Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day – Sep. 30, 2026

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day
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AmericanBeverageCulturalFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 30
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day honors the beloved culinary staple every September 30. This ‘liquid gold’ is celebrated for its rich flavor, versatility in cooking, and numerous health benefits. Explore new recipes, learn about its origins, and elevate your dishes with the finest EVOO.

Want to sponsor Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day? Learn how

Expected Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day often brings fantastic deals from retailers and specialty food stores. Look for discounts on premium EVOO brands like Bertolli, Colavita, and California Olive Ranch. Gourmet shops and online purveyors such as Whole Foods Market may offer bundles or tasting sets featuring different varietals. Keep an eye out for promotions from brands like Pompeian and Filippo Berio, who often highlight their high-quality extra virgin selections. Smaller, artisanal brands like Brightland might feature special discounts on their unique offerings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EVOODay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite dishes made with extra virgin olive oil, or showcase your collection of premium bottles.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ExtraVirginOliveOilDay. Film quick recipe tutorials, olive oil tasting tips, or health benefit explainers to engage your audience.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OliveOilDay. Share family recipes featuring EVOO, or post polls asking about people’s favorite ways to use this healthy fat.

Social Media Tips for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Individuals

Host an olive oil tasting party with friends, comparing different varieties and their unique flavor profiles. Experiment with new recipes that highlight EVOO, such as a fresh pesto or a simple vinaigrette.

Creators

Develop content around the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, debunking myths or offering practical tips for incorporating it into daily meals. Create a 'day in the life' video showcasing how EVOO is used from breakfast to dinner.

Brands

Launch a limited-time discount on your premium extra virgin olive oil products or collaborate with a chef to create exclusive recipes. Host a social media contest asking followers to share their best EVOO dish for a chance to win a prize.

Top Brands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

  1. Bertolli

    Founded in 1865 in Lucca, Italy, by Francesco Bertolli, it is one of the oldest and most recognized olive oil brands globally. Bertolli offers a range of olive oils, including extra virgin, known for its consistent quality and accessibility in kitchens worldwide.

  2. Colavita

    An Italian-American company with roots in the Molise region of Italy, Colavita has been importing and distributing olive oil since 1979. They are known for their authentic Italian extra virgin olive oils, often sourced directly from family groves.

  3. California Olive Ranch

    Established in 1998, this brand pioneered modern olive farming in California, becoming a leading producer of domestic extra virgin olive oil. They focus on sustainable practices and offer a range of award-winning, fresh-tasting EVOOs.

  4. Pompeian

    Founded in 1906, Pompeian is America's largest national brand of olive oil, based in Baltimore, Maryland. They are committed to providing high-quality olive oils and vinegars, sourcing from the finest olive groves around the Mediterranean.

  5. Filippo Berio

    With a history dating back to 1867 in Lucca, Italy, Filippo Berio is a globally recognized brand synonymous with quality olive oil. They offer a diverse selection of olive oils, including robust extra virgin varieties, enjoyed by home cooks and chefs alike.

  6. Whole Foods Market

    A leading natural and organic food retailer, Whole Foods Market offers a curated selection of high-quality extra virgin olive oils, including their own 365 Everyday Value brand. They emphasize transparency and ethical sourcing in their product offerings.

  7. Brightland

    A modern California-based brand founded by Aishwarya Iyer, Brightland focuses on single-origin, artistically bottled extra virgin olive oils. Their oils are known for their fresh, vibrant flavors and are often harvested from family-run farms.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day Hero

Hippocrates

Often hailed as the 'Father of Medicine,' Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC) was an ancient Greek physician whose teachings revolutionized medicine. He advocated for a holistic approach, emphasizing diet and lifestyle. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, was central to his recommendations for health and well-being, used both as food and medicine. His legacy continues to influence modern understanding of nutrition and preventative health.

History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Olive oil is said to be a ‘superfood’ today, but the truth is that this was previously discovered many years ago. Ancient people in the Mediterranean believed that olive trees were sent by the gods. The legend reads that when the city of Athens was founded, the goddess Athena created the olive tree so that they would choose her as their patron, rather than the god Poseidon.

