The right cooking oils and fats can elevate both the flavor and nutritional value of your meals. According to Wirecutter's senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan, the key factors that separate quality options from inferior ones include proper storage protection from heat, air, light, and time, transparent labeling with harvest dates, and third-party testing for purity. Below are the cooking oils and fats that consistently earn recognition for their exceptional quality, transparency, and performance in the kitchen.

1. Olivea Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This Greek olive oil delivers exceptional polyphenol levels of over 1,000 mg/kg, making it one of the most antioxidant-rich options available. Made from single-estate Koroneiki olives and cold-pressed within hours of harvest, it provides both health benefits and robust flavor with full transparency about its production.

Why it stands out: Independent lab testing verifies its polyphenol content, and the company publishes complete lab results for transparency. It's USDA Organic certified and comes from sustainable family farms in Greece.

Things to know: At around $30 for 500ml, it's priced as a premium oil. The high polyphenol content creates a peppery, robust flavor that may be intense for those used to milder oils.

2. Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Rich Taste

This readily available olive oil offers consistent quality and rich flavor at an accessible price point. As one of the world's oldest olive oil brands, founded in Tuscany in 1865, Bertolli has established reliable production standards for everyday cooking needs.

Why it stands out: Wirecutter recommends this as a readily available olive oil option that delivers reliable taste and quality. It's found in most grocery stores and offers good value for regular cooking applications.

Things to know: While affordable and consistent, it doesn't offer the same polyphenol levels or single-estate sourcing as premium options. The brand has faced some past labeling controversies, though quality control has improved.

3. Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This Australian and Californian producer has earned over 475 awards for quality and offers advanced quality control with bold, fresh flavors. Their California Select provides a mild but fresh and silky oil that works well across various cooking applications.

Why it stands out: Wirecutter highlights this as a mild but fresh and silky oil option. The brand is known for innovative quality control methods and has won numerous international competitions for taste and purity.

Things to know: While premium in quality, it may be harder to find in some regions compared to mass-market brands. The mild flavor profile, while versatile, may not provide the robust taste some cooks prefer for finishing dishes.

4. Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This modern olive oil brand offers a balanced green and peppery profile designed specifically for cooking applications. Packaged in innovative squeeze bottles, it makes everyday cooking with quality olive oil more convenient and accessible.

Why it stands out: Wirecutter recommends this as a balanced green and peppery oil. The unique packaging protects the oil from light while making it easy to drizzle and control portions during cooking.

Things to know: The squeeze bottle design, while convenient, may not appeal to those who prefer traditional glass bottles. It's positioned as a cooking oil rather than a finishing oil, so it may not have the complexity desired for drizzling over completed dishes.

How to Choose the Right Cooking Oils and Fats

• Check for harvest or production dates: Fresh oils taste better and retain more nutrients. Wirecutter's experts emphasize the importance of harvest dates over "best by" dates, as oils can degrade significantly even within their shelf life.
• Prioritize proper packaging: Dark glass bottles or tins protect oils from light degradation, one of the key enemies of oil quality. Avoid clear plastic containers, which allow both light and air to compromise quality over time.
• Verify transparency and testing: Reputable brands often publish lab results showing polyphenol levels, purity testing, and absence of contaminants. This transparency indicates quality control and authenticity.
• Understand storage requirements: Store oils away from heat sources like stoves, avoid refrigeration which can cause condensation, and keep them in cool, dark places to maintain freshness.
• Match the oil to your cooking method: Consider whether you need an oil for high-heat cooking, finishing dishes, or general cooking applications, as different oils perform better in different temperature ranges and culinary contexts.

Quality cooking oils and fats are an investment in both flavor and health. Focus on transparency, proper sourcing, and storage methods to ensure you're getting the full nutritional and culinary benefits these premium options can provide.