6 Ways to Spot Fake Olive Oil

Label Verification

Ensure it’s labeled ‘extra-virgin’; labels with ‘virgin’, ‘light’, ‘pure’, or just ‘olive oil’ may indicate lower quality.

Seek Harvest Information

Look for the ‘harvest date’ and producer or mill name; these specifics indicate authenticity and quality.

Details Matter

Check for specifics like olive variety, producer/estate names, and the free fatty acidity level (FFA), which are typical of higher-quality oils.

Certification Seals

Look for seals like PDO, DOP, or ‘COOC Certified Extra Virgin’ for California-made oils.

Trust Australian and Chilean EVOO

Oils from these countries often meet stringent standards and are fresher due to less mixing of older oils.

Taste It

Fake olive oils will taste dull, greasy, and even waxy or crayon-like.