Understanding the Olivani Product Range
Many consumers are surprised to learn that the Olivani brand offers more than just liquid oil. The range includes both spreads and bottled oils, and the composition of each product varies significantly. This distinction is crucial when asking, "Is Olivani real olive oil?" because the answer depends entirely on which Olivani product you are considering.
Olivani Spreads: Not Just Olive Oil
When you pick up a tub of Olivani Spread, the ingredients list clearly shows it's a vegetable oil-based product, not pure olive oil. A typical list includes:
- Vegetable oils (which may contain a percentage of olive oil)
- Water
- Salt
- Emulsifiers (like soy lecithin)
- Preservatives
- Flavourings and colouring
The presence of numerous additional ingredients and a relatively low percentage of actual olive oil means that the spread is a mix, designed for texture and flavour, not a genuine olive oil product. This explains why it behaves differently from pure oil, as the added emulsifiers and fats change its physical properties.
Olivani Liquid Olive Oils: A Different Story
In contrast, the Olivani liquid oils, such as 'Olivani Olive Oil Pure' and 'Olivani Extra Virgin Olive Oil', are marketed as 100% natural and made from Mediterranean olives. However, simply being labelled 'olive oil' or even 'extra virgin' is not a guaranteed stamp of authenticity, as the olive oil industry has a known problem with fraud.
Independent consumer testing in New Zealand, where Olivani is a prominent brand, has raised concerns. A Consumer NZ test on extra virgin olive oils found that the Olivani Extra Virgin Olive Oil did not achieve a medal status, contrasting with higher-scoring local oils. A key reason noted was the lack of a harvest or pressed-on date on the label, which makes it impossible to verify the oil's freshness—a significant marker of quality and authenticity.
How to Verify if Your Olive Oil is Authentic
With widespread olive oil fraud, consumers should be vigilant. Here’s a guide to spotting the genuine article:
Visual Indicators:
- Packaging: Authentic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is almost always sold in dark glass bottles or opaque tins to protect it from light degradation. If your oil is in a clear plastic or glass bottle, it is more susceptible to spoilage.
- Clarity: Real olive oil can become cloudy in colder temperatures (below 10°C/50°F), but this cloudiness should disappear at room temperature. This is not a foolproof test, but it is a characteristic of natural olive oil.
Taste and Aroma:
- Flavour Profile: Genuine extra virgin olive oil will have a distinct, fresh, and often complex flavour profile with fruity, herbaceous, and sometimes nutty notes.
- Peppery Finish: A peppery, tingling sensation in the back of your throat is a sign of high polyphenol content, a key antioxidant found in authentic, high-quality extra virgin oil. Frauds lack this.
- Rancid Taste: If the oil tastes greasy, waxy, or like old nuts, it is likely rancid or adulterated.
Labeling and Certification:
- Harvest Date: Look for a specific harvest date on the bottle. If only a 'best by' date is present, the oil's age is less certain. Freshness is paramount to quality.
- Certifications: Certifications from reputable bodies, such as the International Olive Council (IOC) or regional organizations like Olives New Zealand, indicate the oil has been tested and meets certain quality standards.
- Origin Specificity: Be wary of labels that are vague about the oil's origin, e.g., 'packed in Italy' but 'sourced from multiple countries'. Authentic oils often specify the region or estate.
The Importance of Grading
Olive oil comes in several grades, which is essential to understanding its quality. The primary grades are Extra Virgin, Virgin, and Pure/Light. 'Pure' or 'Light' olive oil has been refined using heat or chemicals and is a blend of refined and virgin oils. While it is still technically 'real' olive oil, it lacks the flavour and health benefits of extra virgin varieties.
Olivani vs. Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Comparison
| Feature | Olivani Spread | Olivani Liquid Oil (Pure/Extra Virgin) | Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Vegetable oil blend (including ~21% olive oil) | Marketed as 100% olive oil | 100% pure olive juice from fresh olives |
| Ingredients | Includes water, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavourings, and coloring | Claimed to be 100% natural, but may lack specific verification details | No additives, chemicals, or other oils |
| Flavour Profile | Mild, buttery taste due to processing and additives | Varies, but may be less robust or fresh than true EVOO | Fresh, fruity, sometimes peppery or bitter |
| Health Benefits | Lower in beneficial compounds due to high processing | Depends on the grade, but potentially less potent than true EVOO | High in polyphenols, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats |
| Packaging | Often in plastic tubs | Found in both dark and transparent containers | Typically in dark glass or tin to protect from light |
| Verification | Ingredients list clearly states blend | Independent testing has shown potential for quality issues; lacks key markers like harvest date | Certifications, harvest dates, and transparent sourcing |
Conclusion: Navigating the Olive Oil Aisle
So, is Olivani real olive oil? The answer is nuanced. Its liquid products are made from olives, making them technically real, but factors like origin, freshness, and potential adulteration come into question, as evidenced by consumer testing. Its spreads are clearly not pure olive oil, containing only a fraction of it mixed with other vegetable oils. For consumers who prioritize authenticity, freshness, and the full health benefits of olive oil, it is essential to scrutinize the label beyond just the brand name. Look for terms like 'extra virgin', a recent harvest date, dark packaging, and reputable certifications to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
For a deeper dive into the science behind olive oil production and authentication, consider exploring resources from the International Olive Council to better understand the standards and testing involved.
Ultimately, while Olivani offers a range of cooking products, not all of them qualify as pure, authentic olive oil. A savvy consumer is an informed consumer, and knowing the difference can elevate your cooking and ensure you get what you pay for.
