3 worst brands of olive oil in the supermarket according to the OCU
He extra virgin olive oil This is one of our greatest treasures gastronomy. Its taste, aroma and properties make it a star product, but not all oils marketed as extra virgin meet the quality standards consumers expect. Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) conducted an exhaustive analysis 39 brands available in supermarkets in Spain, and the results are not encouraging for some of them.
At a time when olive oil prices have reached record levels, the study takes on particular relevance. In addition, with abolition of VAT A few months ago, the government sought to make this important food product more accessible to Spanish households. However Quality is still a concern and some brands have been rated as inferior. options due to their low scores on key aspects such as taste, labeling and authenticity. Next we will look at what they are. OCU’s Three Worst Extra Virgin Olive Oil Brandsrevealing the reasons for his poor rating and the criteria that led to his classification.
The worst olive oil in the supermarket, according to the OCU
Analysis carried out by the OCU assessed critical aspects such as labelling, preservation, authenticity and sensory analysis of each product. In the case of extra virgin olive oil, these factors are critical in ensuring that the product meets the standards required for its category.
The results showed that Some brands don’t deliver what they promise. While price may be an incentive for many consumers, quality in these cases leaves much to be desired. Next we detail the three worst rated brands in the study.
Olizon (Lidl)
Third place goes to Olison, Lidl’s own brand. At around €3.89 per bottle, this extra virgin olive oil may seem like an attractive option due to its low cost. However, according to OCU, has significant deficiencies in sensory analysiswhich means that its taste, aroma and texture do not meet the standards of a true extra virgin.
Sensory analysis is fundamental aspect in oil evaluationbecause it allows you to determine whether a product has the distinctive qualities of a given category. In the case of Olison, experts They noted that it lacks a balanced taste and pleasant aroma.necessary characteristics to improve the dishes in which it is used.
Espanola
In second place is the famous Spanish brand La Española. At around €4.96, this extra virgin olive oil did not exceed expectations. Despite being a popular brand with a wide range of products, this particular option received a low rating due to problems in its overall quality.
The study highlights that although La Española’s price is higher than other brands analyzed, this does not translate into better quality. Parameters assessed, such as sensory analysis and product authenticity, revealed inconsistencies. this calls into question his classification as extra-virgin.
Olizon (Lidl), in another presentation
The worst olive oil in the OCU analysis is the same Olison we mentioned earlier, but in a different format. With a score of less than 32 out of 100this product Not only has it failed in the organoleptic department, but it also poses problems in its labeling and preservation.
The authenticity of this oil is questioned because it does not meet the basic characteristics of an extra-class oil. Except, labeling is questionablewhich can confuse consumers about what they are actually buying. Although the price of €3.69 per bottle may seem tempting, the quality of the product does not match what you would expect from a good olive oil.
What does the OCU say about these results?
The CMO stated that its main purpose is to protect consumers and ensure that Products labeled Extra Virgin comply with established standards. To do this, they involved independent laboratories and specialized tasters in conducting analyses.
Some of the major problems found in these oils include: lack of authenticity, inadequate storage conditions and poor organoleptic quality.. The organization recommends that consumers pay attention to labels and choose brands that score well in these categories, even if their price is slightly higher.
OCU research shows that Not all the extra virgin olive oil we sell in supermarkets is quality.. While brands such as Olison and La Española may be inexpensive or popular, their poor performance in key areas such as taste, shelf life and authenticity place them among the worst options for consumers.
If extra virgin olive oil is the basis of your kitcheninvesting in a higher-rated brand can improve the quality of your food. and make sure you are getting an authentic and healthy product.