Which brands of olive oil have the most polyphenols?

According to studies, olive oils harvested early from specific varietals can contain over ten times the polyphenol content of standard supermarket options. This makes brand selection crucial for those who prioritize health benefits, but identifying which brands of olive oil have the most polyphenols can be challenging without expert guidance.

Quick Summary

This article explores the top brands of olive oil with the highest polyphenol counts, highlighting specific producers and factors that influence antioxidant levels. It compares leading options from various regions, detailing their potency and flavor profiles for health-conscious consumers.

Key Points

• Atsas Organic EVOO has the highest polyphenol count: Regularly testing over 2000 mg/kg, this Cypriot oil is best treated as a health supplement due to its extremely intense, bitter taste.

• Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic EVOO offers exceptional potency with balance: With verified counts over 900 mg/kg, this Greek brand provides a high polyphenol dose in a more palatable, robust flavor profile.

• Specific olive varietals are key for high polyphenols: Look for oils made from Koroneiki (Greece), Picual (Spain), Moraiolo (Italy), or Coratina (Italy) olives, as they naturally have higher phenolic content.

• Early harvest and cold-pressing are crucial for retention: These production methods ensure the maximum amount of polyphenols are preserved in the finished oil, contributing to a robust flavor.

• Transparency is important for verifying polyphenol levels: The most reliable brands provide independent, third-party lab results and harvest dates to prove their product's potency and freshness.

• Oleoestepa “Egregio” Organic EVOO offers excellent value: This Spanish cooperative delivers a verified high polyphenol count (~780 mg/kg) at a more accessible mid-range price point.

Understanding Polyphenols in Olive Oil

Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in olives that are responsible for extra virgin olive oil's characteristic peppery, bitter flavors. They are also powerful antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress. The concentration of these compounds is not uniform across all olive oils and is influenced by several factors: olive variety, harvest time, climate, processing methods, and storage.

For an olive oil to qualify for an EU health claim regarding polyphenols, it must contain at least 250 mg/kg of these compounds. However, the top brands can contain two to four times that amount or more.

Factors Influencing High Polyphenol Content

• Early Harvest: Olives harvested while still green and unripe contain significantly higher concentrations of polyphenols. These oils tend to have a more robust, pungent, and peppery flavor profile.
• Olive Variety: Certain olive varietals are naturally richer in polyphenols. The Coratina (Italy), Koroneiki (Greece), Picual (Spain), and Moraiolo (Italy) are renowned for their high phenolic content.
• Cold-Pressing: This method of extraction minimizes heat exposure, which helps to preserve the heat-sensitive polyphenols. Trustworthy brands will specify 'cold-pressed' or 'cold-extracted' on the label.
• Terroir: The geographical region, climate, and soil conditions where olives are grown can impact polyphenol levels, as trees under stress often produce more protective antioxidants.
• Packaging and Storage: Light, heat, and oxygen degrade polyphenols over time. High-quality oils are bottled in dark glass or metal tins to protect the oil's integrity.

Top Brands with High Polyphenol Counts

When searching for a high-polyphenol olive oil, it is essential to look for producers who test and publish their lab results. Here are some of the leading brands known for their high phenolic content:

• Atsas Organic EVOO (Cyprus): Known for holding world-record levels of polyphenols, often exceeding 2000 mg/kg, Atsas is essentially an olive oil supplement with an extremely potent, medicinal flavor. It is not a versatile culinary oil due to its intense bitterness.
• Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic EVOO (Greece): Regularly testing above 900 mg/kg, this Koroneiki olive oil is produced in small batches by experts, including a Harvard-trained cardiologist. It offers exceptional potency with a robust but balanced flavor.
• Frantoio Muraglia (Italy): The Rainbow Tin variety from this Italian producer, made from Coratina olives, has been recorded with a polyphenol count of 1748 mg/kg in recent harvests. Coratina olives are known for their naturally high phenolic content.
• Olio Guglielmi Fior D'O Novelo (Italy): An unfiltered Italian oil from the first harvest, this brand has demonstrated polyphenol counts of 987 mg/kg. It is lauded for its fresh, creamy flavor.
• Quattrociocchi Superbo Organic (Italy): An award-winning oil from Lazio, Italy, made from Moraiolo olives, which typically yields an ultra-high polyphenol content of around 800 mg/kg.
• Oleoestepa “Egregio” Organic EVOO (Spain): This D.O.P. certified Spanish cooperative oil, a blend of Hojiblanca and Picual, offers an outstanding value with high phenolic content, around 780 mg/kg.
• Laudemio Frescobaldi EVOO (Italy): A consortium-certified Tuscan oil from the Frescobaldi family estate, known for its high polyphenol levels, estimated around 650 mg/kg.
• Castillo de Canena Family Reserve Picual (Spain): Sourced from Spanish Picual olives, this brand provides an impressive polyphenol content of approximately 600 mg/kg, though exact lab results may not be publicly advertised.
• Olivea Premium Organic EVOO (Greece): A more approachable, everyday option from Olivea, still delivering a high phenolic content of 600+ mg/kg.
• Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil (Morocco): Marketed for its high hydroxytyrosol content, independent tests have shown total phenolic content in the 561–612 mg/kg range.

