Extra virgin olive oil may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, and may have other potential health benefits likely due to its healthful fats and generally high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols. But there are reports that many extra virgin olive oils are “fake” or adulterated with lower quality oils, and polyphenol levels are rarely listed on labels. To help, ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, recently purchased 10 popular extra virgin olive oils sold in the U.S. and tested them for purity, freshness and polyphenol content. In addition, each product was evaluated for flavor and aroma by a trained, expert olive oil taster.
 
Although all products passed chemical tests against standards for extra virgin olive oil, sensory analysis raised questions about the quality of three products—grading them as not extra virgin. Among products that passed all tests, several were identified as CL’s Top Picks, for providing the best quality and value.
 
Extra virgin olive oil quality ratings and comparisons are now available in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. The review includes test results and quality comparisons for the following olive oils: 365 [Whole Foods] Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil Everyday, Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kirkland Signature [Costco] Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Newman’s Own Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spectrum Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
 
The report revealed the polyphenol content of each product and described the flavor and aroma of each. It also summarized the clinical evidence regarding the benefits of extra virgin olive oil, explained what to look for on labels, and instructed how to use, store, and cook with extra virgin olive oil to maintain freshness and polyphenol content.