What brand of olive oil is high in polyphenols? A Comprehensive Guide

According to a 2025 study from Olivea, some extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) can contain up to 20 times more polyphenols than standard supermarket varieties. So, when searching for what brand of olive oil is high in polyphenols, it's crucial to look beyond basic labels and consider factors like olive variety, harvest timing, and lab-tested data.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer high-polyphenol olive oils, including Olivea, Laconiko, and Gundry MD. Key factors to assess include cultivar, harvest date, and packaging. The peppery, bitter taste is a strong indicator of high phenolic content, signifying potent antioxidant properties.

Key Points

• Olivea and Laconiko ZOI: Consistently rank among the highest in lab-tested polyphenol content, with some batches exceeding 1700 mg/kg, ideal for maximum health benefits.

• Check for Early Harvest: Oils made from early-harvest green olives contain significantly more polyphenols, resulting in a more robust, bitter, and peppery flavor profile.

• Packaging Matters: Always choose olive oil in dark glass bottles or tins to protect the oil's delicate polyphenols from light degradation.

• Taste the Pungency: A pronounced peppery finish in the throat is a strong indicator of high oleocanthal, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.

• Seek Transparency: Reputable brands provide third-party lab results confirming polyphenol levels, often on their websites or upon request.

• Use Raw or for Light Cooking: To preserve heat-sensitive polyphenols, use high-phenolic oil for finishing dishes or consuming raw, rather than for high-heat frying.

What to Look for in a High Polyphenol Olive Oil

When seeking olive oil with a high polyphenol content, understanding the key indicators can help you make an informed choice. It's not enough to simply grab the first bottle of "extra virgin" you see, as significant variations exist in both quality and polyphenol levels.

Early Harvest and Freshness

The timing of the harvest is one of the most critical factors. Olives harvested earlier in the season, when they are still green, yield less oil but are far richer in polyphenols. These compounds naturally decrease as the fruit ripens. Look for oils with a recent harvest date printed on the bottle, ideally within the last year, to ensure maximum freshness and potency.

Olive Cultivar

Certain olive varieties are genetically predisposed to produce more polyphenols. Notable high-polyphenol cultivars include Koroneiki (Greece), Picual (Spain), Coratina (Italy), and Moraiolo (Italy). While Koroneiki and Picual are widely known, others like the Italian Coratina, used in Extranative's 'Lo Smeraldo', are prized for their intense flavor and high phenolic concentration. Conversely, varieties like Arbequina are generally lower in polyphenols.

Sensory Indicators

Contrary to popular belief, a high-quality, high-polyphenol olive oil is not mild. Its robust sensory profile is a hallmark of its antioxidant content. Expect a noticeable bitterness on the palate and a peppery, pungent finish in the throat, which is caused by the anti-inflammatory compound oleocanthal. The intensity of these sensations can often correlate with higher polyphenol levels.

Lab Testing and Transparency

Reputable producers often provide third-party lab results verifying the polyphenol count, typically measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) or parts per million (ppm). European Union regulations allow a health claim for oils containing at least 250 mg/kg, but many health-focused brands aim for significantly higher, often exceeding 400 mg/kg. Brands that openly share this data demonstrate a commitment to quality.

Proper Packaging

Light, heat, and air are enemies of olive oil, causing delicate polyphenols to degrade over time. The best high-polyphenol oils are packaged in dark glass bottles, tins, or other opaque containers that protect the oil from light exposure. Clear bottles, while visually appealing, offer no protection and are best avoided for high-quality, health-focused oils.

Brands High in Polyphenols: A Comparative Look

Several brands stand out for their dedication to producing olive oils with exceptional polyphenol content. Here is a look at some of the most prominent ones:

Olivea

Olivea consistently ranks among the top for polyphenol content. Their Ultra-High Phenolic EVOO, made from early-harvest Koroneiki olives in Greece, often surpasses 900+ mg/kg of polyphenols and is designed for maximum health benefits. For daily use, their Premium Organic EVOO also features impressive levels around 600+ mg/kg. The company is transparent, providing lab tests and tracing oil provenance from estate to bottle.

Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil

Marketed by Dr. Steven Gundry, this oil is sourced from Moroccan desert groves, where harsh conditions naturally stress the trees to produce higher polyphenols. While the exact levels have been a subject of scrutiny due to marketing claims, it has been lab-tested with contents ranging between 561–612 mg/kg. Its flavor is known for being intensely bitter and robust, suiting those who use it more as a supplement.

Laconiko ZOI

This Greek olive oil is praised for its extremely high polyphenol count, with one batch reported at 1799 mg/kg. Made from Kalamon olives, it is harvested early from sea-facing groves in Greece. Laconiko ZOI has received awards and is highly recommended for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its oleocanthal content.

Quattrociocchi Superbo Organic Olive Oil

A benchmark for Italian ultra-high phenolic oils, Quattrociocchi Superbo is made from organic Moraiolo olives and boasts polyphenols around 800 mg/kg. It is internationally recognized but has a very robust, intense grassy and peppery flavor profile that may be overwhelming for some palates.

Castillo de Canena Family Reserve Picual

Representing Spanish excellence, this award-winning EVOO from Jaén is made from Picual olives, a variety known for its high polyphenols. Its level is around 600 mg/kg, offering a robust flavor that is more balanced than some ultra-bitter oils. While not organic, it comes from a trusted family estate and focuses on traceability.

