Award-Winning vs. Everyday Olive Oil: What's the Difference?

At Oliveto Imports, we specialise in sourcing and supplying premium extra virgin olive oil (premium EVOO) directly from renowned producers in Sardinia. But with so many olive oils on the shelves; from basic supermarket bottles to exclusive award-winning selections; how can you tell the difference? More importantly, why should it matter?

Let’s delve into what truly sets the award-winning premium EVOO we supply apart from your everyday bottle and why discerning chefs, food lovers, and health-conscious consumers are making the switch to oils that reflect quality, integrity, and flavour.

The Olive Oil Spectrum: Not All Oils Are Created Equal

Olive oil is often marketed as a healthy, flavourful alternative to processed fats and rightly so. However, within the olive oil category lies a broad quality spectrum. While all olive oil may start with olives, the end product can vary dramatically depending on how those olives are harvested, processed, stored, and transported.

At the top of this spectrum is premium extra virgin olive oil; the highest standard of quality, flavour, and purity. At the bottom are highly refined oils that, although labelled “olive oil,” often bear little resemblance to the frzit they came from.

Award-Winning Olive Oil: Hallmarks of Excellence

What qualifies an olive oil as “award-winning”? It’s not just about branding or pretty packaging. International competitions, such as the New York International Olive Oil Competition or the London IOOC, judge oils based on strict chemical and sensory criteria.

To even be considered, an oil must be certified Extra Virgin, which means it is extracted mechanically; without chemicals or heat; and meets strict standards for low acidity, peroxide levels, and sensory purity. Beyond that, judges look for complexity, balance, and freshness in the aroma and flavour profile.

The premium EVOO we supply at Oliveto Imports comes from multi-award-winning producers San Giuliano whose oils consistently perform at the highest levels in international taste and quality competitions. 

Everyday Olive Oil: Convenience, But at a Cost

Everyday olive oil, typically found on supermarket shelves, is made to serve the mass market. It may be labelled as “extra virgin,” but often lacks proper traceability or quality control. Many such oils have been found to contain blends of lower-grade oils or may be degraded by improper storage or delayed processing.

Unfortunately, this means that much of what consumers think of as “extra virgin” may not meet the true definition. These oils are usually made from bulk-harvested olives, stored in large containers, and processed with speed and scale in mind; which often compromises their freshness and nutritional value.

While they might serve a purpose in day-to-day cooking, they do not offer the health benefits, flavour complexity, or culinary elegance of genuine premium extra virgin olive oil.

The Flavour Factor: Tasting the Difference

One of the most immediate differences between award-winning Premium EVOO and generic olive oil is taste.

Premium EVOO, such as that we supply, typically presents:

• Fresh, fruity notes - From green tomato and artichoke to ripe banana and apple
  

• Bitterness and pepperiness -  A sign of healthy polyphenols
  

• Balanced, complex flavour - Without any muddiness or rancidity
  

Everyday oils, by contrast, are often flat, greasy, or even stale; lacking the brightness and nuance that characterises high-quality oils.

At Oliveto Imports, we encourage customers to treat olive oil like wine. Just as you'd select a particular vintage to pair with your dish, choosing the right olive oil can elevate your cooking from good to gourmet.

Health Benefits: Potency Matters

Premium EVOO isn’t just delicious; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Because our oils are sourced from producers who cold-press their olives within hours of harvest, they retain a much higher concentration of polyphenols and antioxidants.

These natural compounds have been shown to:

• Reduce inflammation
  

• Improve cardiovascular health
  

• Support brain function
  

• Protect against oxidative stress
  

Everyday olive oils, especially those that are refined or degraded, lose much of this natural goodness during processing. When it comes to health, the quality of your olive oil is just as important as the quantity.

Sustainability and Ethics: Know Your Source

At Oliveto Imports, we are committed to working only with producers who respect the land, the trees, and the people involved in their cultivation. Our partners follow organic farming principles, harvesting by hand as well as mechanically and using modern state-of-the-art milling methods, including using ultrasounds, that preserve both the olives’ flavour and the environment.

We believe that by choosing premium extra virgin olive oil, our customers are not only investing in better taste and nutrition but also supporting small-scale, ethical farming communities across Sardinia.

How to Choose the Right Olive Oil for You

When shopping for olive oil, here are a few tips to help you spot a true premium product:

• Look for harvest and bottling dates - Freshness is key.
  

• Check for origin traceability - Single-origin or estate-bottled oils offer better quality control.
  

• Choose dark bottles - To protect the oil from light and oxidation.

• Read reviews or awards - Reputable competitions signal quality.
  

And of course, when in doubt don’t hesitate to ask us! We’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect oil for their needs, whether it’s for drizzling over burrata, finishing a grilled steak, or simply dipping with crusty bread.