He extra virgin olive oil It is one of the great treasures of our gastronomy. Its flavor, aroma and properties make it a star product, but not all oils presented as “extra virgin” meet the quality standards expected by consumers. THE Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) carried out an exhaustive analysis of 39 brands available in supermarkets in Spain, and the results are not encouraging for some of them.
In a context where the price of olive oil has reached record levels, the study takes on particular importance. Furthermore, with the removal of VAT A few months ago, the government sought to make this essential food more accessible to Spanish households. However, the Quality remains a concern and some brands have been named the worst options due to their low scores in key aspects such as taste, labeling and authenticity. Next we will explore what they are the three worst brands of extra virgin olive oil according to the OCUbreaking down the reasons for its poor evaluation and the criteria that led to its ranking.
The worst olive oils in the supermarket, according to the OCU
The analysis carried out by the OCU evaluated crucial aspects such as labeling, conservation, authenticity and sensory analysis of each product. In the case of extra virgin olive oil, these factors are decisive to ensure that the product meets the standards required by its category.
The results showed that Some brands don’t keep their promises. Although the price may be an incentive for many consumers, the quality then leaves much to be desired. Next, we detail the three brands that received the worst scores in the study.
Olisone (Lidl)
Third place is occupied by Olisone, Lidl’s own brand. This extra virgin olive oil, whose price is around 3.89 euros per bottle, may seem like an interesting option due to its low cost. However, according to the OCU, presents significant deficiencies in its sensory analysismeaning that its flavor, aroma and texture do not meet the standards of an authentic extra virgin.
Sensory analysis is a fundamental aspect in the evaluation of oilsbecause this allows us to identify whether the product has the distinctive qualities of this category. In Olisone’s case, experts They pointed out that it lacked a balanced flavor and pleasant aroma.essential characteristics to enhance the dishes in which it is used.
Hispaniola
In second place is a well-known brand in Spain: La Española. This extra virgin olive oil, priced at around 4.96 euros, did not exceed expectations. Although it is a popular brand with a wide range of products, this specific variant received a low score due to problems in its general quality.
The study highlights that, although the price of La Española is higher than that of the other brands analyzed, this does not translate into better quality. THE Evaluated parameters, such as sensory analysis and product authenticity, revealed inconsistencies which question its classification as extra virgin.
Olisone (Lidl), in another presentation
The worst olive oil in the OCU analysis is the same Olisone that we already mentioned before, but in a different format. With a score below 32 out of 100this product Not only did it fail on a sensory level, but it also has labeling and preservation issues.
The authenticity of this oil has been questioned, as it does not meet the essential characteristics of an extra virgin. In addition, labeling raises doubtswhich can confuse consumers as to what they are actually buying. Even if its price of 3.69 euros per bottle may seem tempting, the quality of the product does not live up to what we expect from a good olive oil.
What does the OCU say about these results?
The OCU has indicated that its main objective is to protect consumers and ensure that Products labeled extra virgin meet established standards. To do this, they called on independent laboratories and tasters specialized in their analyses.
Among the main problems detected in these oils are the lack of authenticity, inadequate storage parameters and poor sensory quality. The organization recommends that consumers pay attention to labeling and opt for brands that score well in these categories, even if they are priced slightly higher.
The OCU study shows that Not all extra virgin olive oils found in supermarkets are of quality. While brands like Olisone and La Española may be cheap or popular, their poor performance on key metrics like taste, shelf life, and authenticity place them among the worst options for consumers.
If extra virgin olive oil is a mainstay in your kitcheninvesting in a better-rated brand can make a difference in your dishes and make sure you get an authentic and healthy product.
