It is a staple item in kitchens across the UK.
But it turns out you’ve probably been storing your olive oil wrong.
While many people like to keep olive oil next to the hob for easy access, the experts at Which? have warned that this could cause the liquid to go rancid more quickly.
Instead, they advise storing it in a cool, dark place.
“Keeping olive oil in a cupboard away from light, heat, and oxygen will help prolong its life and prevent it from going bad too quickly,” which one? explained.
Unlike wine, olive oil doesn’t improve over time, so you shouldn’t leave it there for years.
“Once the bottle is opened, it is exposed to oxygen, which causes the oil to deteriorate,” the experts added.
“For maximum flavor and health benefits, use within a couple of months.”
It is a staple item in kitchens across the UK. But it turns out you’ve probably been storing your olive oil wrong.
While which one? recommends keeping olive oil away from any heat source; It is also best to avoid the refrigerator.
“Do not store it in the refrigerator,” experts warned.
‘You may have heard that keeping olive oil in the refrigerator will help it last longer, but our experts don’t recommend it.
“It is best to store it in a cool, dark closet.”
Experts also recommend paying close attention to packaging.
“Our experts recommend avoiding oil sold in clear plastic bottles, which can negatively affect the taste of the oil,” he explained.
‘Ideally, opt for a dark-colored can or glass bottle rather than a clear one.
“This helps block light and prevent oil from spoiling, both on store shelves and when you get home.”
While many people like to keep olive oil next to the hob for easy access, the experts at Which? have warned that this could cause olive oil to go rancid more quickly
The advice of Which? It comes shortly after furious shoppers branded the cost of olive oil “disgusting” after prices nearly tripled in three years. Pictured: The price of the cheapest 500ml bottle of olive oil in every UK supermarket.
The advice of Which? It comes shortly after furious shoppers branded the cost of olive oil “disgusting” after prices nearly tripled in three years.
In January 2021, the average price of a bottle of olive oil was £3.54.
But in April 2024, MailOnline research found the average is £9.49, an increase of more than 168 per cent.
The most expensive bottle of olive oil costs £22 for 500ml at Waitrose. It’s almost double the price of a 750ml bottle of Whispering Angel Provence Rosé, which costs just £11.49 in the same supermarket.
The cheapest place to buy a 500ml bottle of olive oil is Aldi, where you can get one for just £4.59. Iceland had the cheapest bottle on average, £5.50, although it only offered one type.
Comparing all the cheapest 500ml bottles from each store, Co-Op came out with the most expensive, £7.35.