Olive oil has earned global recognition for its purity and versatile usage. This popular oil traces its origins to the Mediterranean region and possesses attributes that enhance both flavour and well-being. Across the globe, olive oil—especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil—is the preferred choice among consumers, as it is considered the purest and finest form. However, with its growing popularity, many people find it challenging to identify genuine olive oil. To help consumers choose the best quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from among various types, this blog serves as a guide to identifying authentic EVOO and spotting fake olive oils.
Indian Olive Oil Market
To show why EVOO is gaining popularity, here are some numbers: the Indian olive oil market was worth USD 515.2 million in 2024. It is expected to grow to USD 1,558.3 million by 2033, growing about 12% every year. This growth is because more people know about good fats for the heart and want better quality cooking oils, especially in cities. Extra virgin olive oil, known for its fresh and natural quality and antioxidants, is a big part of this growth. But since most olive oil is imported and local production is small, buyers often find a mix of real and fake products. Studies say that worldwide, 80% of the Italian extra virgin olive oil labelled as EVOO can be adulterated, and India faces similar risks. So, it’s important to learn how to make safe and smart choices.
Understanding the Types of Olive Oils
Olive oils are of different quality and are not same. Knowing the differences can help you choose the best olive oil in India. Olive oils are divided based on how they are made, how much they are refined, and quality standards. Each type has its own fat makeup—mostly heart-friendly fats like oleic acid—and they have different smoke points, which tell you how well they handle cooking heat.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is considered the best quality olive oil. It is made by cold-pressing olives without using chemicals or high heat (not above 27°C). This method keeps the natural taste, vitamins, and antioxidants intact. EVOO usually contains 70-80% healthy monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), some saturated fats, and a small amount of polyunsaturated fats, with no trans fats. This mix helps support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. EVOO’s smoke point is around 190-210°C, which is good for cooking at low to medium heat like sautéing or adding on salads. It has a green colour and fruity, slightly peppery taste due to antioxidants like vitamin E.
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin Olive Oil is similar to EVOO but with a slightly higher acidity (up to 2%) and a milder taste. It is also cold-pressed but may have minor differences in flavour or smell. It has a similar fat profile and smoke point around 190-200°C.
Refined Olive Oil (Pure Olive Oil)
Refined Olive Oil, also called Pure Olive Oil, is made by mixing virgin oil with oils that are chemically treated or heated to remove impurities. This oil has a neutral taste and a higher smoke point of about 240°C, making it good for frying. However, it loses some antioxidants during refining.
Olive Pomace Oil
Olive Pomace Oil is made from leftover olive pulp after oil extraction. It is chemically processed and refined, with a smoke point up to 240°C, making it suitable for deep-frying. While it still contains healthy oleic acid, it has fewer natural nutrients and a bland flavour. It’s also the most affordable option.
Extra Light Olive Oil
Extra Light Olive Oil is highly refined and has the highest smoke point of up to 250°C. It has very little olive taste, making it suitable for baking but with fewer health benefits.
Which Olive Oil is Best for Indian Cooking?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is best for its nutritional benefits and flavour. It complements the spices and flavours of Indian dishes without overpowering them. For high-heat cooking like deep-frying, you can use refined or pomace olive oils. Choose the type according to your cooking style and health needs.
Also read – How the Best Olive Oil in India Is Made
Challenges Indian Consumers Face When Buying EVOO
For many Indians, buying olive oil starts with excitement about its health benefits. But when they reach the store, reality can be disappointing. High import duties make extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) expensive — it usually costs between INR 800 to 1,500 per litre. This price pushes some buyers towards cheaper oils, which may not be genuine. Since local olive oil production is still small, most EVOO brands are imported, raising doubts about authenticity during transit and storage. In big cities like Mumbai and Delhi, shoppers find many brands with attractive packaging but it’s hard to know which is real. In smaller towns and rural areas, options are limited and people often rely on unverified online sellers.
One of the biggest problems is adulteration of oils in India. Fake EVOO is often mixed with cheaper oils like soybean or sunflower oil. These look similar but don’t have the same benefits. Studies show that up to 70% of imported EVOO in India could be diluted, shaking consumer trust. Packaging also causes problems—dark glass bottles, which protect oil from light damage, are uncommon. Many bottles use clear packaging, exposing oil to light and causing it to go rancid. Label confusion is also common: words like “pure” or “100% olive” don’t always mean extra virgin quality. Missing details like harvest date or country of origin are warning signs.
Storage is another challenge. India’s humid climate can spoil olive oil faster if it’s not kept in a cool, dark place. Many buyers also don’t know that EVOO is not good for deep-frying because of its low smoke point, which can ruin its nutrients and flavour when overheated in curries or frying.
The good news is these problems have easy fixes. Buy only from trusted stores or verified sellers on platforms like BigBasket or Amazon. Look for IOC-certified brands with clear harvest dates less than 18 months old. Store your oil in dark, cool spots at home and buy small quantities to check quality before using more. With these simple steps, Indian buyers can enjoy the true health benefits of genuine EVOO.
