The Best Olive Oils

What’s the best bottle for your money? Real Simple staffers and Nicholas Coleman, the chief olive-oil specialist at Eataly, New York City’s Italian-food mecca, sampled nearly 100 to find out.
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For Cooking

Jens Mortensen

Mild and versatile, these won’t overwhelm your ingredients.


Best Budget

California Olive Ranch Fresh California Extra Virgin
This all-American pick wowed testers with its smooth, subtle taste—think gentle apple notes with a hint of spice.

To buy: $9 for 500 milliliters, at supermarkets.

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Best Midprice

Jens Mortensen

Academia Barilla 100 Percent Organic Extra Virgin
Creamy and balanced, it’s as close as you can get to eating a bowl of fat, juicy green olives.

To buy: $14 for 500 milliliters, at supermarkets.

3 of 6

For Drizzling

Jens Mortensen

Rich and nuanced, these add flavor to salads and finished dishes.


Best Budget

Partanna Sicilian Extra Virgin 
This buttery, unfiltered selection is sold in a large, budget-friendly tin. Use it over grilled vegetables and fish.

To buy: $15 for 1 liter, at Whole Foods Markets and specialty food stores.

 

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Best Midprice

Jens Mortensen

Nuñez de Prado Extra Virgin
A knockout: Prepare for bright, clear notes of mint and citrus with mild toasted-walnut undertones. Perfect on pasta.

To buy: $14 for 500 milliliters, at supermarkets.

5 of 6

Best Splurge

Jens Mortensen

Lungarotti DOP Umbria
This winner starts with a tart burst, slides into a grassy sweetness, and finishes with a refreshing, peppery bite.

To buy: $25 for 250 milliliters, hausfortuna.com.

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