WAGGA WAGGA — Consumer advocacy group Choice conducted blind tests on 30 supermarket extra-virgin olive oils at the NSW Department of Primary Industries laboratories in Wagga Wagga. Among the 13 varieties that scored 76% or above in the tests, seven originated from Australia, while Italy and Spain each accounted for three.

Monini Classico extra virgin olive oil, an Italian brand, received the top score of 88%. Testers described it as an "elegant and abundant oil." This product is priced at $22 for a 750mL bottle, equating to $2.93 per 100mL.

Villa Rossi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, also an Italian brand, secured the second-highest score. It was the most expensive oil among those tested, costing $35 for a one-liter bottle or $3.50 per 100mL. Testers noted it has a "good length of persistence with balanced bitterness and pungency." The average price of the recommended oils was approximately $22.

Cobram Extra Virgin Classic, an Australian label, ranked third with a score of 80. Testers described this oil as having "fruity herbaceous aromas" and a "buttery" mouthfeel. This product costs $25. Woolworths Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which received a score of 78, was named Choice's best value pick. It is priced at $9 per 500mL bottle, or $1.80 per 100mL. This Spanish oil was described by testers as having "native mint and some meadow grass" notes and "nice balanced bitterness and pungency."

The judging panel looked for "purity and freshness", as well as fruitiness and pungency, according to Pru Engel, Choice audience and engagement editor. Chris Barnes, Choice product review manager, said: "There is actually a specific standard when it comes to professional taste testing extra virgin olive oil … there's chemical tests plus a specific taste test and sensory perception test, which is why we used the lab." Barnes stated that "Fruitiness, pungency, peppery characteristics, that sort of thing, should always be present in a good extra virgin olive oil."

Conversely, Aldi Oh So Natural Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil received the lowest score of 60%. Testers described it as having a "low intensity of flavour." This product is priced at $8.99 per 500ml bottle, or $1.80 per 100mL. Monini Organic Premium Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil was the second-lowest scoring oil with 65%, while Coles Australian Extra Virgin Oil was the third-lowest with 66%.