How to Spot Fake Extra Virgin Olive Oil
You don’t need a lab test to spot real extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—just some simple checks that work well for Indian shoppers. First, look closely at the label. Make sure it clearly says “extra virgin” and check that the acidity is below 0.8%. The label should also mention the origin, with popular countries being Spain, Italy, or Greece. Avoid oils with vague words like “premium blend” which can be misleading. A 2023 report found that 40% of EVOO sold in India fails basic purity tests, so knowing what to look for is very important.
- Fridge test: put a spoonful of the oil in the fridge for 30 minutes. Pure EVOO will thicken or solidify because of its healthy fats, while fake oils stay liquid. Taste the oil if you can—real EVOO has a fresh, grassy flavour and a slight peppery bite at the back of your throat caused by natural antioxidants like oleocanthal. Fake oils often taste dull or soapy.
- Colour Check: Next, check the colour. Real EVOO can be greenish or golden but not a uniform yellow. Pour some oil into a clear glass and hold it against the light. Cloudiness could mean it’s unfiltered, which is okay, but if it’s very cloudy or sticky, that’s a warning. Always buy oil stored in dark glass bottles or tins that protect it from sunlight. Check that the seal is secure.
For online purchases, rely on verified sellers and look for lab certification tags like those from Unbox Health or other trusted bodies. If the price is too low, be cautious—it’s probably adulterated. Following these tips will help you avoid fake oils and buy the best extra virgin olive oil in India without stress.
Benefits and Tips for Using EVOO in Indian Kitchens
The use of Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) doesn’t restrict to just salad dressing, it is a versatile ingredient that fulfil more aspects of cooking. Many wonder if EVOO can be used for traditional dishes like tadka without changing the taste. The answer is yes! EVOO’s healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, which may be helpful for managing diabetes, a common concern in India. It’s also rich in antioxidants that protect the body from damage. Studies also suggest that regular use of EVOO can lower the risk of heart disease by about 30%, making it a smart choice for our carb-heavy meals.
EVOO works well for sautéing onions for dals, or drizzling over raita to add flavour. Its smoke point is perfect for medium-heat cooking like bhindi masala, helping spices blend well without becoming bitter. It also helps your body absorb more vitamins from vegetables—try pairing it with palak paneer to boost iron absorption.
Here are some tips for using EVOO in Indian kitchens:
- Cook on low to medium flame (below 180°C) to keep the healthy antioxidants intact.
- For tadka or tempering, heat ghee first and add EVOO later to get the best mix of flavour and health.
- Use EVOO in marinades for dishes like tandoori chicken—it tenderizes meat and adds a nice herbal flavour.
- For desserts like kheer, a small drizzle adds a unique twist.
- Avoid reheating EVOO multiple times, as this can reduce its benefits and change the taste.
- Start with 1-2 tablespoons daily for best health benefits, gradually making it a part of your regular cooking.
When deciding which olive oil is best for Indian kitchens, EVOO stands out because it protects nutrients well during cooking and complements Indian flavours without overpowering them. Whether you cook in a wok or a pressure cooker, EVOO is a healthy and tasty choice.
Why Jivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil Stands Out as the Top Choice
Among many options available, Jivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a trusted name for Indian kitchens, combining quality, affordability, and wide availability. Sourced from Spain’s sunlit olive groves, Jivo uses cold-pressed olives to ensure pure, unadulterated oil. It has earned an impressive ‘A’ rating from Unbox Health’s independent lab tests for purity and nutritional accuracy, giving buyers peace of mind.
What makes Jivo special is its excellent fat composition, matching high standards of premium EVOO: about 75% monounsaturated fats, 15% saturated fats, and 10% polyunsaturated fats, with zero trans fats. This balance helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which is important for Indian diets often rich in carbohydrates. Jivo also provides 824 kcal per 100 grams and is rich in vitamin E, beneficial for skin health especially in India’s humid climate.
If you’re wondering which extra virgin olive oil is best in India, Jivo ticks many boxes:
✔ Authentic Flavour : Fruity with a mild peppery finish that adds to curries without overpowering traditional spices—ideal for everyday cooking.
✔ Good for Cooking: Its smoke point of 190-210°C suits shallow frying like pakoras or stir-frying vegetables, and it performs well in stability tests compared to many imports.
✔ Affordable Quality: Priced reasonably around INR 700-900 per litre, it meets IOC standards and is fresh from recent harvests.
✔ Health Benefits: High in polyphenols, it offers anti-inflammatory effects helping joint health, a concern among many older Indians.
✔ Easy to Find: Available on popular e-commerce sites like JioMart, Amazon, and BigBasket. Its dark glass packaging protects the oil from light damage in tropical conditions.
Conclusion
Buying genuine extra virgin olive oil in India can feel confusing because of many choices and fake products. But with the right knowledge about the market, types of olive oil, and easy ways to spot authentic EVOO, you can shop smartly. EVOO not only adds flavour to Indian dishes like tadka or tikkas but also supports heart health, manages inflammation, and boosts nutrient absorption.
For best oil in India, Jivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the feasible and economical option to go with because of natural extraction process, healthy fats and natural antioxidants. It offers great taste and value, making it a top choice for Indian kitchens.
Choosing the right EVOO is more than just buying oil—it’s investing in healthier, tastier meals every day. What’s your favourite EVOO tip or recipe? Share it with us in the comments below!