Trader Joe’s shelves are packed with a surprisingly wide range of olive oils, from budget picks to imported, cold-pressed extra virgin varieties. But not all of them deliver equal flavor or quality. We tasted and tested nine of them to help you decide which bottle is worth your bread-dipping habit. Here’s our ranking, starting with the best.
1. Trader Joe’s California Extra Virgin Olive Oil $6.49/16.9 oz
This fan-favorite is made from California-grown olives, cold-pressed within hours of harvest to ensure peak freshness.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120 per tbsp
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
100% California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Use/salad dressings, finishing pasta, or dipping bread.
2. Trader Joe’s Spanish Garlic-Flavored Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil $5.99/8.5 oz
Packed with garlicky punch, this organic oil from Spain is perfect/sautéing and drizzling.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120 per tbsp
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Garlic Flavor
Preparation Instructions
Ideal/garlic bread, pasta sauces, and roasted veggies.
3. Trader Joe’s Sicilian Selezione Extra Virgin Olive Oil $10.99/16.9 oz
A robust and peppery oil made from Sicilian olives, this one’s/olive oil purists.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Product of Sicily, Italy)
Preparation Instructions
Best/finishing grilled meats or vegetables.
4. Trader Joe’s Organic Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil $7.99/16.9 oz
This organic oil strikes a good balance between flavor and affordability.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120 per tbsp
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Product of Spain)
Preparation Instructions
Great/everyday cooking and vinaigrettes.
5. Trader Joe’s Premium Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil $12.49/33.8 fl oz
Cold-pressed and rich, this one is marketed as “premium” but has a slightly milder taste.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Use in sautéing, marinades, or as a finishing oil.
6. Trader Giotto’s 100% Italian President’s Reserve Extra Virgin Cold-Pressed Olive Oil $12.49/33.3 fl oz
A fancier bottle with sleek packaging, but flavor didn’t live up to its title.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120 per tbsp
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Product of Italy)
Preparation Instructions
Good/cooking but doesn’t shine as a finishing oil.
7. Trader Giotto’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil $10.99/33.8 Fl Oz
A decent pantry staple, though a bit flat in flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Works well/stir-frying and baking.
8. Trader Giotto’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil $6.99/16.9 oz
Despite its organic label, the taste is lacking depth and finish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120 per tbsp
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Better suited/cooking than raw uses.
9. Trader Giotto’s Imported Olive Oil $9.99/33.8 oz
The most affordable option, but the flavor is bland and indistinct.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 120
- Fat 14g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Olive Oil (Imported blend), Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation Instructions
Best used/high-heat cooking where flavor doesn’t matter.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking on a budget or finishing a gourmet dish, Trader Joe’s California Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands out/freshness and flavor. If you love garlic, grab the Spanish Garlic EVOO. Budget shoppers may want to skip the imported blend and choose something with a bolder finish. Choose wisely—your meals deserve the best!
