High-polyphenol (or high-phenolic) olive oil is extra virgin olive oil with an unusually high level of natural phenolic compounds such as oleocanthal, oleacein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. The level is measured in the laboratory in mg/kg, which means oils can be compared by number rather than by marketing. This guide explains what the numbers mean and how to choose a strength.
What the numbers mean
The EU health claim for olive oil polyphenols applies to oils that provide at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g of oil. That works out at 250 mg/kg. Many everyday extra virgin olive oils sit below that level, while the oils in this guide start at around twice it.
The authorised wording is: olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) in olive oil.
As a rough guide, a 20 g serving provides the total polyphenol figure divided by 50 in milligrams. A 573 mg/kg oil gives about 11 mg per 20 g. A 3,083 mg/kg oil gives about 62 mg per 20 g.
The strength ladder
| Strength | Oil | Size | Total polyphenols |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500+ | RAW+ CORE 500+ | 500ml | 573 mg/kg |
| Around 950 | Olithea (Corfu) | 500ml | 947 mg/kg |
| 1,000+ | RAW+ BOOST 1000+ | 250ml | 1,088 mg/kg |
| 1,000+ | Drop of Life | 500ml | 1,256 mg/kg |
| 1,000+ | Strakka High Phenolic (Cyprus) | 250ml | 1,382 mg/kg |
| 2,000+ | RAW+ ELITE 2000+ | 250ml | 2,017 mg/kg |
| 3,000+ | Sparta White Label | 250ml | 3,083 mg/kg |
| 3,000+ | Sparta Green Label | 250ml | 3,443 mg/kg |
Figures are from each producer's laboratory analysis of the harvest named on the product page. Each harvest differs slightly, and stock changes through the season, so check the product page for what is available now.
Which strength should you choose?
- Trying it for the first time (500 to 1,000 mg/kg): a good place to start. These oils are above the EU claim level and come in 500ml bottles.
- Regular daily use (1,000 to 2,000 mg/kg): a higher-strength oil with a more pronounced peppery finish.
- Maximum strength (3,000+ mg/kg): the most concentrated oils, supplied in 250ml bottles in limited harvests. A small serving goes a long way, and the taste is intense.
How to read a polyphenol certificate
- Laboratory: look for an independent university or accredited laboratory.
- Harvest and production date: polyphenols fall over time, so a recent harvest matters.
- Total polyphenols (mg/kg): the headline number used in the ladder above.
- Oleocanthal and oleacein: the compounds behind the peppery sting.
- Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol derivatives per 20 g: the figure that relates to the EU health claim (5 mg minimum).
What does it taste like?
Expect bitterness and a peppery sensation at the back of the throat. That is a sign of natural phenolic compounds, not a fault. The stronger the oil, the more intense it usually tastes.
How to use and store it
- Use it raw: drizzle over salads, vegetables, fish, soups and bread, or take it by the spoonful.
- Follow the serving suggested by the producer on each product page.
- Keep it in a cool, dark place with the cap closed. Light, heat and air reduce polyphenols.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher number always better? Not necessarily. A higher number means a more concentrated oil, but taste, size, price and how you plan to use it all matter.
Is it still extra virgin olive oil? Yes. These are extra virgin olive oils chosen for their measured polyphenol content.
Can I cook with it? It is best raw or added at the end of cooking, which keeps both flavour and polyphenols.
Is this a medicine? No. Olive oil is a food. If you take medication or have a medical condition, ask your doctor before changing your diet.
Do you ship abroad? Oils ship from the UK to the UK, EU and USA. US shipping is duty and tariff paid, and delivery cost is calculated at checkout.