The Hidden Truth About Low Quality Olive Oils - Where to Find Quality EVOO
- Judith Smith
- Nov 15
- 4 min read
Extra Virgin Olive Oil—often called EVOO—is one of the most celebrated foods in the world, yet also one of the most misunderstood. When it’s real, fresh, and truly extra virgin, it’s a powerhouse of flavor, nutrition, and natural goodness. But not all olive oils are created equal, and understanding the value of true EVOO can make all the difference in your kitchen and your health.
Well-known olive oil brands are sometimes misleading. Not all products labeled “olive oil” or “extra virgin” deliver the quality consumers expect. Several well-known brands, including Bertolli, Carapelli, Capitriti, Safeway Private Label, Target Good & Gather, Pompeian, and Filippo Berio (to name a few), have faced scrutiny over quality concerns. Understanding these issues helps consumers make informed choices for both taste and health.
One common problem is adulteration. Studies have shown that some oils on the market contain a mixture of cheaper oils—such as soybean, sunflower, or canola—while still claiming the “extra virgin” label. This not only dilutes the flavor but also diminishes the health benefits that EVOO is supposed to provide. A bottle of Bertolli or Carapelli EVOO may, in some cases, be blended or sourced from multiple countries without clear disclosure, making it difficult for consumers to assess its authenticity.
Another concern is oxidation and age. Olive oil is highly sensitive to heat, light, and time. When oils are stored improperly, they can become rancid even before reaching your kitchen. Large commercial brands, including Filippo Berio and Pompeian, often bottle in clear glass or sell through big-box supply chains where storage conditions may vary, increasing the likelihood that the oil has degraded. Rancid oils not only taste bitter or flat, but they also lose antioxidants, reducing health benefits.
Labeling practices can also be misleading. Some brands, including Safeway Private Label and Target Good & Gather, may use terms like “pure” or “classic” olive oil, which sound premium but often indicate a blend of refined olive oils rather than genuine extra virgin quality. Consumers who rely solely on marketing terms may not realize that these oils lack the polyphenols, flavor complexity, and health-promoting compounds of authentic EVOO.
A third issue is lack of traceability. Smaller, high-quality producers usually list harvest dates, estate names, and country of origin, allowing consumers to choose fresh and well-documented oils. Many of the larger brands—including Capitriti—do not provide this information, making it hard to know how fresh the oil is or whether it meets rigorous EVOO standards.
Flavor and culinary performance are another indicator. High-quality EVOO has a vibrant, peppery finish, fresh fruitiness, and complex aroma. Many mass-market brands tend to taste flat, greasy, or muted. While they may be acceptable for basic cooking, they fail to deliver the flavor profile that makes olive oil an ingredient worth savoring.
Finally, there is the environmental and ethical aspect. Large-scale olive oil production may prioritize volume over sustainable farming, which can affect the quality of the final product. Consumers interested in clean living, sustainability, or supporting small, family-run producers may prefer oils that are sourced transparently and pressed with care.
True EVOO is simply fresh, properly extracted from olives. EVOO must be cold-pressed, free from heat or chemicals, and meet strict standards for acidity and purity. When olive oil meets these requirements, it retains the full spectrum of polyphenols—naturally occurring antioxidants that give high-quality olive oil its peppery finish and deep fruitiness. These polyphenols are the reason EVOO has been linked to so many health benefits, from supporting heart health to reducing inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Flavor is another reason true EVOO stands apart. A high-quality oil tastes alive. You should notice aromas of fresh grass, green tomato, citrus, or herbs. On the palate, a real EVOO will have a vibrant fruitiness balanced by a slight bitterness and a peppery kick at the back of your throat. These traits are not flaws—they’re hallmarks of an oil rich in polyphenols. When an oil tastes flat, greasy, or overly mild, it’s likely past its prime or was never extra virgin to begin with.
Using true EVOO also elevates everyday cooking. Its flavor transforms salads, vegetables, soups, grilled meats, and even desserts. Drizzling a robust oil over fresh tomatoes or warm sourdough bread is one of life’s simplest pleasures. For higher-heat cooking, contrary to common myths, a high-quality EVOO actually holds up well due to its antioxidant content and natural stability. Choosing real EVOO means choosing both health and flavor without compromise.
Finally, supporting producers who make authentic EVOO helps preserve traditional agriculture, responsible farming, and sustainable harvesting practices. Many small growers care deeply about the land and the craft, producing oils that reflect generations of knowledge.
True Extra Virgin Olive Oil isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a commitment to purity, quality, and real food. By choosing oils that are truly extra virgin, harvested with care, and bottled at their peak, you bring both nourishment and vibrant flavor into your daily life.
Ariston Select = Pure & Authentic EVOO
I absolutely love Ariston Select EVOO. For over four generations their family has been harvesting olives and producing what the family calls "green-gold elixir" -- always maintaining the traditional methods of olive oil producing. Ariston Select is multi-awarded extra virgin olive oil made from Koroneiki olives, grown and hand-harvested from their family farm and co-operative farms in Messinia, Greece. The flavor of their EVOO is smooth, robust with a rich, fruity-flavor and a peppery finish that speaks to its purity and freshness. To see why I chose Ariston for pairing with my small batch culinary spice blends, be sure to check out their website for more information at:
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