Best extra virgin olive oil to buy in 2026, from everyday to extra special

Score: 89/100

To ensure you never run out of the good stuff, consider signing up to Citizens of Soil’s subscription service. Like Rise & Fall’s oil above, this early-harvest, organic EVOO boasts a high polyphenol count of over 750 mg/kg – one of the highest we’ve seen.

The peppery notes are intensely punchy, even creating a slight numbing effect in the throat – powerful stuff. We recommend taking it as a daily health shot.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more versatile one-off bottle, the Citizens of Soil Single Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil scored 74/100 with our panel.

Score: 89/100

Made with Koroneiki grapes from Greece, this extra virgin olive oil has an intense woody aroma, along with herbaceous notes of rosemary, basil and pine.

Testers liked the peppery notes of the oil when it hits the back of the throat and praised the bitter walnut flavour, which "gives it a nutty depth". Use it to finish off your vegetables after cooking.

Score: 87/100

This single variety extra virgin olive oil is made with olives from centenary trees on the Cristiano's family estate. It also follows sustainable farming methods and has been awarded the Slow Food Presidium oil status.

A quality oil, its aroma features notes of lime, coriander, and rosemary with a hint of mellow grassiness. Our testers thought it would work well with desserts such as chocolate mousse or one of Taste Approved best ice creams.

Score: 86/100

Products with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, like this one, have a strong link to where they’re made – in this case, the Trapanese Valleys in Sicily.

Aromatic and fruity, this olive oil is bold and vibrant, with hints of sun-dried tomato.

Score: 84/100

Cult favourite, Yiayia and Friends, produces a range of flavoured oils, from chilli and basil to truffle-infused varieties. However, we’re smitten with the 'Love' edition. Herby and fresh, with notes of raw almond, it's made for mopping up with crusty bread.

Score: 84/100

Glug is made from Spanish Picual olives, harvested early in the season to preserve their fresh, vibrant flavour. It has a lovely creamy mouthfeel, with delicate notes of tomato leaf and thyme, and the squeezy bottle adds convenience. Try a drizzle over vanilla ice cream.

Score: 84/100

Recreate your last Italian holiday with a drizzle of this organic Tuscan olive oil. The handpicked olives are pressed within 24-hours for a fresh taste.

Our testers were impressed with the nutty, peppery notes, picking out layers of pine nuts, banana and tomato. Delicious with pizza, pasta or a crunchy green salad.

Score: 82/100

While not quite as peppery as some, this Greek EVOO from ASDA had a distinct black olive note. The flavour was long-lasting, and testers thought it would be excellent drizzled over salads.

Score: 82/100

For a fully organic shop, add Abel & Cole’s own-brand oil to your weekly fruit and veg box delivery. It’s a great everyday option, with notes of peppery rocket leaves, green tomato and a touch of briney saltiness.

Score: 81/100

With a beautiful golden colour, this organic oil comes from Chania in Greece. It smells like bright apples with a hit of citrus that’s balanced by the herby, umami notes of tomato leaf and pepper.

Flavour-wise, it's savoury with a nice bitterness to the finish. Our testers enjoyed the thick consistency of this one.

Score: 79/100

There’s no denying extra virgin olive oil is an expensive commodity these days, so we’ll be stocking up on Lidl’s well-priced Puglian pour for everyday.

Deliciously peppery, with notes of green tomato, nasturtium flowers (yes, really), almonds and artichoke, this Italian EVOO seriously belies its price.

Score: 79/100

Zaytoun is the world’s first Fairtrade-certified olive oil, which ensures farmers are paid a fair price for their efforts. It tastes great too, created with organic olives sourced from the Palestinian West Bank for an intense and vibrant flavour.

Buttery and beautifully fresh, with a powerful fiery finish, our panel thought this would be great for making pillowy soft goat's cheese focaccia.

Score: 79/100

Belazu is one of our favourite brands for seeking out obscure Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients, including a wide range of authentic oils.

This one is made with Spanish Arbequina olives, which delivers an initial sweetness with hints of basil. Our testers found the spice builds, with a slight bitterness that complements the creamy flavour.

Score: 78/100

Sainsbury's named this fresh EVOO after Athena, the Greek goddess who is said to have gifted the olive tree to Athens.

With notes of green olive, underripe avocado and rocket, it’s a mild EVOO that’s perfect for everyday use. It has a slightly bitter finish, but overall our panel found it delicate and not too punchy.

Score: 77/100

Co-founded by Gordon Ramsay, Krude is a range of seven oils made from cold-pressed, early-harvest olives. As the name suggests, Cook Me Nude is made for cooking. It’s ideal for everything from roasting vegetables to baking focaccia – no idiot sandwiches in sight.

Score: 75/100

With a rich fragrance and bitter undertones, Aldi’s inexpensive olive oil is lighter on the palate than expected. However, testers found it clean and fresh, with notes of tomato and herbs – making it great quality given the price.

Score: 74/100

Unfiltered olive oil has a slightly cloudy appearance as it’s made from a blend of cold pressed olives, which helps retain all the goodness.

Testers said this bottle from M&S has a "pleasing herbal minerality", ripe avocado notes with a creamy finish and a long-lasting bitterness.

Score: 74/100

On the nose, you get hints of green peppercorns and savoury ripe tomatoes, while our testers liked the “punchy” flavour, which has nice peppery and nutty notes. Note, you only need to use this oil sparingly.