Buying olive oil should be simple: pick up a bottle labeled “extra virgin” from the shelf, and you’re done. A recent test by Öko-Test (May 2026 issue) shows that, unfortunately, this is a misconception.
30 olive oils tested — only 2 fully impress
Öko-Test had an independent tasting panel assess 30 olive oils in the highest quality class, “extra virgin,” and tested them in a laboratory for contaminants. The result: only two of the 30 oils received the top rating of “Very Good.” Seven failed completely, with flavor defects that, according to EU regulations, should actually disqualify them from being labeled “extra virgin.”
Pesticides even in organic oils
Particularly striking: Almost all the conventional oils in the test contained pesticide residues—in one case, six different substances in a single bottle. Several organic oils were also affected. Öko-Test cites climate change as one possible reason: Heat waves and droughts make olive trees more susceptible to pests, increasing the pressure to use pesticides in industrial production.
Mineral oil in every single bottle
Not one of the 30 oils tested was free of traces of mineral oil components—probably residues from the industrial production and bottling process. For some oils, the levels of the more critically rated variety were even elevated.
What this means for you as a buyer
The “extra virgin” label alone is apparently no longer a reliable promise of quality. What matters is traceability: Who presses your oil, how soon after harvest—and can you verify any of that?
Every bottle we sell comes from one of four named Istrian family producers—Chiavalon, Ipša, Brist and Al Torcio. No anonymous bulk bottling, no blending of oils from unknown origins. For our Ipsa and Brist ranges, you can find the actual lab results for each oil—free fatty acids and peroxide value—openly displayed on the product page, not just a quality seal to tick off.
It’s important to us to be honest: We did not take part in this test, and we cannot give you a blanket guarantee that our oils are free from pesticides or mineral oil—honestly, hardly any supplier can do that without conducting their own laboratory analysis. What we can offer you is full transparency about where your oil comes from and who presses it.
Source
Öko-Test, May 2026 magazine: “Olive Oil Test: Only 2 of 30 Receive the Top Rating.” oekotest.de
Discover our olive oils sourced directly from Istrian family producers in our shop.
Frequently asked questions
Does “extra virgin” automatically mean high quality?
Not necessarily. “Extra virgin” describes the legal quality category (mechanically extracted, free fatty acids below 0.8%), but says nothing about contamination or the actual flavor. According to Öko-Test, several of the “extra virgin” oils tested should not have been allowed to carry this designation due to sensory defects.
Are organic olive oils automatically pesticide-free?
No. The 2026 Öko-Test found pesticide residues in several organic olive oils too—probably due to drift or carryover from neighboring growing areas, rather than their own use. However, according to the test, the amounts measured were considered safe for health.
What is mineral oil (MOSH/MOAH) in olive oil, and is it dangerous?
MOSH and MOAH are mineral oil components that usually come from the industrial production or bottling process, not from the olive itself. According to Öko-Test, they were found in all 30 oils tested, at least in trace amounts. MOAH is considered more concerning because some compounds are suspected of being carcinogenic—the EU is working on binding limits.
How can I identify trustworthy olive oil when shopping?
Look for transparency about origin: Is a specific producer or farm named, or just an anonymous bottling company? Are lab results such as free fatty acids or peroxide value openly available? The shorter and more traceable the journey from harvest to bottle, the easier it is to assess quality accurately.
