10 Iconic Olive Oil Brands & 10 Underdogs You’ve Never Tried Before
The Old And Bold
Long before squeeze bottles and wellness shots, olive oil earned its status through tradition and trust. Certain producers spent decades—sometimes centuries—perfecting their craft, quietly becoming household essentials. Their bottles crossed oceans, fueled family recipes, and defined Mediterranean flavor for the world. Others are far newer, emerging with fresh ideas and bold philosophies that challenge tradition while honoring the same ingredient. Before we explore the bold newcomers reshaping olive oil today, let’s start with the iconic brands that built the foundation and set the standard for everything that followed.
1. Bertolli
Tuscany's sun-drenched groves have nurtured Bertolli since 1865. Americans fell in love with Italian olive oil when this brand first shipped bottles stateside in 1875. Its balanced, rich flavor continues to define what great olive oil should taste like.
2. Filippo Berio
Earning his first award at Lyon's 1872 fair launched Filippo Berio's legacy. The Lucca native founded his brand in 1867, focusing on fruity, balanced extra virgin varieties. Over 150 years later, his name still means quality on kitchen shelves everywhere.
LAUICKWUIR loopwourawoe 01 on Wikimedia
3. Lucini
Lucini’s signature minerality traces back to 1923, born from volcanic Sicilian soil. California Olive Ranch now stewards this Italian estate brand and maintains its grassy and artisanal character. Chefs reach for these complex oils when ordinary just won't enhance their Mediterranean creations.
4. Pompeian
Baltimore became an unexpected olive oil hub when Pompeian started in 1906. Blending Italian heritage with American innovation has always been their approach. Their 2023 Sustainably Grown certification proves that eco-friendly practices and smooth, versatile flavor work beautifully together.
5. Goya
Trust in Goya’s Spanish‑sourced oils began in 1936 among Latin American families. Recipes passed through generations feature these authentic blends in everything from sofrito to salads. The Único premium line highlights the brand's commitment to old-world standards.
6. Gallo
Mild, nutty flavor defines Portugal's Gallo, family-run since 1919. Iberian kitchens wouldn't be complete without its gentle taste anchoring traditional dishes. The innovative bio variant shows this century-old brand knows how to honor roots while embracing modern values.
7. Terra Delyssa
North African heritage meets global standards through Terra Delyssa's Tunisian roots from the 1950s. Date-coded freshness and organic certification distinguish every bottle. Its smooth, exotic taste brings Mediterranean sunshine directly to your pantry.
8. Colavita
Family tradition drove this Molise brand's 1938 founding. The 1970s saw Colavita revolutionize American gourmet stores, introducing premium Italian oil to curious shoppers. Williams Sonoma store customers discovered its strong and peppery kick—and the olive oil craze began spreading nationwide.
9. Bono
Val di Mazara's volcanic terroir makes Bono special—and has since 1934. This Sicilian family's PDO-certified approach creates distinctive mineral notes rarely found elsewhere. Small-batch dedication beats mass production when flavor matters most to discerning cooks.
Rino Porrovecchio from Palermo, Italy on Wikimedia
10. Cobram Estate
Australian innovation shook up the olive oil world in 1998. Cobram Estate's fresh, peppery profile surprised traditionalists during blind tastings against European classics. Organic farming methods and herbaceous character prove New World producers create excellence worth celebrating.
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1. Graza
Squeeze bottles changed everything when Graza launched in 2021. Their "Sizzle" and "Drizzle" varieties made olive oil approachable and actually fun to use. No more awkward pouring—just grab, squeeze, and cook like you're decorating a cake with liquid gold.
2. Brightland
Aishwarya Iyer founded Brightland in 2018, transforming California olives into luxury. The artful bottles look stunning on countertops, which makes them perfect gifts for food lovers. Awake and Alive varieties have earned serious recognition for flavor that matches their Instagram-worthy packaging.
3. Wonder Valley
California's desert landscape inspired Wonder Valley's artisanal approach starting in 2014. Rosemary-infused variants add an herbal twist that enriches simple dishes instantly. This small-batch producer connects wellness culture with genuinely delicious, thoughtfully crafted oils.
4. Kosterina
Greek Koroneiki olives have been packed in Kosterina's bottles since 2016, bringing serious antioxidant power. Nutritionist Katina Mountanos created this brand specifically for wellness enthusiasts who take daily olive oil shots. Health-focused doesn't mean boring—the strong flavor works beautifully for cooking too.
5. Flamingo Estate
An LA garden produces Flamingo Estate's ultra-luxury oils, launched in 2020. Celebrity endorsements and honey pairings have made these bottles coveted gifts. The wellness-focused approach transforms everyday drizzling into something that feels special and indulgent.
6. Immortal Provisions
Ancient Spanish groves over 2,000 years old have supplied Immortal Provisions since 2022. The name promises eternal health through pure, potent oils from trees older than empires. These ancient roots create flavor intensity rarely found in modern commercial production.
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7. Oliva Dorado
Spanish organic farming defines Oliva Dorado's "Golden Olive" philosophy from 2019. Chemical-free cultivation preserves the fruity character that mass production often destroys. MAHA approval confirms their commitment to purity and traditional methods that honor the land.
8. Selo
Croatian coastlines give Selo's oils distinctive briny notes since this family revived production in 2018. Dalmatian heritage flows through every bottle from their seaside groves. The coastal terroir creates flavors that transport you straight to the Adriatic with each taste.
9. Frankie's 457
Grandma Francesca inspired this Sicilian single-source brand launched in 2015. Personal family stories accompany every bottle, connecting buyers to generations of tradition. The authentic approach and storytelling make each drizzle feel like joining someone's cherished family dinner.
10. Nova Vera
Turkish Memecik olives were nearly forgotten until Nova Vera revived them in 2017. Ancient cultivation methods create oils potent enough for health shots yet smooth for everyday cooking. This underdog proves Turkey deserves recognition alongside Greece and Italy in olive oil excellence.
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