1 July 2026
Olive oil is a staple in many households, used for salad dressings, pasta dishes, sauteing vegetables, and much more. Yet, with so many varieties at different price points, it can be tricky to know which one to add to your trolley.
CHOICE has compared 30 Australian and European extra-virgin olive oils from brands such as Cobram, Aldi, Moro, and Villa Rossa to help you decide which one to add to your basket.
“Monini Classico took first place in our testing, with a high score of 88%. It was praised for its creamy and smooth texture, with a good flavour transfer and a well-balanced mouthfeel,” says CHOICE Editor, Pru Engel.
“If you’re looking for an olive oil that supports Aussie growers, we recommend trying the Cobram Estate Classic, which took second place, receiving a score of 80%. Our testers noted it is a high-quality olive oil, with beautiful fruit aromas and a buttery mouthfeel. It was also recommended in our last test in 2021, showing its consistent quality over time. Say no more!” says Engel.
CHOICE selected 30 popular brands of olive oil labelled ‘extra-virgin’ available in major supermarket chains, excluding flavoured oils. The blind-taste test was conducted externally and each olive oil was assessed on aroma, flavour/palate, and overall impression.
The best tasting extra-virgin olive oils:
- Monini Classico Extra Virgin Olive Oil
CHOICE Expert Rating: 88%
Price: $2.93 per 100mL
- Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Classic Flavour
CHOICE Expert Rating: 80%
Price: $3.33 per 100mL
- Villa Rossi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
CHOICE Expert Rating: 83%
Price: $3.50 per 100mL
“If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend giving Woolworths Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Aldi The Olive Tree Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil a try. These products scored 78% in our testing, both costing under $2 per 100mL.
CHOICE’s expert tips for choosing and using olive oil:
- Buy fresh
“We recommend purchasing the freshest oil you can. Look for a “harvested on” date, as best before dates sometimes aren’t a good indicator of freshness,” says Engel.
- Keep your olive oil away from heat
“Always store your olive oil in a cool dark place at home, such as your pantry or cupboard. Avoid placing it near the stove or close to a window. Another tip is to be mindful of where the olive oil is displayed in store. Bottles near a refrigerator motor or in shop windows exposed to direct sunlight are best avoided,” says Engel.
- Keep your bottle sealed
“Exposing olive oil to air over time can diminish its flavour, so we recommend ensuring your bottle is tightly sealed after each use,” says Engel.
- Use in a timely manner
“Our experts recommend using your olive oil within six months of opening. As a rule of thumb, buy a container size that matches your monthly consumption,” says Engel.
Images available: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fiT25BRkBRFI8yBN0BUpmRzPVCtMCQVm?usp=sharing
