Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs Olive Oil: What’s the Difference? 7 Criteria to Look At

Despite the fact that olive oil is regularly promoted as one of the healthiest oils, what’s the difference between extra virgin olive oil vs olive oil is the most frequent question I receive. Although different species of olives grown in different countries can certainly create different tasting olive oils, the overall quality of finished oil is determined by the process used in producing it.

As a reason to clarify the difference between extra virgin olive oil vs olive oil, I collected key information and created a helpful guide for you to find out the uniqueness between olive oil grades.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Olive Oil

Overall, the olive oil grade is highly dependant on the type of olive fruit, the production process used to extract the oils, the acidity, nutrition, and pricing. In this article, I have listed 7 main characteristics to differentiate extra virgin olive oil vs olive oil. These could help you to understand better the core difference of olive oil grades.

1. GRADE = QUALITY

In short, the olive oil grade means quality. So, extra virgin olive oil (i.e. EVOO) is the highest grade olive oil, as well, the highest quality. There as, regular olive oil is the lowest grade among olive oils.

2. PRODUCTION STANDARDS

Extra virgin olive oil always must meet numerous chemical parameters and high sensory standards in accordance with industry standards. However, the production standards are much lower for regular or simple olive oil.

In terms of purity of the oil, extra virgin olive oil is unrefined, or unaltered, and unfiltered oil. On another hand, regular olive oil is typically a blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil.

3. EXTRACTION PROCESS

Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed of the oils and is extracted from olive fruits solely by mechanical means. In addition, no excessive heat is used in the extraction process. In other words, this type of extraction is known as the first cold extraction.

Opposite to regular olive oil, heat and/or chemicals are used in processing oil.

4. NUTRITION

Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains the highest quality among other oils. It keeps high-level natural antioxidants and polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals (trans-fat-free) due to its mechanical processing. EVOO has loads of proven health benefits and is a valuable ingredient to be added to your diet. The quality olive oil is compatible with keto diet, vegan, paleo, and whole30 diets.

Hence, regular olive oil loses its nutrition while heated or processed in a chemical way, and is low in antioxidants and other nutrients. So, refining olive oil strips it of its vitamins, polyphenols, and other natural ingredients.

5. AROMA / FLAVOR

According to official testing protocols, extra virgin olive oil has no defects in aroma or flavor. Though it has the strongest flavor and aroma vs other oils. EVOO has a delicious flavor of green and/or ripe olives (strong, faintly fruity, and distinctly olive flavor).

However, a simple olive oil is a more neutral flavor and a lighter color.

6. ACIDITY

Acidity is a very important feature when identifying the best olive oil with an acidometer. So, extra virgin olive oil acidity is less than 0.8% oleic acid. There as, the oleic acid measure is between 3-4% for regular olive oil.

7. PRICE

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the most expensive olive oil because of the higher costs at each stage of production. Thus, regular olive oil can be twice or 3 times cheaper comparing a good quality EVOO since the process is less complicated and it has to meet lower chemical standards.

Final thoughts

Nutrition experts and scientists agree extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and most expensive olive oil available that must meet rigorous standards. Due to mechanical processing, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other natural nutrients. This makes it a more healthy extra virgin olive oil vs olive oil but also makes it more expensive.

Since extra virgin olive oil has a perfect flavor with no flaws, it could be added to your daily meals to enrich not only taste but boosts your well-being.