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Food

The Olive Oil Revolution: 5 Brands Making Colavita Look Behind the Times

Chris Chan

Chris Chan

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 20, 2024
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The familiar green bottle of Colavita olive oil has become synonymous with Italian cooking in American kitchens. But while this supermarket staple has served us well over the years, a new generation of olive oil producers is reimagining what this ancient ingredient can be. From innovative farming practices to rare olive varieties, these producers are writing a new chapter in the story of liquid gold.
We've discovered some fascinating alternatives that showcase just how far olive oil production has evolved. While we haven't tested these products ourselves, their innovative approaches and commitment to quality have caught our attention - and we think they'll catch yours too.

Sardel
: Where Third-Generation Italian Expertise Meets Modern Production

This brand emerged from a collaboration between the Kamhi brothers and traditional Italian producers, bringing small-batch olive oil craftsmanship to a wider audience. Operating from northern Italy, they've built relationships with family-run farms that have been pressing olive oil for generations.
Their dedication to transparency stands out in an industry often shrouded in mystery. While many producers keep their harvest dates under wraps, Sardel displays this information prominently on every bottle. The oil comes from a third-generation family foundry, where traditional methods are enhanced by contemporary production techniques. Professional chefs have taken notice of its versatility, praising its performance in everything from high-heat cooking to finishing dishes.

Why we like Sardel

  • 1

    Transparent Harvest Dates

    Clear labeling helps ensure freshness and quality

  • 2

    Multi-Generation Expertise

    Third-generation family production methods

  • 3

    Chef-Endorsed Versatility

    Suitable for both cooking and finishing applications

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Graza
: The Squeeze Bottle That's Shaking Up Olive Oil Traditions

Who says premium olive oil has to come in a glass bottle? Graza's innovative squeeze-bottle design has turned heads in the culinary world. Their source? Spain's Jaén region, where they work exclusively with Picual olives - a variety known for its impressive stability and robust flavor profile.
We're intrigued by their practical approach to olive oil usage. Their lineup features two distinct products: "Sizzle" for cooking and "Drizzle" for finishing. The Picual olives used in both versions pack a punch of polyphenols, compounds that contribute to both flavor and stability. Their direct-to-consumer model means these oils typically reach customers at peak freshness, while the opaque packaging protects against light degradation.

Why we like Graza

  • 1

    Innovative Packaging

    Practical squeeze bottle design for easy use

  • 2

    Single-Variety Focus

    Exclusive use of high-quality Picual olives

  • 3

    Purpose-Specific Oils

    Distinct products for cooking and finishing

Jasmyn Sullivan

Jasmyn Sullivan

08/28/24

Its so perfect for everything especially topping a salad!

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The Mediterranean Dish
: Egyptian-Born Expertise Meets American Kitchens

Suzy Karadsheh's The Mediterranean Dish brings authentic Mediterranean oil expertise stateside. Drawing from her childhood in Port Said, Egypt, where daily market visits with her father shaped her understanding of quality ingredients, Karadsheh has created an olive oil that reflects generations of Mediterranean culinary wisdom.
The brand's approach goes beyond just selling oil - it's about sharing the Mediterranean way of life. Their educational materials dive deep into traditional uses and cultural significance, helping customers understand how this ingredient has shaped Mediterranean cuisine for millennia. This knowledge-sharing approach makes their olive oil feel less like a commodity and more like a window into a different way of cooking and eating.

Why we like The Mediterranean Dish

  • 1

    Authentic Heritage

    Egyptian-born expertise in Mediterranean ingredients

  • 2

    Educational Focus

    Rich content about traditional uses and cultural significance

  • 3

    Cultural Connection

    Creates a deeper understanding of Mediterranean cuisine

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Bona Furtuna
: Saving Ancient Sicilian Olive Trees One Bottle at a Time

Here's a plot worthy of a novel: ancient olive groves in Sicily, some trees dating back 1,500 years, now producing oil from a nearly extinct variety. Bona Furtuna has accomplished something remarkable by commercializing the Biancolilla Centinara olive, quite literally saving it from disappearing forever.
Their commitment to environmental stewardship earned them B Corp certification, but what really captures our imagination is their adherence to traditional harvesting methods. Every olive is hand-picked from trees growing in the Sicani Mountain region, where unique soil conditions and microclimate contribute to the oil's distinctive character. Their permaculture approach ensures these ancient groves will continue producing oil for generations to come.

Why we like Bona Furtuna

  • 1

    Heritage Preservation

    Saving ancient olive varieties from extinction

  • 2

    Sustainable Practices

    B Corp certified with permaculture approach

  • 3

    Traditional Methods

    Hand-harvested olives from 1,500-year-old trees

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Brightland
: California's Answer to European Olive Oil Dominance

From California's Central Coast comes Brightland, proving that exceptional olive oil isn't exclusive to European soil. Taking advantage of the region's Mediterranean-like climate, they're producing oils that challenge old-world assumptions about what makes great olive oil.
Their scientific approach to quality control impressed us - each bottle features UV-protected coating to prevent light damage, and their testing protocols are rigorous. We're particularly interested in their specialized oils for different cooking applications, each with its own distinct flavor profile. Their infused varieties showcase a distinctly American willingness to experiment with tradition, creating new flavor combinations that speak to contemporary palates.

Why we like Brightland

  • 1

    Scientific Quality Control

    UV-protected bottles and rigorous testing

  • 2

    American Innovation

    Contemporary approach to traditional products

  • 3

    Specialized Varieties

    Purpose-specific oils for different cooking needs

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Beyond the Supermarket Shelf

The olive oil landscape has evolved dramatically since Colavita first appeared on supermarket shelves. Each of these producers represents a different vision for the future of olive oil - whether it's Sardel's blend of tradition and transparency, Graza's practical innovation, The Mediterranean Dish's cultural authenticity, Bona Furtuna's preservation efforts, or Brightland's scientific approach. While we can't personally vouch for their products, their stories and methods suggest that the future of olive oil is looking brighter than ever.