If you scan through the olive oil section at your nearest supermarket, you will see an array of bottles. You will come across several brands, each claiming they are the best. But which one to pick? Here, we have listed out the top 10 olive oil brands in India, which shall help you make better choices.
What Are The Best Olive Oils For Cooking?
1. Orino Extra Light Olive Oil
Orino Extra Light Olive Oil is cold-pressed and made from freshly picked olives. The brand is based out of Spain. This oil could be the best alternative to regular cooking oil. It has zero cholesterol and trans fat. It can be used for frying, roasting, and sautéing. Pros
Very light Rich in antioxidants Chemical-free
Cons None
2. Leonardo Pomace Olive Oil
Leonardo Pomace Olive Oil has a neutral taste and is infused with extra virgin olive oil. The best part about this oil is you can use it for all types of Indian cooking – including roasting and deep-frying. The product claims to use 67% lesser oil as compared to your standard cooking oil. It also is a good source of vitamin E that promotes heart health. Pros
Has a high smoke point (ideal for various methods of cooking) Neutral taste Light
Cons None
3. Borges Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Borges has been in existence for over 100 years. The olive oil comes from the brand’s highest quality olives picked from its own farms. It is made and packaged in Spain. Borges Extra Virgin Olive Oil is primarily used in raw cooking – in salads and as dressings. Pros
Has decent odor and taste Good packaging Vegetarian
Cons
Unsuitable for high heat.
4. Bertolli Extra Light Olive Oil
The Bertolli brand originated in Tuscany, Italy, and is touted to be the world’s best olive oil brand. This extra light olive oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids that contribute to heart health (as they are monounsaturated fats). The olive oil tastes light and is ideal for baking, deep frying, shallow frying, and sautéing. Pros
Free of argemone oil Vegetarian Rich taste
Cons
None
5. Oleev Extra Light Olive Oil
Oleev Extra Light Olive Oil is low in saturated fats (less than 2%) and high in healthy fats. It also contains polyphenols that help boost immunity and may even delay the aging process. You can use the oil for sautéing, preparing baked foods, and grilling vegetables. Pros
Good taste Low in saturated fats Feels light
Cons None
6. Disano Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Disano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in taste and aroma and is an ideal substitute for ghee and butter. It is exclusively manufactured and packaged in Spain. The oil has no cholesterol. It claims to decrease the risk of heart disease, obesity, and osteoporosis. You can use this oil for frying, roasting, and baking. Pros
Contains antioxidants Can be used for the hair too
Cons
Possible issues with packaging.
7. Figaro Olive Oil
Figaro Olive Oil contains the goodness of pure olives. It can be used for multiple purposes. It works well as a cooking oil as it lowers cholesterol and promotes heart health. It can also be used on your skin and hair. Pros
Vegetarian Multipurpose Free of argemone oil
Cons
Risk of receiving a duplicate product if ordered online. The packaging is not consumer-friendly.
8. Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Del Monte is an Italian brand. The extra virgin olive oil has a subtle taste and color. It works perfectly well for frying, roasting, sautéing, and baking. The oil claims to absorb the natural flavors of the food, thereby retaining the original taste of the dish. Pros
Light flavor Also works well for baby massage
Cons
Plastic packaging Possibility of delivery of old stock.
9. Rafael Salgado 100% Pure Olive Oil
Rafael Salgado 100% pure olive oil is developed from a blend of different types of olives – the most prominent of them being Arbequina and Hojiblanca. The oil has a clean taste (and no bitterness). It is ideal as a dressing for your dishes, but you can use it in cooking too. Pros
Works well for skin health too (moisturizes skin) No additives or preservatives
Cons
Some individuals may experience skin reactions.
10. Kinsfolk Pomace Olive Oil
Kinsfolk Pomace Olive Oil is manufactured by purely organic methods. The brand ensures no harmful chemicals are used in the production of olive oil. Apart from cooking, oil can also be used in hair and skincare. The products are available in different packaging options. Pros
Multipurpose Available in different packaging options
Cons
Might get rancid easily.
These are the top-rated olive oil brands in India. Olive oil has several health benefits, and using it would do you good in the long run. There are different ways you can cook with olive oil. We have compiled a simple list that can give you ideas and make your cooking more fun.
How To Use Olive Oil In Cooking
Olive oil is known to balance the acidity in acidic foods (including tomatoes, lemon juice, and vinegar). The oil helps in enhancing the flavors of a dish. Here are certain ways you can use olive oil:
Drizzle it over a salad. Use it in marinades for meat, poultry, or vegetables. Use it on your toast in the place of margarine or butter. Use the oil in your sauces. Brush olive oil on meats before you grill them. Drizzle it over brown rice. Replace butter in baked foods with olive oil.
We strongly recommend you go for extra virgin olive oil. This type has a higher smoke point – around 374oF to 405oF. This makes the oil variant a safe choice for most cooking methods (2). The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which its fats begin to break down and turn to smoke, a situation where the oil can become harmful. This type of olive oil is also relatively more resistant to oxidative damage (3). Here are a few important things to consider before you buy olive oil for cooking.
Things To Consider When Buying Olive Oil For Cooking
Bottle Type
Go for olive oil that comes in a dark-colored or opaque bottle. Dark bottles minimize heat, air, and light exposure, thus maintaining the quality of the oil. Otherwise, the oil goes rancid quickly.
Type Of Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is best for cooking as it has a higher smoke point. Avoid olive oil diluted with other vegetable oils.
Shelf Life
Olive oil tastes best when it is fresh. Therefore, always check the expiry date before buying. The ‘Best by’ date means the oil will stay fresh until the mentioned date. Switch to olive oil if you haven’t already. Which of the brands from the list did you pick? Why? Do share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment in the box below.
References
Recommended Articles:
Best Benefits Of Olive Oil For Skin, Hair And Health How Does Olive Oil Help Control Weight Loss? Amazing Uses Of Fenugreek To Control High Cholesterol Unexpected Side Effects Of Olive Oil
