---
title: The Quick Comparison Guide of Olive Oil Grade Characteristics
description: Find the right olive oil for you by using this quick comparison chart to compare and contrast all the different grades available.
---

[Bulk Oil Blog | Non-GMO, Organic and Olive Oils ](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog)

# [The Quick Comparison Guide of Olive Oil Grade Characteristics](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/the-quick-comparison-guide-of-olive-oil-grade-characteristics)

 Written by [Hannah Broaddus](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/author/hannah-broaddus) | July 29, 2014

Sometimes it's hard to know if you've [selected the right grade of olive oil](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/bid/323029/Manufacturing-How-To-Series-Choosing-the-Right-Olive-Oil-Grade).  But most manufacturers and distributors know what **traits** they need in their product (and therefore in their oil ingredients).  

- Does the flavor need to be light to not overwhelm the other ingredients?
- Does the color need to be light so that it doesn't make your product too dark?
- Do you produce an organic certified product?

Think through product needs (and therefore, your ingredient needs), and use this handy guide below to compare each grade of oil quickly and easily.

## Use This Comparison Chart To Find The Right Olive Oil Grade

| ###     Grade Of Olive Oil     | ###  Mechanically Extracted? | ### Refined? | ### Strong/Destinct Flavor? | ### Light In Color? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil** | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| **Extra Virgin Olive Oil** | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| **Virgin Olive Oil** | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| **Pure Olive Oil** | Yes | Yes | Somewhat | Somewhat |
| **Refined Olive Oil** | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| **Olive Pomace Oil** | No | Yes | No | Somewhat |

A few things to keep in mind... The [mechanical extraction](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/what-is-expeller-pressed-olive-oil) of olive oil usually refers to a centrifuge that spins the oil out of the olive paste.  If the oil is not mechanically extracted (like Olive Pomace Oil) it uses a solvent for extraction.

The refining process may vary from oil to oil, but typically involves a high heat and filtration process that removes much of the color and flavor of the oil.  Most would agree that this also depreciates many of the [health benefits found in Extra Virgin Olive Oil](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/what-makes-extra-virgin-olive-oil-so-healthy).

 

 

Good luck selecting the right oil for you!

 

[Image source](https://www.flickr.com/photos/37873897@N06/)

 

 

[View full post](https://www.centrafoods.com/blog/the-quick-comparison-guide-of-olive-oil-grade-characteristics)

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