What is Steven Gundry's Recommended Olive Oil?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Dr. Gundry, many supermarket olive oils have low polyphenol counts, which is why he recommends his own line of highly concentrated, polyphenol-rich olive oil. This emphasis on high polyphenol content is a core tenet of his dietary advice, particularly for followers of his Plant Paradox diet.

Quick Summary

Dr. Steven Gundry recommends his own Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil, sourced from Moroccan olives, due to its exceptionally high antioxidant levels. He champions high-polyphenol olive oil for heart, gut, and overall health, while alternatives like Desert Miracle Olive Oil offer a similar product for less.

Key Points

Gundry MD Olive Oil: Dr. Steven Gundry explicitly recommends his own brand, Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil, which is sourced from Moroccan olives cultivated in a harsh desert climate.
High Polyphenol Content: The core principle of Gundry's recommendation is the high level of polyphenols, particularly hydroxytyrosol, for maximum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Bitter and Peppery Taste: The intense, robust flavor and peppery bite or throat irritation is a sign of high polyphenol content and desired potency.
Consider Alternatives: Other brands, notably Desert Miracle Ultra-Premium EVOO, offer the same Moroccan-sourced product at a lower price point and in larger quantities.
Look for Quality Indicators: To find suitable high-polyphenol oils, look for extra virgin, early harvest, cold-pressed oils packaged in dark glass, and consider brands that provide lab-tested polyphenol counts.
Use as a Supplement or Finishing Oil: Due to its potency, high-polyphenol oil is best consumed as a daily 'shot' or drizzled over finished dishes to preserve its beneficial compounds.

The Core of Dr. Gundry's Olive Oil Philosophy

Dr. Steven Gundry, a former cardiac surgeon and author of The Plant Paradox, advocates for a high intake of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) rich in polyphenols. He emphasizes the role of these antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress, supporting cardiovascular health, and promoting gut health. He sees the bitter and peppery taste of high-polyphenol oil as an indicator of its potency.

To ensure a high polyphenol content, Dr. Gundry developed his own product, Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil. This oil is marketed as having significantly more hydroxytyrosol polyphenols than standard oils, attributed to the unique growing conditions of olives in Moroccan desert groves. These conditions are thought to increase the olives' nutrient density.

Characteristics of Gundry MD's Olive Oil

Gundry MD's Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is characterized by its high levels of hydroxytyrosol, its sourcing from specific Moroccan desert groves, and its cold-pressed extraction method. The high polyphenol content results in an intense, peppery flavor. Dr. Gundry suggests consuming it daily by the tablespoon or using it as a finishing oil.

More Affordable Alternatives to Gundry's Oil

While Gundry's olive oil has specific sourcing and branding, other high-polyphenol EVOOs are available. Some sources suggest that Gundry's oil is similar to or a rebranded version of another Moroccan oil.

Desert Miracle Ultra-Premium EVOO: This Moroccan oil, also sourced from desert groves, is reported to be the same product as Gundry MD's but is available in larger sizes and at a lower price point from retailers like Olive Oil of the World.
Atlas Organic EVOO: Another organic option from Morocco, sourced from olives grown in the Atlas Mountains, known for their high polyphenol content due to the environment.
Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic Olive Oil: A Greek EVOO alternative offering very high polyphenol levels (often 900+ mg/kg) and third-party lab testing.
Quattrociocchi Superbo Organic: An Italian organic olive oil recognized for its strong flavor and high antioxidants.

Comparing Olive Oils: Gundry MD vs. High-Phenolic Alternatives


Feature	Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil	Desert Miracle Ultra-Premium EVOO	Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic EVOO
Sourcing	Moroccan desert groves	Moroccan desert groves	Messinia, Greece (Koroneiki olives)
Production	Cold-pressed, USDA Organic	Cold-pressed, USDA Organic	Cold-pressed, Lab-Tested, Organic
Polyphenol Content	561–612 mg/kg (independently tested)	High, often exceeding other Moroccan oils	900+ mg/kg (independently verified)
Price	Premium ($50+ per 8.5 oz bottle)	More affordable (approx. $45 per 17 oz)	Premium ($80+ per 250ml)
Availability	Online through Gundry MD and Amazon	Online through Olive Oil of the World	Online and specialty shops
Flavor	Bold, peppery, intense, and robust	Robust, nutty, and well-balanced	Robust with a peppery kick
Transparency	Lacks public lab certification; relies on brand claims	Sourced and tested by Olive Oil of the World	Provides specific polyphenol counts and lab reports

How to Select a High-Polyphenol Olive Oil

To choose a high-quality olive oil that aligns with Dr. Gundry's principles, look for 'Extra Virgin' and a recent harvest date. Packaging should be dark to protect against light degradation. Ensure it is 'Cold-Pressed' to preserve compounds and consider varietals known for high polyphenols like Koroneiki or Picual. A peppery or bitter taste is a good sign of high polyphenol content. For the most assurance, seek out brands that provide third-party lab testing results for polyphenol levels.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Steven Gundry's recommended olive oil is his own high-polyphenol Gundry MD brand, sourced from Moroccan olives. However, the core of his recommendation is the high polyphenol content, which is available in other quality EVOOs. Consumers can find similar health benefits by choosing extra virgin, early harvest, cold-pressed oils in dark packaging. Alternatives like Desert Miracle offer a similar product to Gundry MD at a lower price, and others like Olivea provide lab-verified polyphenol levels for transparency. By focusing on quality indicators rather than just brand name, you can incorporate potent olive oil into your diet to support health.

High Polyphenol Olive Oil Health Benefits

High-polyphenol olive oil is linked to several health advantages:

Supports heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol and blood flow.
Offers anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce joint discomfort due to compounds like oleocanthal.
Beneficial for gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria.
Provides strong antioxidant protection against oxidative stress.
May contribute to improved brain function and clarity.
Can potentially enhance skin hydration and appearance.
Helps support the immune system.
Can aid in weight management due to healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gundry MD's Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil is unique due to its high concentration of polyphenols, specifically hydroxytyrosol, derived from Moroccan olive trees grown in a challenging desert environment. The stress from these growing conditions is said to increase the fruit's nutrient density, and it is a cold-pressed, USDA-organic product.

Yes, sources indicate that Gundry MD's olive oil is a private-labeled version of Desert Miracle Ultra-Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil. You can purchase the Desert Miracle brand from retailers like Olive Oil of the World, often in a larger bottle and at a lower price than Gundry's branded version.

The bitter and peppery taste, along with a burning sensation in the throat, is an indicator of a high concentration of polyphenols, especially oleocanthal. Dr. Gundry views this flavor as a sign of the oil's potency and beneficial compounds.

High-polyphenol olive oil is associated with numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, boosting gut health, enhancing mental clarity, and providing potent antioxidant protection. These benefits come from the oil's rich content of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats.

When shopping, look for Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a recent harvest date, often labeled 'early harvest'. The oil should be in a dark glass bottle or tin to protect it from light and heat. Look for reputable brands that offer transparent information on their sourcing and preferably have lab-tested polyphenol levels.

Yes, certain Moroccan olive oils are highly regarded for their high polyphenol content, largely due to the specific olive varieties and the arid desert climate they are grown in. This challenging environment prompts the olives to produce more antioxidants.

For maximum health benefits, Dr. Gundry recommends taking a daily 'shot' of the oil or using it as a finishing drizzle on food. This helps preserve the delicate polyphenols, as heating the oil can degrade some of its compounds.