When shopping for premium extra virgin olive oil, you’ve probably seen bold claims about polyphenol levels. But what many brands don’t explain is that polyphenols are not static — they naturally change over time.
At O-Liv, we believe you deserve the full story.
What Are Polyphenols, and Why Do They Matter?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds found in high-quality olive oil. They’re responsible for many of olive oil’s most celebrated benefits — from supporting heart health to protecting cells from oxidative stress.
They also contribute to the peppery bite and bitterness that signal a truly fresh, robust oil.
Because of their importance, polyphenol levels are often used as a benchmark for quality. But how and when those levels are measured matters just as much as the number itself.
Polyphenols Decline Naturally Over Time
Polyphenols are not permanent. From the moment olive oil is bottled, these compounds begin to slowly decline due to natural oxidation — even under ideal storage conditions.
For example, one recent O-Liv batch measured:
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540 mg/kg of total polyphenols at bottling
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347 mg/kg when re-tested in October 2025
This change is completely normal and expected in fresh, unadulterated olive oil. It’s also the reason we recommend using O-Liv within 90 days at room temperature to enjoy maximum freshness and potency.
Why Many Olive Oil Labels Can Be Misleading
Here’s an industry reality most consumers never hear:
Many olive oil brands test polyphenols once at bottling and continue marketing that original number indefinitely — even months or years later.
That number may no longer reflect what’s actually in the bottle you’re using today.
At O-Liv, we don’t believe in frozen numbers or outdated claims.
Our Commitment: Batch Testing, Not Marketing Math
Every O-Liv batch is independently tested using dual analytical methods:
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NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
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HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This dual-method approach provides a more complete and reliable profile of polyphenol content. Full Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available, because transparency shouldn’t be optional.
If a number changes, we acknowledge it — because honesty builds trust.
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Meeting (and Exceeding) the EU Health Claim
The European Union allows a health claim for olive oil polyphenols when the oil contains:
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≥ 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 g of oil
O-Liv is designed to consistently meet and exceed this benchmark — not just at bottling, but throughout its recommended use window.
And we don’t ask you to take our word for it. Our testing documentation backs it up.
What This Means for You
When you choose O-Liv, you’re choosing:
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✅ Fresh, high-polyphenol olive oil
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✅ Real numbers that reflect reality, not marketing
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✅ Clear usage guidance for optimal benefits
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✅ Documented testing you can review yourself
We believe premium olive oil should come with clarity, not confusion.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’d like help reviewing test results or have questions about polyphenols, storage, or usage, we’re always happy to walk you through the details.
Because the best olive oil experience starts with trust — and that starts with transparency.