How We Review
Our step-by-step evaluation process for adding and maintaining oils in our directory.
Initial Evaluation Process
Label Review
First screening: Does the bottle include a harvest date? Is origin clearly specified? Are there any immediate red flags (misleading claims, clear glass with no UV protection, vague sourcing)?
Outcome: Oils without harvest dates are excluded immediately. No exceptions.
Producer Research
Investigation into the producer's background, production methods, and transparency history:
- • Ownership and operation structure (estate, cooperative, bottler, etc.)
- • Track record of quality and transparency
- • Any history of mislabeling, fraud, or quality issues
- • Certifications (organic, DOP, quality seals)
Third-Party Testing Review
Search for existing test results from independent organizations:
- • California Olive Oil Council (COOC) certification status
- • Consumer Reports or other consumer group testing
- • University research program evaluations (UC Davis, etc.)
- • Producer-disclosed lab results (if available)
Requirement: Evidence that oil meets extra virgin chemical standards (free fatty acids, peroxide values, sensory evaluation).
Freshness Assessment
Verify that available bottles are within acceptable freshness window:
- • Check current retail availability harvest dates
- • Confirm oil is less than 12-18 months from harvest at time of review
- • Assess producer's inventory turnover and distribution practices
Quality Control Documentation
Evaluate producer's systems for maintaining consistency:
- • Batch tracking and traceability procedures
- • Storage and handling protocols
- • Frequency of quality testing
- • Transparency about production volumes and methods
Inclusion Decision
If the oil meets all core standards and has no disqualifying factors, it's added to our directory with appropriate category placement and descriptive evaluation.
Ongoing Monitoring
Inclusion in our directory is not permanent. We monitor oils continuously:
Annual Re-evaluation
Every oil is re-assessed at least annually, or more frequently if new information emerges. We check for continued harvest date disclosure, any new test results, ownership changes, or quality decline reports.
Consumer and Expert Feedback
We track reports from consumers and industry experts about quality issues, freshness problems, or labeling changes. Patterns of negative feedback trigger immediate re-evaluation.
New Testing Data
When independent testing organizations publish new results—whether positive or negative—we update our evaluations accordingly. Oils that fail testing are removed regardless of previous status.
Producer Transparency Changes
If a producer stops including harvest dates, reduces origin transparency, or makes other changes that compromise verifiability, the oil is removed from our directory.
What We Don't Consider
These factors explicitly do NOT influence our evaluations:
This is non-negotiable: Affiliate revenue never influences editorial decisions. An oil that converts exceptionally well but fails our standards will be excluded. An oil that meets standards but has poor affiliate performance will be included.
Removal Process
Oils are removed from our directory for these reasons:
Failed Third-Party Testing
If an oil fails independent chemical or sensory testing for extra virgin standards, it's removed immediately. Previous inclusion doesn't protect it.
Discontinued Harvest Dates
If a producer stops printing harvest dates on bottles—even if quality appears unchanged—the oil is removed. Transparency is non-negotiable.
Ownership or Production Changes
When ownership changes occur, we re-evaluate completely. New ownership often brings quality changes. Oils remain off the list until new management demonstrates continued standards.
Pattern of Quality Complaints
Isolated complaints are normal, but patterns indicating rancidity, mislabeling, or freshness issues trigger removal and investigation.
Transparency Note
When we remove an oil, we don't publicly state why (to avoid legal complications with producers). We simply remove it from the directory. Inclusion in our list is not a "rating"—it's verification that an oil meets our current transparency and quality standards.
Limitations of Our Approach
We Can't Taste Every Bottle
Professional sensory evaluation requires trained palates and controlled conditions. We rely on third-party sensory data from certification programs and testing organizations rather than our own tasting.
We Can't Test Every Batch
Chemical testing costs hundreds to thousands of dollars per sample. We evaluate producers' systems and track records, not individual batches. Quality can vary—our directory identifies producers with strong quality controls, not guaranteed perfect bottles.
Geographic and Distribution Limits
We focus on oils available in North America. Excellent producers with limited U.S. distribution may not be included simply because we haven't evaluated them or they're difficult to obtain.
Understand our full evaluation criteria: Our Standards & Methodology