High Phenolic Olive Oil: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Discover how to choose the best high phenolic olive oil rich in polyphenols. Learn why polyphenol content matters, how to buy certified oils, and how to store them for maximum health benefits.
14 May 2025
·7 min read
What Is High Phenolic Olive Oil?
High phenolic olive oil refers to extra virgin olive oils that contain a high concentration of naturally occurring phenolic compounds — powerful antioxidants that are associated with health benefits.
According to the European Union health claim regulation (EC 432/2012), olive oils must contain at least 250 mg/kg of polyphenols to state a health benefit on the label.
If we look at the health benefits commonly associated with olive oil, research suggests that it is primarily the polyphenols that are responsible for these effects. Because the polyphenol content can vary significantly from oil to oil, their concentration is a key factor when evaluating the health potential of an olive oil.
Why the Polyphenol Level Matters
The concentration of polyphenols directly affects the health benefits associated with olive oil consumption. This is illustrated in a comprehensive review published in Nutrients that compared the effects of extra virgin olive oils rich in polyphenols to low-phenol olive oils and other dietary fats. It found that:
- Blood pressure: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in participants consuming high-polyphenol EVOO compared to those consuming low-phenol oils and other fats.
- LDL oxidation and cholesterol: High-polyphenol EVOO reduced LDL oxidation — a major cardiovascular risk factor — and, in some cases, lowered LDL cholesterol more effectively than refined or low-phenol oils.
- HDL cholesterol quality: High-polyphenol EVOO improved the protective function of HDL cholesterol, even when total HDL cholesterol levels did not increase significantly.
- Blood sugar control: Participants consuming high-polyphenol EVOO experienced better blood sugar regulation and improved insulin sensitivity.
Importantly, the review emphasized that not all oils labeled "extra virgin" deliver these benefits unless their polyphenol content is sufficiently high. As Dr. Mary M. Flynn, Associate Professor of Medicine at Brown University, noted:
“Based on current testing in most countries, an oil could meet a standard for ‘extra virgin,’ but it might not have phenols, and it is the phenols that provide the health benefits.
How Many Polyphenols Are Required for Health Benefits?
The amount of polyphenols in olive oil can vary a lot, depending on factors such as olive variety, harvest timing, climate conditions, and storage practices.
Studies suggest that the average polyphenol content of commercially available olive oils is around 180 mg/kg, which falls short of the threshold needed for official health claims under European Union regulations.
High phenolic olive oils are relatively rare. A study conducted in Italy found that 90% of olive oils on the market were low in polyphenols, falling below the 250 mg/kg threshold. Similarly, a multi-country study across seven nations concluded that 96% of commercial olive oils also had polyphenol levels too low to qualify for recognized health benefits.
Below, you can see how polyphenol content varies significantly between our olive oils and the average supermarket olive oil.
Although the European Union health claim allows a minimum of 250 mg/kg polyphenols, we recommend choosing oils with at least 400 mg/kg. Polyphenol levels naturally decline over time, so starting with a higher concentration helps ensure the oil maintains its health benefits throughout its shelf life.
Why High Phenolic Olive Oil Costs More
Overall, olive oil high in polyphenols is more expensive than average oil, due to:
- Early Harvest: Farmers pick olives while they are still green and hard, when they have not fully matured yet. These early-stage olives yield significantly less oil during pressing, but the oil they produce contains much higher concentrations of polyphenols compared to riper olives.
- Advanced Storage: Producers often use stainless steel tanks to protect the oil from light, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations, preserving phenolic integrity.
- Higher Farming and Processing Costs: To preserve polyphenol content, olives must be harvested early, handled carefully, and transported quickly to the mill — often within hours of picking. This rapid logistics requirement, can increase production costs.
How to Choose a High Phenolic Olive Oil
To ensure you're buying genuine high phenolic olive oil, look for these critical indicators:
- Lab-Tested Proof: Always request a certificate showing polyphenol content.
- Harvest Date: Choose oils from the most recent harvest (preferably within the last 12 months).
- Packaging: Only buy oils in dark glass bottles that shield the oil from damaging light.
- Taste Test: Even if a label claims high polyphenol content, real confirmation often comes through taste. Real high phenolic olive oils should produce a peppery sensation in the throat and a bitter, green flavor profile — key sensory indicators of strong polyphenol presence. Lack of these sensations may signal poor storage, oxidation, or inaccurate claims.
- Review Verification: Read customer reviews, ideally from independent review platforms such as Trustpilot. These external sources reduce the risk of biased or manipulated feedback.
How to Store High Phenolic Olive Oil at Home
Proper storage is crucial to protect the phenolic compounds:
- Buy small bottles or bag-in-box packaging that minimizes oxygen exposure.
- Store in a cool, dark place — refrigeration is acceptable if temperatures are consistently high.
- Reseal immediately after every use to minimize oxygen exposure.
- Avoid heat sources like stoves, windows, and radiators that accelerate degradation.
Quick Checklist: What to Look for When Buying
- Polyphenol level: >400 mg/kg
- Fresh harvest: Less than 12 months old
- Lab testing: Verified results available
- Packaging: Dark, sealed glass bottle or oxygen-free bag-in-box
- Proper storage: Cool, dark, and minimal oxygen exposure
Final Note: Choosing Proven High Phenolic Olive Oils
When selecting a high phenolic olive oil, it’s important to look for proven quality and verified polyphenol content. Oils like, Our “Green Machine” offer an very high concentration of polyphenols — delivering up to four times more than the average extra virgin olive oil. Carefully crafted from early-harvest olives and independently lab-tested, it is designed for those who prioritize their health.
