Extra Virgin vs Regular Olive Oil: What’s the Difference?
21/08/2025
Olive oil is a kitchen staple—but not all oils are created equal.
Understanding the difference between regular olive oil and extra virgin olive oil can elevate your cooking, improve your health, and make a real difference to every dish you prepare.
1. How They’re Made
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) comes from the first pressing of fresh olives, using only mechanical methods. No heat, no chemicals—just pure olives turned into liquid gold. Regular olive oil is often a blend of refined oils and lower-grade virgin oils, sometimes treated with heat or chemicals to neutralise taste or acidity.
2. Taste and Aroma
Extra virgin olive oil bursts with flavour—fruity, peppery, sometimes even a hint of bitterness. Regular olive oil tastes milder and more neutral, lacking the depth that makes EVOO so special in salads, drizzling, or finishing dishes.
3. Health Benefits
EVOO is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that support heart health and overall wellness. Refining and blending in regular olive oil reduces these benefits, making it a less nutritious choice.
4. Cooking Tips
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Ideal for salad dressings, finishing dishes, and low-to-medium heat cooking. You can actually use it for everything in the kitchen, as this is the highest-quality option!
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Regular olive oil: Can be used for frying or high-heat cooking where the delicate flavour of EVOO isn’t needed.
In a nutshell, here’s what sets extra virgin olive oil apart:
> First Cold Pressed: Made without heat or chemicals, keeping all the natural flavours and nutrients intact.
> Low Acidity: Extra virgin olive oil has less than 0.8% acidity, ensuring a smoother, fresher taste.
> Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with polyphenols and vitamin E, extra virgin olive oil is great for your health.
Investing in high-quality extra virgin olive oil isn’t just about taste—it’s about getting the best nutrition, aroma, and flavour in every meal. At Extra Virgin Olive Oil Direct, we only select oils that meet the highest standards, so you can enjoy every drop with confidence.
Explore Our Range of Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Vinegars →
