Does more polyphenols mean better oil?

Does more polyphenols mean better oil?

3 min read

It’s one of the questions we hear most, and the honest answer is: it’s not quite that simple.

Polyphenols are a big part of why we care about olive oil in the first place. They’re natural compounds the olive tree makes to protect itself from sun, heat and pests, and they’re what give a good extra virgin olive oil its bitterness and that peppery kick at the back of your throat. But a higher number doesn’t automatically mean a better oil. It’s one useful clue among several.

A number is a snapshot

A polyphenol count tells you what was in the oil on the day it was tested. It doesn’t tell you what’s in the bottle in your kitchen months later. Polyphenols fall over time, especially with exposure to light, heat and air, so how an oil is stored and packaged matters as much as the figure on the label.

The number is also shaped by everything that came before it: the olive variety, the climate and the year, how early the olives were picked, how quickly the oil is extracted, and how gently. Two oils with the same count can behave very differently by the time they reach you.

Is there a “right” amount?

There’s a helpful benchmark. In the UK and EU, extra virgin olive oil can carry an authorised claim that olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. To make it, an oil needs to contain at least 5mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20ml daily serving.

That gives a clear line to look for. Beyond it, the research on polyphenols is exciting but still emerging, and nobody can honestly say that the highest figure on the shelf is the best choice for everyone. Different olives, tastes and routines all come into it.

What else makes a good oil

Polyphenols are only part of the picture. Freshness, flavour and how an oil is kept all matter, and so does whether you’ll enjoy using it often. The benefits people talk about come from a regular habit, whether that’s a spoonful in the morning or a generous drizzle over dinner, so a good oil is one you’re happy to reach for every day.

What to look for on the label

+ A harvest date, not just a best-before

+ A lab-tested polyphenol figure, the hydroxytyrosol and derivatives

+ Dark glass or a protective pouch rather than clear bottles

+ A fresh, slightly bitter, peppery finish. That’s the oil doing its job.

+ Single-estate, not a blend

+ The place or region of the olive grove

Explore more of our poly-insights >

Questions you've asked us
How can I tell if an olive oil is high in polyphenols?
The best way to know if an olive oil is high in polyphenols is to look for a certified polyphenol test result. You can also look for clues such as an early harvest date, cold extraction, and olives grown and processed with care, as these factors often contribute to higher polyphenol levels. While these indicators are helpful, the only reliable way to confirm the polyphenol content is through laboratory testing.
Can polyphenol levels change overtime?
Yes. Polyphenol levels naturally decrease as olive oil ages. Exposure to light, heat, and air speeds up this process, which is why proper storage is so important. To preserve as many polyphenols as possible, store your olive oil in a cool, dark place with the bottle tightly sealed after each use. Choosing fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil and enjoying it within its recommended shelf life will help you get the most from its naturally occurring antioxidants.
What does a high-polyphenol olive oil taste like?
High-polyphenol olive oil is known for its bold, vibrant flavour. It typically has a fresh, grassy or herbaceous aroma, with a pleasant bitterness and a peppery sensation at the back of the throat. That characteristic peppery "kick" is a sign of the natural phenolic compounds present in the oil.
The intensity can vary depending on the olive variety, harvest time, and growing conditions, but a balanced bitterness and pepperiness are often hallmarks of a fresh, premium-quality, high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil.

Find out more
What does “protection of blood lipids” actually mean?

What does “protection of blood lipids” actually mean?

Behind one of the few health claims olive oil is allowed to make, there’s a simple idea worth understanding.