Asda's Greek Olive Oil Triumphs as Best for 2026 in Independent Taste Test
Olive oil remains an indispensable staple in kitchens across the nation, used for everything from dressing fresh salads to enhancing gourmet dishes. However, navigating the crowded supermarket shelves filled with numerous brands and varieties can often feel overwhelming for consumers seeking quality.
Comprehensive Taste Test Reveals Clear Winner
A food critic from The Independent recently conducted an extensive taste test to identify the finest extra virgin olive oils available in 2026. The evaluation involved sampling both supermarket own-label products and several well-known non-supermarket brands through a rigorous "sipping and dipping" process.
The standout victor emerged as Asda Extra Special Greek Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which retails at £8 for a bottle. This product is crafted from 100% Greek olives and features a ripe, fruity profile complemented by subtle spicy notes. The critic praised its depth and intensity, describing it as fruity, slightly creamy, with bitter and nutty undertones, and a hint of peppery finish reminiscent of rocket.
Notably, this Asda offering is £2 cheaper than Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which costs £10. The critic highlighted the bottle's distinctive blue marbled label as a visual standout among typically green-labelled competitors, adding to its appeal.
Runner-Up and Other Notable Contenders
Securing second place in the taste test was Aldi Specially Selected P. D. O Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil, priced at £5.49. Third position went to Belazu Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil at £13.50, with Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil following closely behind in fourth place.
This result aligns with previous evaluations; last year, a senior lifestyle reporter conducted her own olive oil tasting and awarded the Asda variety eight out of ten points. She noted its crisp herbal and tomato plant notes, along with a lingering peppery finish, making it an excellent choice for everyday cooking and salad dressings.
However, that same reporter crowned Waitrose Extra Virgin Olive Oil as her top pick with a perfect ten out of ten, praising its subtle spiciness and silky aftertaste, though she mentioned its higher price point of £8.50 per litre as a drawback.
Expert Advice on Selecting Premium Olive Oil
Mazen Assaf, an olive oil sommelier and founder of The Olive Oil Guy, emphasises that price should not be the sole factor when choosing olive oil. In an interview with the Express, he provided key tips for consumers:
- Opt for bottles packaged in tin or dark glass to protect against heat, oxygen, and light, which can degrade flavour and health benefits.
- Choose single-origin oils from specific regions, such as Sparta in Greece, and avoid vague blends labelled as "EU and Non-EU."
- Look for the olive variety stated on the label, as there are over 1,600 varieties worldwide, each offering unique flavours. This detail can indicate greater authenticity and quality.
Assaf's guidance underscores the importance of informed purchasing decisions to ensure both taste and nutritional value are preserved in this essential kitchen ingredient.
