Jar | Strong | Strong | Nuts, Walnuts | |||||
6 | Kosterina Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.35 | Charm Lies in Aroma and Fruitiness, but Olive Taste Difficult to Detect | 4.00 | 4.39 | 4.38 | 5.00 | 12 oz. | Greece | Dark Jar | Strong | Strong | Hay, Ripe Fruits | |||||
7 | Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.28 | Mild and Smooth, but Might Be Unsatisfying for Robust Flavor Enthusiasts | 4.00 | 4.50 | 4.34 | 4.00 | 68 oz. | Italy | Dark Bottle | Mild | Mild | Green Tomatoes, Almond | |||||
8 | Bono USA Organic Scilia Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.27 | Currently unavailable | Characterized by Freshness, but Some Note Noticeable Spiciness | 5.00 | 3.95 | 4.11 | 5.00 | 16.9 oz. | Italy | Dark Bottle | USDA Organic Seal, Euro Leaf Mark | Strong | Strong | Woody | |||
9 | Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.25 | Currently unavailable | Bitter Taste with Tight Flavor; Some Find it Hard to Eat | 4.50 | 4.34 | 4.11 | 4.00 | 16.9 oz. | Italy | Dark Bottle | Mild | Strong | Basil | ||||
10 | Pompeian Organic Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ![]() | 4.21 | Currently unavailable | No Interference with Ingredients' Flavor, but Some Note Lack of Flavor Punch | 4.50 | 4.06 | 4.28 | 4.00 | 48 oz. | Italy | Dark Bottle | USDA Organic Seal | Strong | Strong | Green Apple, Woody |
Container | Dark Jar |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Brightland's Alive is a product packaged in UV-coated recyclable bottles. It boasts the use of early-harvest olives cultivated at a small family farm located in the Central Valley of California.
The container is a dark jar, giving the impression that it can prevent degradation caused by light. Upon test by sommeliers, no oxidation was observed, and it was appreciated as an oil that "has a high freshness, allows you to feel the bitterness and spiciness firmly, and lets you imagine the rich earth." It carries a flavor that has a nuttiness reminiscent of walnuts while also possessing a refreshment similar to green apples.
Its compatibility with bread received high praise from reviewers, with comments like "it has a butter-like aroma, and it was really delicious when paired with bread" and "it didn't lose to the taste of the bread with its moderate bitterness and spiciness." Its match with raw vegetables was also relatively good, with remarks like "there's a complex flavor within the bitterness" and "it doesn't diminish the flavor of the vegetables."
This product allows you to enjoy the flavor of extra virgin olive oil even when paired with ingredients. It makes for a gift that will please the recipient as the best-buy extra virgin olive oil.
Content Volume | 12.7 oz |
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Country of Origin | California |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Jar |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
DESERT MIRACLE's Cold Pressed Polyphenol Rich Moroccan Olive Oil hails all the way from Morocco, offering an organic, extra virgin olive oil experience. Notably, it's even trusted in Michelin-starred restaurants.
The bottle is designed to shield light, preserving the oil's quality. According to a sommelier's assessment, it maintains its freshness without any hint of oxidation. They described it as having a “fruity taste yet having a well-balanced bitterness and spiciness.” It also offers refreshing notes reminiscent of green bananas and a richness akin to artichokes, allowing you to experience the true flavor of olive oil.
Testers found that the oil paired well with bread, describing it as "fruity and easy to eat" and noting that it "provides a good richness to the bread." When paired with raw vegetables, it was deemed to "match well with the flavor of the raw vegetables without overpowering them." However, some testers felt the flavor was mild, suggesting that some people might prefer a stronger taste.
Yet, this bottle doesn't overshadow the ingredients it accompanies. It's an ideal choice for those seeking to savor the true essence of extra virgin olive oil in various culinary adventures.
Content Volume | 17 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Morocco |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Content Volume | 34 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Morocco |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Content Volume | 68 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Jar |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Olio Santo's California Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crafted using the cold-press method and is proudly advertised as cultivated without the use of weed killers or pesticides.
Packaged in a dark jar, it suggests protection against light-induced deterioration. Tested by sommeliers, no oxidation was detected. Despite its strong bitterness and spiciness, reviewers noted a subtle sense of fruitiness and sweetness in its flavor profile.