Comparison Table of High Polyphenol Olive Oil Brands

Brand & Oil	Polyphenol Content (mg/kg)	Origin	Key Features
Atsas Organic EVOO	>2000	Cyprus	Extreme potency, very bitter.
Frantoio Muraglia (Rainbow Tin)	1748	Italy (Puglia)	Coratina olive varietal, intensely fruity.
Olio Guglielmi Fior D'O Novelo	987	Italy (Puglia)	Fresh, unfiltered, creamy consistency.
Olivea Ultra-High Phenolic EVOO	>900	Greece (Messinia)	Lab-tested transparency, balanced flavor.
Quattrociocchi Superbo Organic	~800	Italy (Lazio)	Award-winning, robust and intense flavor.
Oleoestepa “Egregio” Organic EVOO	~780	Spain (Andalusia)	Exceptional value for high phenolic levels.
Laudemio Frescobaldi EVOO	~650	Italy (Tuscany)	Historic estate, complex and elegant flavor.
Castillo de Canena Family Reserve Picual	~600	Spain (Andalusia)	Estate-bottled Picual olives, robust and balanced.
Olivea Premium Organic EVOO	>600	Greece (Messinia)	Everyday high polyphenol option, USDA organic.
Gundry MD Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil	561–612	Morocco	Wellness-focused, promotes high hydroxytyrosol.
Apollo Mistral Organic Olive Oil	~500	USA (California)	Domestic, vacuum-milled, bold flavor.

How to Choose the Right High Polyphenol Olive Oil

Selecting the best high-polyphenol olive oil depends on a balance of factors, including taste preference, intended use, and budget. While some oils offer maximum potency, others are more balanced for everyday culinary use. Here are some steps to guide your choice:

1. Prioritize Transparency: Brands that provide third-party lab testing and harvest dates on their bottles or websites offer the most assurance regarding polyphenol content. This data confirms the oil's potency and freshness.
2. Match Flavor to Use: A general rule is that the stronger the peppery finish and bitterness, the higher the polyphenol count. If you plan to take a small spoonful daily for maximum benefits, an oil like Atsas might be suitable despite its intense flavor. For everyday cooking and dressing, a more balanced high-phenolic oil like Olivea Premium Organic or Oleoestepa “Egregio” is more versatile.
3. Consider Packaging: Always choose oils in dark glass bottles or tins. This protects the light-sensitive polyphenols from degradation and ensures the oil's quality for longer.
4. Factor in Price: High polyphenol, early-harvest olive oils command a higher price due to lower yield and meticulous production. Some brands, such as Oleoestepa, offer better value for money by balancing price and potency.
5. Look Beyond Certification: While certifications like USDA Organic or DOP provide assurance of quality and origin, they do not guarantee exceptionally high polyphenol levels. Always check for specific polyphenol data from the producer.

Conclusion

While many high-quality olive oils exist, the search for those with the most polyphenols requires looking beyond standard supermarket offerings. Brands like Atsas, Olivea, and Frantoio Muraglia consistently report the highest levels of these beneficial antioxidants, with independent lab testing to back their claims. The ultimate choice depends on your specific goals, whether it's maximizing health benefits, enjoying a robust flavor profile, or finding a balance for everyday use. By understanding the factors that influence polyphenol content and prioritizing transparent, lab-tested brands, consumers can make informed decisions to enhance their health through high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

For more detailed information on the health benefits of polyphenols, you can read more here: Best High Polyphenol Olive Oil | Cold-Pressed EVOO - MasWorth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a high polyphenol count for olive oil?

A polyphenol count of over 250 mg/kg is required to qualify for an EU health claim. However, many top brands exceed this significantly, with premium oils often ranging from 500 mg/kg to over 2000 mg/kg.

How can I tell if an olive oil has a high polyphenol content just by tasting it?

A high polyphenol count is often indicated by a distinct peppery finish that causes a stinging or coughing sensation in the throat, as well as a noticeable bitterness. These are natural signs of potent antioxidants.

Does polyphenol content decrease over time?

Yes, polyphenol levels naturally diminish over time, particularly with exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. This is why fresh, recently harvested oils stored in dark, opaque containers are recommended for maximum benefit.

Can I find high polyphenol olive oil at a regular grocery store?

While some grocery store brands may meet the minimum EU health claim threshold, the ultra-high polyphenol oils from specialized, artisanal producers are typically found online or at dedicated gourmet shops. You should always check for specific lab-tested data.

Are all extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) high in polyphenols?

No, not all EVOOs have high polyphenol levels. The concentration depends heavily on the olive varietal, harvest time, and processing methods. Early harvest, single-varietal oils from specific regions are more likely to have higher counts than mass-produced blends.

Is it worth paying more for a high polyphenol olive oil?

For those prioritizing the health benefits of olive oil, such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the higher price for a lab-tested, high-phenolic oil is often considered a worthwhile investment. For cooking where nuanced flavor is less critical, a moderately high polyphenol oil may suffice.

Do cooking methods affect the polyphenol content?

Yes. Heat can degrade polyphenols, so for maximum health benefits, it's best to use high-polyphenol olive oils for finishing dishes, in dressings, or consuming them raw. Lighter sautéing is acceptable, but high-heat frying should be avoided.