Why Polyphenols Matter in Extra Virgin Olive Oil — and Which of Our EVOOs Have the Most
At The Olive Oil Co., we know that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) isn’t just about taste — it’s about health. A key reason why EVOO is a staple of the Mediterranean diet is its rich content of polyphenols: natural compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What Are Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are bioactive molecules found in olives. They protect the fruit during growth and oxidation, and once extracted into olive oil, they help protect you. They’re the reason EVOO is often called a “functional food” with real health benefits.
The Health Benefits of Polyphenols
Scientific studies have linked polyphenols in EVOO to:
- Lower inflammation and improved joint and heart health
- Better cholesterol and blood pressure control
- Protection against oxidative stress, which contributes to ageing and disease
- Improved brain function and reduced cognitive decline
The higher the polyphenol content, the greater the potential benefits. Some EU regulations even allow health claims for EVOOs with ≥250 mg/kg of polyphenols.
Our High-Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oils
We carefully select our oils for quality, flavour, and nutritional value. Below are some of the highest polyphenol EVOOs available from our collection — all measured and verified:
| EVOO Name | Producer | Strength | Polyphenols (mg/kg) | Region / Notes |
| CHIAROSCURO | De Robertis | Robust | 1102 | Puglia – Monocultivar |
| SUBLIMIS | Agostini | Intense | 714 | Marche – |
| 89/93 | Gaudenzi | Robust | 711 | Umbria – Biodiversity Agriculture |
| I.G.P. SICILIA | Sikulus | Medium | 704 | Sicily – Don Peppino P.G.I. |
| HARMONIA | Converso | Intense | 700 | Calabria – Organic |
| INTENSO | Guglielmi | Intense | 684 | Puglia – Monocultivar |
| BIOLOGICO | Guglielmi | Medium | 631 | Puglia – Organic |
| ZAHIR | Sancomaio | Medium | 608 | Campania – Monocultivar |
| BIOLOGICO IGP | Guglielmi | Medium | 587 | Puglia – Organic P.G.I. |
What Does High Polyphenol EVOO Taste Like?
High-polyphenol oils are often more peppery, bitter, or spicy — that slight tingle at the back of your throat is a good sign. It means the oil is fresh, potent, and packed with natural health-giving compounds.
How to Enjoy Them
To preserve their benefits, use these oils raw:
- Drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables, meat, or fish
- Pair with beans, pulses, or sourdough
- Use as a finishing touch to soups or stews
A tablespoon a day is enough to make a real difference.
Explore Our Collection
We invite you to explore our range of high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oils — perfect for both flavour and wellbeing. If you’re looking for oils with specific polyphenol levels, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to guide you.