It was noted to pair fairly well with bread and raw vegetables, with testers commenting, "the spiciness and acidity are just right and blend well with bread," and "the bitterness adds complexity to the dish, and the spiciness provides a good final touch." However, some testers also remarked that "the spiciness irritates the back of the throat," making it difficult to eat. It may not be suitable for those who dislike spiciness.
Content Volume | 16.9 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | California |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Jar |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
The striking white bottle immediately draws your attention - it's Kosterina's Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Proudly crafted from early-harvest olives gathered in southern Greece, it undergoes small-batch processing through cold-press methods.
Packaged in a dark jar, it's designed to prevent deterioration from light. However, it garnered some criticism from sommeliers, who noted a resemblance to the taste of avocado oil and a lingering residue on the tongue. While the overall review slightly dipped due to a lack of the typical greenish vibrancy associated with olives, the oil undeniably possesses bitterness, a hint of spiciness, along with a hay-like aroma and ripe, fruity characteristics.
Its compatibility with bread and raw vegetables was relatively well-received, with participants praising its "unobtrusive bitterness" and "exquisite piquancy"; they particularly enjoyed the sensation of greenness and fruitiness when paired with vegetables. However, some participants described it as "safe, but overall tasted light," or remarked that "while it smells good, it doesn’t stand out with a robust flavor." Consequently, it wasn't deemed the best option for fully appreciating the original taste of the olives.
Content Volume | 12 oz. |
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Country of Origin | Greece |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Content Volume | 68 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Bono USA's Organic Scilia Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes straight from Sicily and holds a certification from IRVO (Istituto Regionale del Vino e dell'Olio), an authority recognized by the Italian government.
Packaged in a dark bottle to shield it from light, it undergoes testing by a sommelier with no indication of oxidation detected. It boasts a robust profile with notes of bitterness and spiciness alongside flavors evocative of fresh grass and a fruity hint reminiscent of cherries.
Regarding its compatibility with raw vegetables, testers commented, "The freshness and nutty aroma matched well with leafy vegetables" and "The bitterness wasn't too strong, and the spiciness didn't spoil the taste of the vegetables; it was at a good level." However, some testers found "the spiciness troubling and made it hard to eat." Meanwhile, its compatibility with bread was also assessed, with remarks like "It's fresh, but the flavor is light; I was looking for a richer taste," indicating a struggle to impress.
Content Volume | 16.9 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Bertolli's Extra Virgin Olive Oil boasts over 150 years of olive oil production expertise and is crafted using the cold-pressing method.
A sommelier's test detected no oxidation, as its dark bottle ensures protection from light-induced degradation. The flavor profile features a pronounced bitterness reminiscent of basil and herbs, complemented by a subtle and gentle spiciness.
It pairs relatively well with bread, as testers noted, "The fresh fragrance and bitterness tighten the overall flavor" and "The rich and deep flavor has made the bread tastier." However, some testers said, "The bitterness was too intense." Its compatibility with raw vegetables was also controversial, with some saying, "It's too bitter and hard to eat," leading to a divide in favorability due to its strong bitterness.
Content Volume | 16.9 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Content Volume | 48 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Jar |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Cobram Estate's 100% California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crafted from California olives. Featuring a pop-up spout design, it extends when the lid is opened for easy pouring.
Packaged in a dark jar, it ensures protection from light-induced degradation. Even under scrutiny by sommeliers, no oxidation was detected, revealing a well-balanced profile of bitterness, spiciness, and sweetness. The sweetness evokes the delicate flavor of sweet almonds.
Its compatibility with bread and raw vegetables yielded mixed feedback. Some testers commented, "It has a pleasant taste, harmonizing with the taste and aroma of the bread," while others expressed, "It has a light taste, I wish it had more punch," and "The taste is basic, it's not bad, but it does not stand out."
On the positive side, it doesn't overshadow the taste of the food. However, if you're seeking to savor the distinct flavor of olive oil, this may leave you somewhat unsatisfied.
Content Volume | 12.7 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | California |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Can |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Additionally, apart from the test, the can is large and difficult to pour, so there is a need to transfer it to another dark Jar or dark bottle.
