Filled with monounsaturated fats that are high in oleic acid, antioxidants and HDL cholesterol, it’s no surprise why people refer to olive oil as a “superfood.” Adding to the list of health benefits of olive oil is the presence of polyphenols. These naturally occurring compounds are responsible for many of the health qualities associated with extra virgin olive oil. Seeking exquisite flavor and healthful function? Look for a polyphenol rich olive oil to add into your daily routine. 

There's a lot of information out there about polyphenols in olive oil, so we wanted to break it down as simply and clearly as possible for you. 

What Are Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are plant-based antioxidants that protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. Their antioxidant qualities can neutralize free radicals which helps to reduce inflammation, support heart health, and may even play a role in preventing chronic diseases and cancer. Polyphenols are also known to improve digestion and help reduce blood sugar levels which can help to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

What Foods are Rich in Polyphenols? 

A plant-based compound, polyphenols can be found in a wide range of foods, including green tea, red wine, dark chocolate, berries, artichokes, potatoes, soy, select beans, herbs and olives and olive oil. Incorporating polyphenol rich foods into your diet is simple. Better yet? Incorporating high quality olive oil into your daily diet is also delicious. 

How Do Polyphenols Exhibit Themselves In Olive Oil? 

Polyphenols contribute to extra virgin olive oil's peppery, slightly bitter taste, while they provide a fruity, fragrant and fresh-cut-grass aroma. Dependent on high quality production and cold-pressing techniques, high polyphenols levels are largely present in high quality extra virgin olive oil. 

Why Choose High Polyphenol Olive Oil?

A high polyphenol olive oil offers greater health benefits thanks to its antioxidant content. It’s more stable, meaning it stays fresh longer, and it's packed with flavor—think bold, grassy, and slightly spicy. 

What Olive Oil Has the Most Polyphenols?

The highest levels of olive oil polyphenols are typically found in:

• Early harvest extra virgin olive oil – harvested as while the olives are still green, these oils are robust and bitter due to higher polyphenol content. At Bona Furtuna, we always begin our olive harvest as soon as our olives ripen to capture the brightest flavors and optimum quality of our olive oil.
  
  

• Single varietal olive oils – certain cultivars such as Cersuola, Picual and Koroneiki are naturally rich in polyphenols. Apart from our single varietal Biancolilla Centinara and Passulunara Olive Oils, all of our extra virgin olive oils are a blend to ensure optimum flavor and structure. 
  
  

• Cold-pressed, small-batch oils – minimally processed and handled with great care, small-batch olive oils hold their integrity more easily. We cultivate, harvest and cold-press our estate olive oil on La Furtuna Estate to ensure the highest level of quality possible. 

When you’re looking for an olive oil rich with polyphenols, look for oils labeled as “extra virgin olive oil” “early harvest,” and “cold pressed.”

How to Check Polyphenols in Olive Oil

Polyphenol content isn’t consistently listed on retail labels. Here are a few tips to find one you like:

1. Request a certificate of analysis – Many reputable producers offer lab reports showing total polyphenol content (measured in mg/kg).
   
   

2. Taste it – A spicy or peppery sensation in the back of your throat is often a good sign of higher polyphenols.
   
   

3. Ask the producer – Especially for artisan or estate oils, producers will often share harvest dates, lab results, or varietal information when asked.
   
   

Our Conclusion

Choosing a polyphenol rich olive oil is a great way to fold healthy antioxidants into your daily routine. Made as it has been for centuries, a high quality extra virgin olive oil such as ours gives you an experience of beautiful flavor, Italian craftsmanship, and the knowledge that you’re supporting producers who value quality. Whisked into salad dressing, drizzled over grilled seafood, or sipped straight from a spoon, olive oil polyphenols is one of the oldest (and most delicious delicious) ways to nourish from the inside out.