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Once seen as little more than a basic cooking tool, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has earned the nickname ‘liquid gold’ – and its price now reflects that status. The price of a 500ml bottle has increased by 110 per cent between January 2021 and November 2024, from £3.54 to £7.45, while some premium EVOO now costs up to £18 per litre.
Extra virgin olive oil tops olive oil hierarchy. It is prepared by crushing olives using a cold-pressing process, meaning the temperature never exceeds 27C. To maintain freshness and preserve flavor and nutrients, olives must be pressed within 72 hours of harvesting.
To meet the EVOO standard, the oil must be completely unrefined. Like wine, it reflects its origin, its taste and aroma depending on where it is grown. That said, it does not improve with age and is best used within two years of harvest. To protect it from minor damage, choose dark or painted bottles instead of clear bottles and keep them in a cool and shady place. Unless you use it frequently, it is best to avoid larger size bottles.
In addition to its quality credentials, EVOO is also highly regarded for its health benefits. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which are found in foods like avocado and nuts Research Links it to a lower risk of heart disease and other health conditions. It is also rich in polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, olive oil prices continue to rise, so choosing the right bottle matters more than ever. That’s why I decided to identify the best supermarket olive oils that actually justify their cost. Elsewhere, the IndieBest team has reviewed Best Supermarket Sourdough Loaves, best supermarket wines, best supermarket whiskey And Best Supermarket Pizza,
The best supermarket olive oils for 2025 are:
- overall best – Asda Extra Special Greek Koroniki Extra Virgin Olive Oil: £7, asda.com
- best budget oil – Aldi Specially Selected PDO Castell del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil: aldi.co.uk
- best luxury olive oil – Waitrose No 1. Valli Trapanesi Extra Virgin Olive Oil: £14.50, waitrose.com
how i tested
I tested 15 bottles of extra virgin olive oil from supermarkets to narrow it down to the best seven. To do this, I poured the oil into a glass following the traditional method of tasting, heated it with my hands, tapped my hand on top and then took a big sniff, then a sip. Like wine, it is placed in the front of the mouth, and then you draw air into your mouth so that the oil reaches the back of your mouth as well. But I also tried each one by dipping bread in it. As well as taste and aroma, I also considered versatility and value for money. I also paid attention to the quality and whether they had PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status (they have a very specific taste due to the region in which they are made).