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What olive oils does whole foods carry?

4 min read

Whole Foods Market is known for its curated selection of high-quality products, and its olive oil aisle is no exception, offering everything from affordable house brands to single-origin premium varieties. This extensive range ensures that shoppers can find an olive oil suited for any culinary application, whether it's for cooking, drizzling, or baking.

Quick Summary

Whole Foods offers a broad assortment of extra virgin olive oils, featuring its versatile 365 brand, California-sourced options like Cobram Estate, and Spanish varieties from Graza. Shoppers can choose from different flavor profiles and origins to match their specific culinary needs.

Key Points

  • 365 Brand is Versatile: The house brand offers reliable, affordable, and versatile extra virgin olive oils for everyday cooking.

  • Specialty Brands Offer Specific Flavors: Premium brands like Graza and Partanna provide unique, targeted flavor profiles for specific cooking and finishing needs.

  • Freshness is Key: Check the harvest date and packaging to ensure the highest quality and freshest oil. Dark bottles protect the oil from light damage.

  • Single-Origin vs. Blends: Whole Foods carries both single-varietal (like Arbequina) and blended oils to suit different flavor preferences and applications.

  • Flavor Profile Dictates Use: Robust, peppery oils are great for finishing, while milder, balanced oils are better for general cooking and baking.

  • Packaging Matters: Packaging in opaque containers like dark glass or cans is crucial for preserving the oil's freshness and beneficial properties.

In This Article

Whole Foods' Own: The 365 by Whole Foods Market Brand

Whole Foods Market's private label, 365 by Whole Foods Market, is a staple of its olive oil selection, offering a reliable and affordable option for everyday cooking. The 365 line includes a variety of extra virgin olive oils, with options for different flavor profiles and uses.

Popular 365 Olive Oil Options

  • 365 by Whole Foods Market Extra Virgin California Olive Oil: A versatile, all-purpose olive oil with a balanced flavor and light, peppery kick. It is unfiltered, giving it a slightly cloudy appearance and a more robust, olive-forward aroma. Food & Wine magazine highlighted its versatility for cooking, roasting, baking, and dressings.
  • 365 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Arbequina: This single-varietal oil is known for its pleasantly fruity aroma and moderate peppery notes. It is best used for applications with minimal heat, such as drizzling over vegetables or finishing dishes.
  • 365 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Koroneiki: For those who prefer a more robust flavor, this oil offers a bold olive taste with a pronounced peppery finish. It pairs well with rustic greens and is an ideal choice for preparing fish.
  • 365 Extra Virgin Mediterranean Olive Oil: A balanced blend that is suitable for general cooking. It's available in several sizes, offering a good value for frequent users.

A Guide to Specialty and Premium Olive Oil Brands

Beyond its house brand, Whole Foods stocks a curated selection of highly-regarded specialty and premium olive oils from around the world. These options often feature more distinct flavor profiles and unique origins.

Prominent Brands at Whole Foods

  • Graza: Known for its innovative squeeze bottle packaging and specific oils for different uses, Graza is a popular choice. Their Sizzle oil is a golden-hued, mild, and smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking, while their Drizzle is a more robust, finishing oil.
  • Cobram Estate: This brand specializes in California-grown olive oils, offering a fresh, balanced, and sometimes herbaceous product. The California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an everyday favorite, noted for its well-balanced flavor and utility.
  • Partanna: A Sicilian brand with a rich tradition, Partanna offers a robust olive oil with hints of almonds and a lingering peppery finish. It is a versatile choice for sautéing, stir-frying, and baking.
  • Bono Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As a family-owned Sicilian brand, Bono provides an extra virgin olive oil with vibrant fruity notes and a satisfying peppery finish. It is a frequent award winner and a great option for enhancing gourmet dishes.
  • Frankies 457 Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Sourced from Sicilian olives, this bold and nutty oil is particularly well-suited for cooking and adding a kick to dishes.

How to Select the Right Olive Oil for Your Needs

Navigating the olive oil aisle can be overwhelming, but understanding a few key terms and features will help you make an informed decision:

  • Extra Virgin (EVOO): This is the highest grade of olive oil, produced by cold-pressing olives without the use of heat or chemical treatments. This process preserves the oil's antioxidants and superior flavor. Whole Foods primarily focuses on EVOO.
  • Harvest Date: Look for the harvest date on the bottle to ensure freshness. Fresher oil contains more polyphenols and flavor. For most recent oil, look for a harvest date within the last year or two.
  • Packaging: Choose olive oil in dark glass bottles or opaque cans. Light is a significant enemy of olive oil and can cause it to degrade and go rancid more quickly.
  • Origin: Consider single-origin versus blended oils. Single-origin oils come from a specific country or region and offer a more distinct, consistent flavor profile. Blends can offer a good value and a more neutral taste.

Whole Foods Olive Oil Comparison Table

Brand Origin Flavor Profile Recommended Use Best For Price Point
365 by Whole Foods Market EVOO, California California, USA Balanced, fresh, with a light peppery kick Cooking, roasting, baking, dressings All-purpose cooking Affordable
Graza Sizzle EVOO Jaén, Spain Mild, smooth, fruity, and floral Cooking, high-volume frying Everyday cooking Mid-range
Graza Drizzle EVOO Jaén, Spain Robust, intense, fruity, and floral Finishing, sauces, dipping Drizzling and finishing Mid-range
Cobram Estate California Select EVOO Sacramento, California, USA Herbaceous, nutty, fresh, and silky Everyday cooking and dipping Everyday cooking Mid-range
Partanna Sicilian Organic EVOO Sicily, Italy Robust, hints of almond, peppery finish Cooking, baking, sautéing High-flavor dishes Mid-to-high

Conclusion

Whole Foods offers a comprehensive selection of olive oils catering to various needs and budgets. From the versatile and reliable 365 brand to premium, single-origin options like Bono and Cobram Estate, shoppers can find a high-quality product. To make the best choice, consider the olive oil's intended use, freshness indicators like the harvest date, and the protective quality of its packaging. The extensive range ensures both the casual cook and the gourmet enthusiast will be satisfied with their options for this staple pantry ingredient.

For further guidance on tasting and selecting quality olive oils, the Olive Wellness Institute offers helpful resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 365 by Whole Foods Market Extra Virgin California Olive Oil is often cited as a versatile and balanced option for everyday cooking. Graza Sizzle is another popular choice for general-purpose use.

The peppery, tingling sensation at the back of your throat is caused by polyphenols, which are antioxidants naturally present in fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A slight burn is often an indicator of freshness and quality.

Yes, the 365 by Whole Foods Market extra virgin olive oils are generally considered good quality, especially given their price point. They offer different flavor profiles, including single-varietal options, and are packaged in protective dark glass bottles.

Graza Sizzle is designed for cooking and has a milder, more neutral flavor, making it suitable for high-volume cooking. Drizzle is meant for finishing, with a more robust, complex flavor profile for adding to dishes at the end.

Yes, Whole Foods offers several single-origin olive oils, including varieties under its own 365 brand, like the Arbequina and Koroneiki options. Other brands, such as Bono, also offer single-origin selections.

When shopping, check for a harvest date to ensure freshness, opt for dark glass bottles or cans to protect against light, and choose extra virgin (EVOO) for the most flavor and health benefits. Consider your intended use, whether for high-heat cooking or finishing.

While extra virgin olive oil is safe for most household cooking temperatures, it has a lower smoke point than refined oils. It is best used for sautéing, roasting, and finishing dishes rather than very high-heat searing.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.