Content Volume | 101 oz. |
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Country of Origin | Italy |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
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What we loved
What we didn't love
Graza's "Drizzle" Extra Virgin Olive Oil is sourced from olives harvested in the Jaen region of Spain, renowned for its early harvest finishing oil. It prides itself on using young, freshly picked olives.
Sommelier testing attests to its remarkable freshness, with no signs of oxidation detected. Packaged in a dark bottle, it shields against light exposure to maintain its quality. Its flavors evoke the refreshing essence of hay, complemented by a fruity sweetness reminiscent of a ripe apple. Both its bitterness and spiciness leave a pronounced impression.
However, when paired with bread or raw vegetables, some testers found the potent bitterness overwhelming, leaving a lingering aftertaste that made it challenging to enjoy. On the other hand, others noted that the oil's robust spiciness added depth and complemented salads well, suggesting it may appeal to those seeking a spicier option.
Content Volume | 16.9 oz. |
---|---|
Country of Origin | California |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
Container | Dark Bottle |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Kirkland Signature's Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While it comes in a dark bottle, it may not be as effective as glass in preventing degradation from air exposure. Upon examination by a sommelier, it was noted to have a slight acidity and a lingering stickiness in the mouth, potentially deteriorating during transportation or storage.
Feedback from testers regarding its compatibility with bread and raw vegetables varied. Some remarked, "The bitterness is strong, and it smells like oxidized oil, spoiling the taste of the bread," while others stated, "The medicinal taste didn't whet my appetite." Predicting the familiar taste of extra virgin olive oil from this product is challenging.
Content Volume | 75.2 oz |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy, Spain, Portugal |
Date of Harvest Mentioned | |
Produced in a Single Region | |
Cold Pressed Method |
At mybest, we define the best extra virgin olive oil as a product that is fresh and has a rich aroma and flavor when combined with ingredients.
In order to find the best product, we collected 14 best-selling extra virgin olive oils from prominent manufacturers, including the latest offerings available at popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. We conducted a thorough examination based on the following four points:
Taste
Products we tested
When evaluating excellent flavor, we set the standard for utmost satisfaction as a product that is not oxidized, has a good balance of bitterness, spiciness, fruitiness, and other flavors, and allows you to feel the deliciousness derived from olives.
Ms. Hiroko Ogawa, a senior oil sommelier at the General Incorporated Association Japan Oil Beauty Association, conducted tastings and scored the recommendation level of each product.
Pour 0.7 ounces of extra virgin olive oil into a tulip glass
Cover the glass with a lid until ready to smell the aroma
During the tasting, gently warm the glass in hand while swirling the oil around
Quickly inhale the scent from the rim of the glass after removing the lid
When tasting, sip a little at a time while also slurping in air
Cleanse the palate with sparkling water between tastings
As a product renowned for its delicious pairing with bread, we looked for products that olive oil lovers would find delicious when eaten with bread.
Baguettes were dipped into oil and poured into a cup. Then, they were tasted and evaluated for deliciousness by a tester, who scored the recommended level for each product.
Testers: 9 Americans who always keep olive oil at home
Ingredients: Baguette
How to serve: In a plastic cup
Rules during tasting: Before dipping the baguette, warm the cup in your hands to let the aroma rise, and after tasting one product, cleanse the palate with green apples (Granny Smith) and carbonated water
Our team tested for products that everyday olive oil users could comfortably use with salads and raw vegetables.
Baby leaves were dipped in oil and placed in a plastic cup, then tasted and evaluated for deliciousness by a tester, who scored the recommended level for each product.
Testers: 9 Americans who always keep olive oil at home
Ingredients: Baby leaves
Delivery method: Served in a plastic cup
Rules for tasting: Warm the cup in your hands before applying the baby leaves to enhance the aroma, and cleanse the palate with a green apple (Granny Smith) and sparkling water after tasting each product
We thoroughly assessed for products that are less prone to deteriorate after opening from factors such as ultraviolet light, light, and oxygen exposure.
Our testers evaluated each product according to the points below, scoring them based on how highly they could recommend each product.
No. 1: Brightland|Alive
No. 2: DESERTMIRACLE|Cold Pressed Polyphenol Rich Moroccan Olive Oil
No. 3: Atlas|1 LT Cold Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Polyphenol Rich from Morocco
No. 4: Pompeian|Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 5: Olio Santo|California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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