Stiftung Warentest takes a close look at olive oil - organic product fails - Lidl oil is great

The Stiftung Warentest tested 27 olive oils for their taste.

While the quality increased on average, the experts advise against an organic product.

Munich - Olive oil should not be missing in any kitchen.

Whether for frying or refining, you are usually well advised with good olive oil.

But there are also significant differences in quality between the oils, as the Stiftung Warentest found out in a test of 27 products from different manufacturers.

The good news: the quality of the olive oils tested increased;

in the test, 15 good test results were compared to only two unsatisfactory ones.

In 2017, not a single olive oil achieved the “good” rating; the experts gave ten oils the worst rating at the time.

Olive oil in the test: an organic product fails

Pleasing for olive oil fans: Recommended oils are available from 5.35 euros per liter, but you have to dig deeper into your pocket for the test winner. Phenolio extra virgin olive oil (organic) costs an average of 48 euros per liter, which impresses with its sensory (1.2) and chemical quality (1.1). Overall, the oil achieved an overall grade of 1.8 (“good”). The testers cut back on pollutants (3.3) and the declaration (3.5). The packaging, on the other hand, is user-friendly (2.0). The Selezione Gustini Antico Frantoio della Fattoria extra virgin olive oil also earned the top grade in the overall comparison (1.8). The average price per liter is 40 euros.

The species-appropriate Phenolio olive oil stands with the good performance in contrast to the second organic product in the test.

Alnatura extra virgin olive oil received the worst rating in comparison (5.0).

For the oil found to be defective, customers have to shell out an average of seven euros per liter, although according to the Stiftung Warentest it tastes “rancid”.

The olive oil is also flawed in sensory terms.

It smells of banana, almond and rancid hazelnut.

For this reason, the experts also find the declaration to be inadequate.

The olive oil should not be called "extra virgin" because it failed the taste test.

Olive oil in the test: Lidl olive oil wins value for money

Even if the olive oils in the top group (up to 2.2) are on the shelves for at least 26.70 euros per liter, a good olive oil is already available for 5.35 euros per liter.

Lidl Primadonna extra virgin olive oil convinced the testers with good sensory (2.2) and chemical quality (1.7).

In addition, Stiftung Warentest rated the usability of the packaging and the declaration as good.

The discounter Lidl thus produces the cheapest product with recommendation.