Ancient Greeks believed that these trees were godly because they produced a delicious bounty of fruit each year, which could also be used for eating, lighting lamps, cosmetics, medicine, and more. In Greece, the Greek gods were thanked by the Greeks for their olive cultivation. There was even a god of Olive Growth, who was called Aristaeus. He was praised for protecting the olive groves. In Judaism, olives are also considered to be an important fruit. They are believed to be one of the seven fruits that Israel was blessed with.

In fact, there is a ‘mitzvah’ (commandment) for bringing olives, as well as the other fruits, to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Moreover, a special blessing is said when one eats these fruits. While it is unknown if olive trees were a gift from the gods, we do know quite a bit about olive oil’s early days and its benefits.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day timeline

2500 B.C.
Olive Oil is First Used

It is first used as lamp fuel and in religious ceremonies in the Mediterranean.

2000 B.C.
Olive Oil is First Cooked

It is first used in cooking.

1450
Olive oil enters its golden age

It enters its golden age with the Greeks, as they used it for food, fuel, skin lotion, contraceptive, detergents, preservatives, pesticides, perfume, and adornment.

2019
World Olive Day is Created

The International Olive Council celebrates the first anniversary of World Olive Day since its creation by UNESCO.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

Local businesses can honor Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day by highlighting its versatility and health benefits. Restaurants might offer special menus featuring dishes where EVOO is a star ingredient, or host tasting flights of different olive oil varietals. Specialty food stores can create displays showcasing premium EVOOs, offering samples and pairing suggestions. Cooking schools could run workshops on the art of using extra virgin olive oil in various cuisines, from Mediterranean to modern American.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day FAQs

When is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. This mid-week celebration is perfect for exploring new culinary delights and appreciating the health benefits of EVOO.

How healthy is extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is highly regarded for its health benefits, particularly its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular consumption is linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

How popular is extra virgin olive oil globally?

Extra virgin olive oil is a global culinary staple, with millions of tons produced and consumed annually worldwide. Spain, Italy, and Greece are leading producers, but its popularity extends across continents, driven by health trends and gourmet cooking.

What makes olive oil 'extra virgin'?

‘Extra virgin’ signifies the highest quality olive oil, obtained solely by mechanical means without chemical treatments, and cold-pressed to preserve its natural flavor and nutrients. It must have an acidity level below 0.8% and pass rigorous sensory and chemical tests.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day Activities

  1. Buy a certified, authentic virgin olive oil

    Go to a supermarket and buy authentic olive oil. To be sure that you are buying an olive oil of good quality, read the label and check the harvest date.

  2. Get to know your olive oil producer

    Visit an olive oil producer. Many olive oil producers offer guided visits.

  3. Prepare your favorite recipe using olive oil

    Using olive oil in your dishes makes all the difference. You can cook with olive oil or consume it raw.

5 Benefits Of Olive Oil

  1. Strengthens the immune system

    Extra virgin olive oil is known to boost the immune system due to its high concentration of antioxidants and monounsaturated fats.

  2. Lowers blood sugar

    Extra virgin olive oil facilitates the process of stabilizing type 2 diabetes.

  3. Promotes heart health

    Recent studies have shown that people who consume more than half a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil daily have fewer chances of developing cardiovascular problems and coronary heart disease.

  4. Detoxes the liver

    Consuming extra virgin olive oil daily, helps our liver to perform its functions since it’s a natural laxative and encourages the release of bile.

  5. Gives you more brain power

    Olive oil improves brain memory and helps prevent mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

Why We Love Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day

  1. Olive oil is loved worldwide

    People love olive oil not only for its taste but also because of all the benefits it has. Consuming olive oil is not only delicious, but it’s also really good for our health!

  2. It is natural

    This product is natural and does not have many other ingredients added to it. As such, the use of olive oil is encouraged as a healthier alternative.

  3. It offers innumerable benefits

    Extra virgin olive oil offers benefits to your skin, nails, and bones. While many beauty products use it as a base ingredient that requires a direct application, more benefits can be acquired by simply drinking a tablespoon of olive oil daily.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 30 Wednesday
2027 September 30 Thursday
2028 September 30 Saturday
2029 September 30 Sunday
2030 September 30 Monday