Why Buying Authentic Italian Olive Oil in Singapore is So Confusing

Singapore is a breeding ground for a lot of great things, and food is certainly no exception. As an incredibly cosmopolitan, superbly connected city, Singapore has a lot to offer. However, having such a wide selection of anything and everything doesn’t always make things easier. And of course, as first-hand consumers and extra virgin olive oil lovers, we’ve been asking ourselves this very question for a very long time!

How easy is it to buy authentic Italian olive oil in Singapore?

There are two answers to this question. The short one is a resounding

Yes, you can certainly find authentic Italian olive oil in Singapore.

And I must add to it that we’re really fortunate to have such a broad variety of options available, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. But here then comes the next one.

Is it easy to find and recognise authentic olive oil in Singapore?

Unfortunately, not quite. And if you’ve ever browsed supermarket shelves, gourmet stores, or online shops, you likely know just how confusing this endeavour can be. From misleading labels to vague claims of quality, finding truly authentic olive oil is anything but straightforward.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, with the aim to break down why buying Italian olive oil in Singapore can be so confusing, how to tell what’s authentic, and where to find the best extra virgin olive oil available. We’ll also bust a few myths and bring clarity to this complex topic. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The rise of olive oil in Singapore
• What makes extra virgin olive oil authentic
• Why it’s hard to find genuine Italian olive oil in Singapore

The Rise of Olive Oil in Singapore

In recent years, olive oil has become a staple in many Singaporean kitchens. As more locals embrace the Mediterranean diet for its proven health benefits, olive oil is increasingly used for cooking, dressing, and even skincare. But as demand grows, so does supply, and with it, complexity.

You can now find hundreds of different bottles on the market labeled “extra virgin,” “cold-pressed,” “Italian-style,” or “Mediterranean blend.” But to be honest with you, not all of them live up to the label. So much so that Rebecca Lynne Tan wrote a very insightful guide for The Straits Times, reporting the "7 things to look out for" in an authentic extra virgin olive oil to avoid or reduce the risk of fraud, as back in 2015, seven Italian olive oil brands were being investigated for fraud (read the full article here)

What Makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil Authentic?

Let’s clear things up. Authentic Italian olive oil should strictly:

• Be produced in Italy;
• Be made from Italian-grown olives;
• Be cold-pressed within hours of harvesting using only mechanical means;
• Be certified as extra virgin (low acidity, no additives).

The term "extra virgin" refers to the highest grade of olive oil - simply pure olive juice. In contrast, "olive oil" refers to a processed blend made using heat, chemicals, and refined oils (read "Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Far Better than Refined Olive Oil"). Sadly, many oils labeled "Italian" are merely bottled in Italy using olives sourced from other countries. 

At Timperio.co, our olive oil is 100% Italian—crafted from olives grown in Colletorto, Molise, a region known for its centuries-old groves.

Why It's Hard to Find the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Singapore

There are several contributing factors that make the search of authentic extra virgin olive oils difficult:

1. Misleading Labels – Terms like “pure,” “light,” or “Mediterranean blend” often mean refined or blended oils.
2. Fake Claims of Origin – Some bottles claim to be Italian but lack proper certifications like DOP.
3. Poor Storage – Exposure to heat, light, and air during shipping can degrade quality.
4. Price vs. Quality – High prices don’t always mean high quality. Some brands invest more in packaging than in oil quality.

Where to Buy the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Singapore

You can find good extra virgin olive oil in Singapore in different places, but mainly in

• Specialty Stores: Some import directly from Italy!
  
• Online: Timperio.co offers local delivery across Singapore

And if you wonder how to choose authentic Italian olive oil in Singapore, our advice is to:

• Look for specific origins like “Product of Colletorto, Molise, Italy”.
  
• Opt for dark glass bottles to protect oil from light.
  
• Buy direct from reputable producers like Timperio.

And if you wish to find more, here's our complete guide for buying and storing extra virgin olive oil.

FAQs About Buying Italian Olive Oil in Singapore

• What’s the best extra virgin olive oil in Singapore? Look for certified, fresh oils with a clear origin like Timperio.
• How do I verify if an olive oil is authentic? Check origin, certifications, harvest date, and producer reputation. Extra virgin olive oil and olive oil are completely different products (learn more in this article)
• Why do prices vary? Higher prices often reflect quality, but not always. Beware of overpricing for branding.
• Is Italian olive oil better? Italy’s heritage ensures quality, but only if origins are traceable.
• Cold-pressed vs. extra virgin? Cold-pressed is the method; extra virgin is the grade and quality.

Discover Timperio – Your Source for Authentic Italian Olive Oil in Singapore

At Timperio, we bring you the finest Italian olive oils, directly from our family groves in Colletorto, Molise. Each bottle is a reflection of tradition, purity, and quality.

Try our bestsellers:

• Gentile – Late Harvest EVOO
• Nobile – Early Harvest EVOO
• Truffle Flavored EVOO

Final Tip: Don’t settle for generic. Choose olive oil with roots, flavor, and soul—choose Timperio.