How to Tell If Your Olive Oil Is Actually Good for You

Not all olive oils are created equal - and the difference can be huge when it comes to health. The label might say “extra virgin,” but that doesn’t always mean it’s fresh, potent, or high in polyphenols.

Here’s how to tell if your olive oil is truly good for you (and how we make sure Lumen One is).

1. Check the Harvest Date

Freshness matters. Look for an actual harvest date - not just a “best before” label. Olive oil is best within 12-18 months of harvest.

2. Look for Lab Testing

Quality olive oil brands will share lab results. At Lumen One, every batch is tested for:

• Free Fatty Acids (<0.1%): Lower means fresher.

• Peroxide Value (<12): Shows stability and low oxidation.

• Total Biophenols (400+ mg/kg): Indicates health-supporting compounds.

3. Smell and Taste

Fresh extra virgin olive oil should smell vibrant - grassy, fruity, or peppery. If it smells musty, metallic, or bland, it’s likely past its prime.

Lumen One’s Quality Promise

We don’t just meet the extra virgin standard - we exceed it. Every bottle is small-batch, cold-extracted, and tested for freshness, stability, purity, and polyphenol content.