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.