Trader Joe’s offers a wide variety of olive oils, from basic blends to premium extra virgins.
We’ve ranked them from worst to best, focusing on common products mentioned across sources for consistency.
This list highlights at least 15 options, including prices where available, with descriptions and key takeaways for each.
Trader Joe’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray – $3.99/5 Oz
- Description: This spray is designed for lightly coating pans and has a neutral flavor at best, turning bitter in direct tastings. It’s convenient for quick applications like greasing but lacks any notable olive character.
- Takeaway: It’s the lowest ranked due to poor taste and limited versatility beyond basic utility; avoid for anything requiring flavor.
Trader Giotto’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $10.99/33.8 Oz
- Description: A functional, mellow oil with a rich but slightly stale taste, not too greasy in texture. It’s neutral enough for everyday cooking like sauteing or baking but lacks freshness and complexity for dipping or drizzling.
- Takeaway: Ranked low for its bland, unremarkable profile; it’s a basic choice for family meals where oil isn’t the star.
Trader Giotto’s Imported Olive Oil – $9.99/33.8 Oz
- Description: This blend of extra virgin and refined olive oil is thin and translucent, with a bland, nondescript flavor that’s barely detectable. It pours loosely and performs neutrally in cooking, allowing other ingredients to shine without adding much.
- Takeaway: As a non-pure EVOO, it’s among the worst for quality and taste; best reserved for budget cooking where flavor isn’t needed.
Trader Giotto’s 100% Italian President’s Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $13/33.8 Oz
- Description: Cold-pressed with a grassy, leafy scent and a greasier mouthfeel, it offers a brighter, buttery note in some dishes but remains neutral overall, with no staleness but limited boldness.
- Takeaway: Fancy labeling doesn’t elevate its basic personality; it’s low-ranked for not justifying the price with versatility or impact.
Trader Giotto’s 100% Italian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $9/16.9
- Description: Fairly neutral with a hint of nuttiness reminiscent of sherry, it’s suitable for simple dishes like pasta salads or sauteed fish but comes in a small bottle without enough flavor punch.
- Takeaway: Organic and Italian sourcing helps, but it falls short in rankings due to mediocre taste and value; better for specific neutral uses.
Trader Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $12.49/33.8 Oz
- Description: Thick and silky with a sweet, fruity aroma like peaches, it has a light, bitter edge and harsh throat burn in direct tastes but shines in dips, pasta, and salads with its elegant sweetness.
- Takeaway: Mixed reviews pull it mid-rank; it’s versatile but inconsistent in freshness, making it a solid all-purpose option without excelling.
Trader Joe’s Sicilian Selezione Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $10.99/16.9 Oz
- Description: Bright and zingy with fruity, buttery, and peppery notes, plus a hint of lemon zest; it’s velvety soft, extremely fresh, and versatile for cooking, finishing, or dipping, though sometimes greasy in dressings.
- Takeaway: High praise for balance and affordability, but varying opinions on neutrality vs. boldness place it here; a crowd-pleaser for year-round use.
Cal Pressed California Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – @8.99/16.9 Oz
- Description: Made from Central Valley olives, this limited offering is very peppery with complex flavors, excellent for salad dressings with vinegar or lemon, and good on bread.
- Takeaway: Its peppery kick and organic status boost it, but limited availability and specificity rank it mid-high; grab it when in stock for zesty needs.
Trader Joe’s Spanish Organic Extra Virgin Garlic Flavored Olive Oil – $31.99/8.5 Oz
- Description: Potent with strong garlic aroma and roasted garlic taste, it’s buttery and savory, replacing fresh garlic in dishes; great for pasta drizzles, dips, and dressings but not ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Takeaway: Excels for flavor infusion, earning high marks for excitement; ranked well for garlic lovers, though its specialty limits broad use.
Trader Joe’s Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $41.99/16.9 Oz
- Description: Smooth and bright with fresh, tangy, peppery, and slightly bitter notes; it’s complex and spicy, standing out in salads and dips but can overpower subtle dishes.
- Takeaway: Bold uniqueness pushes it up the ranks; ideal for recipes needing spice, though not for every application.
Trader Joe’s California Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 8.99/16.9 Oz
- Description: Mellow, fresh, and fruity with a clean, delicate flavor and smooth finish; it’s pure from California-grown olives, versatile for drizzling on salads, pasta, or bread without being cloying or greasy.
- Takeaway: Tops for purity and regulations ensuring quality; its flawless, everyday appeal makes it one of the best all-around choices.
Trader Giottos 2011 Novello Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $15.99/18 Oz
- Description: A limited-batch release with renowned quality, available around December; it’s highly regarded for its fresh, premium taste in small quantities.
- Takeaway: Praised as top-tier for its exclusivity and superior flavor; ranks high despite limited availability, perfect for special uses.
100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $8.99/33.8 Oz
- Description: Full of character from Greek olives, loved for dressings and drizzling; it offers a unique, robust profile but may be on production delays.
- Takeaway: User favorites highlight its excellence for specific applications; it earns best status for authenticity and taste when available.
Round Can of Greek Olive Oil
- Description: Seasonal offering in a round can, favored for topping toasted bread or salads with its distinct, appealing olive flavor.
- Takeaway: Stands out as a top pick for its enjoyable, versatile use in simple dishes; ranks among the best for seasonal freshness and enjoyment.