Morocco Gold

As its name suggests, this brand sources its oil from Morocco, where harsh growing conditions contribute to high polyphenol levels. It is presented as an unblended, unfiltered single-estate oil with superior quality and taste. It offers a robust flavor and is marketed for its significant health benefits.

Honest Toil

Another Greek offering, Honest Toil uses early-harvest, hand-picked Koroneiki olives to produce an unfiltered oil with a polyphenol count around 540 mg/kg. It's a great option for those seeking a robust flavor and significant health benefits from a reputable, smaller producer.

Comparison Table of High Polyphenol Olive Oil Brands

Brand	Reported Polyphenol Level (mg/kg)	Origin	Key Features / Flavor Profile
Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic	900+	Greece (Koroneiki)	Extremely potent, intense peppery kick, transparent lab testing.
Laconiko ZOI	1799	Greece (Kalamon)	Exceptionally high, powerful anti-inflammatory oleocanthal, medicinal quality.
Quattrociocchi Superbo Organic	~800	Italy (Moraiolo)	Award-winning, intense and bold flavor, bitter finish.
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich	561-612	Morocco	Robust, bitter flavor, marketed by celebrity doctor, focuses on hydroxytyrosol.
Castillo de Canena Family Reserve Picual	~600	Spain (Picual)	Robust and fruity, balanced peppery notes, trusted family estate.
Honest Toil	~540	Greece (Koroneiki)	Unfiltered, robust grassy and peppery taste, early harvest.

Benefits of High Polyphenol Olive Oil

The powerful health benefits of olive oil are largely attributed to its high concentration of polyphenols. As natural antioxidants, these compounds neutralize harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and chronic diseases.

Cardiovascular Health

High-polyphenol olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, known for supporting heart health. It can help protect blood lipids from oxidative stress, reduce LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and support healthy blood pressure. The EU officially recognizes this health claim for olive oils with sufficient polyphenol levels.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is linked to many chronic conditions. Compounds like oleocanthal found in high-polyphenol EVOO have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen, providing a natural way to reduce chronic inflammation.

Cognitive Function

Emerging research suggests that polyphenols may offer neuroprotective benefits, helping to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The potent antioxidants help protect brain cells from damage.

Cancer Prevention

Several studies have explored the role of olive oil polyphenols in cancer prevention. By combating oxidative stress, these compounds can reduce the risk of certain cancers, though more research is ongoing. For example, studies have linked oleocanthal-rich oil to the potential to trigger the death of cancer cells.

How to Use High Polyphenol Olive Oil

To get the most health benefits and best flavor from high-polyphenol oil, it's best to use it raw or for light cooking. Drizzling it over salads, soups, finished dishes, or using it as a dipping oil preserves the heat-sensitive polyphenols. While high-quality EVOO can be used for sautéing, using it for high-heat frying may degrade the beneficial compounds. For medicinal purposes, some individuals take a daily spoonful straight to maximize their intake of antioxidants.

Storage Tips

Once you've found a great high-polyphenol olive oil, proper storage is essential to maintain its potency. Always keep the bottle or tin in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This minimizes polyphenol degradation and prolongs the oil's freshness and health benefits.

Conclusion

For those seeking an olive oil rich in healthful compounds, understanding what brand of olive oil is high in polyphenols involves looking beyond the basic labels. Key indicators like early harvest timing, a recent date, opaque packaging, and a robust, peppery taste are all signs of a premium product. Brands like Olivea, Laconiko ZOI, and Quattrociocchi Superbo offer lab-verified, high-phenolic options that deliver significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. By choosing a transparent, quality-focused producer and using the oil correctly, you can ensure you are getting a potent source of nutrition for your kitchen. Investing in a high-polyphenol olive oil means upgrading not just your cooking, but your overall wellness as well.

Visit Olive Oil Times to learn more about selecting high-polyphenol olive oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a high polyphenol count in olive oil?

According to the EU, an olive oil must contain at least 250 mg/kg of polyphenols to be labeled as 'high phenolic'. However, many specialized brands produce oils with significantly higher levels, often exceeding 400 mg/kg.

Does polyphenol content affect the taste of olive oil?

Yes, a high polyphenol content gives the olive oil a more robust, bitter, and pungent or peppery flavor. The distinct peppery kick is particularly associated with oleocanthal, a polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Why is early harvest important for polyphenols?

Polyphenols accumulate in the olive fruit before the oil is fully formed. Early harvest olives, picked while still green, contain a higher concentration of polyphenols than olives harvested when they are fully ripe.

Can I use high polyphenol olive oil for cooking?

High-quality extra virgin olive oil can be used for light cooking like sautéing. However, using it for high-heat frying can degrade some of the beneficial polyphenols. To maximize health benefits, it is best to use it raw or as a finishing oil.

How should I store high polyphenol olive oil?

To preserve its polyphenol content, store your olive oil in a dark, cool place away from heat and light. Opaque bottles or tins are best, as light exposure can cause degradation.

Do all olive oil brands disclose their polyphenol levels?

No, not all brands provide this information. Transparency is often a hallmark of premium, health-focused producers. Look for brands that offer third-party lab testing results for their specific batches.

Are there high polyphenol olive oil brands available at supermarkets?

While most supermarket brands have lower polyphenol levels, some, like Kirkland's or Trader Joe's, have shown higher-than-average counts in some evaluations. However, specialized, boutique brands typically offer the highest and most consistently tested levels.