Can you drink olive oil straight?

Yes. Extra virgin olive oil is a full food-grade product and is commonly eaten raw across the Mediterranean — poured over food, dipped with bread, or taken straight from a spoon.

The grade matters

Only extra virgin is worth eating raw. The "pure", "light" and pomace grades have been refined with heat or chemicals, losing most of their flavour compounds and polyphenols. If you intend to take it straight, the grade is the thing that matters.

Why it tastes peppery

The peppery, catching sensation at the back of the throat comes from polyphenols — natural compounds in the olive fruit. Olivko carries roughly 500 mg/kg of them. Fresher oil with lower acidity usually tastes more peppery. It is a good sign, not a fault.

If you are new to it

• Start with a small amount over food rather than straight from a spoon.
• Take it with food if the sensation feels strong.
• Keep the bottle closed and out of the light so the flavour stays fresh.

We make no health or medical claims and do not recommend a daily dose. If you have a specific health condition, speak to your doctor.