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Olive Oil Price Hikes, What Are the Best Alternatives?
EuroWeekly News ^ | 01 Mar 2024 | John Ensor

Posted on 03/03/2024 1:51:57 PM PST by nickcarraway

Recent data has underscored the growing concern among Spanish consumers regarding the soaring prices of olive oil, a commodity often referred to as ‘liquid gold.’

In January of this year, according to Eurostat, Spain witnessed a staggering 63 per cent increase in olive oil prices compared to the same period last year, marking the third-largest year-on-year rise across the European Union.

The stark reality of olive oil pricing

A similar report by Facua-Consumidores en Accion revealed a 69 per cent hike in the price of extra virgin olive oil over the past year, making it the most expensive food item in this timeframe, despite a reduction in VAT.

Spain set for unusual Easter warmth These figures reveal the severity of the situation, which may be further exacerbated by a warning from an olive oil expert.

Prediction for olive oil’s future

Commentators have sounded the alarm on the ongoing crisis and now predict a possible shortage of extra virgin olive oil on supermarket shelves.

The grim forecast is attributed to severe drought conditions and a diminished olive harvest. Farmer and agricultural consultant, Daniel Trenado highlighted the current production shortfall: ‘At this moment we are not being able to supply the markets as we should.’

He suggests a clearer picture will emerge in May, indicating a challenging period ahead for olive oil availability and pricing.

When will olive oil prices decrease?

The future pricing of olive oil remains uncertain, with economist Gonzalo Bernardos cautioning that a price drop may not occur until the harvest outcomes of 2025 are assessed. This timeframe suggests consumers may have to brace for high olive oil prices for some time.

Olive oil alternatives

In light of these challenges, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has proposed several alternatives. For raw consumption, walnut or pumpkin seed oils offer aromatic options.

For milder requirements, such as in mayonnaise, blending delicate olive oil with neutral oils like sunflower, soy, or rapeseed is recommended.

For cooking methods involving high temperatures, such as frying or sautéing, the OCU suggests choosing fats like refined olive oil, high oleic sunflower oil, or olive pomace oil that maintain stability under heat.

High oleic sunflower oil also serves as a suitable option for baking, providing a neutral flavour that withstands temperature changes.

Additionally, butter and cream are mentioned as animal-based alternatives, though it’s noted that butter’s high saturated fat content may not be ideal for all uses.

Regardless of the alternative chosen, the OCU emphasizes the importance of moderate fat consumption and the correct frying technique to ensure food health and safety.

As the olive oil market faces unprecedented challenges, consumers and industry stakeholders alike are urged to navigate this crisis with informed choices and potential alternatives.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Food; Local News
KEYWORDS: healthyfats; oliveoil
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To: irishjuggler

Avocados were formerly known as “poor man’s butter.”


21 posted on 03/03/2024 2:15:53 PM PST by NautiNurse (🇺🇸 Bidenomics: "Over a billion three hundred million trillion three hundred million dollars!")
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To: Alberta's Child

I prefer 5W60. So regardless of the ambient temperature it’s just right


22 posted on 03/03/2024 2:16:46 PM PST by ChildOfThe60s ("If you can remember the 60s....you weren't really there")
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To: Publius

Save money by purchasing at Amazon.

I buy Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed (best quality) 48 ounces for $17.09

I buy so much from AMZ, I have free Prime Delivery on everything, but even a small shipping charge would make this excellent product affordable.


23 posted on 03/03/2024 2:20:09 PM PST by Veto! (FJB Sucks Rocks)
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To: nickcarraway

ALDI’s has avocado oil for a reasonable price. I recently got some grapeseed oil to try out and have been liking it. Very neutral flavor and high smoke point.


24 posted on 03/03/2024 2:20:49 PM PST by Yardstick
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To: whitney69

Flaxseed oil is terrific, but in our town it’s far more expensive than EVOO.


25 posted on 03/03/2024 2:22:01 PM PST by Veto! (FJB Sucks Rocks)
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To: irishjuggler

Body lotion.


26 posted on 03/03/2024 2:23:05 PM PST by sjmjax
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To: Harmless Teddy Bear
When you went to the baths they would rub you all over with olive oil and then scrape you with a wooden (or ivory) strigil.

Is that before, or after the bath?

27 posted on 03/03/2024 2:23:12 PM PST by Empire_of_Liberty ( )
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To: nickcarraway

There are EXCELLENT Napa Valley olive oil producers.

Heritage pork, as well as Wagyu beef lard are also great alternatives, depending on the meal/preparation.


28 posted on 03/03/2024 2:23:45 PM PST by Jane Long (What we were told was a conspiracy theory in ‘20 is now fact. Land of the sheep, home of the knaves)
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To: nickcarraway

Shortages? Drill, baby, drill!

Oh. Not that kind of oil....

I guess 5W-20 motor oil is not a substitute.


29 posted on 03/03/2024 2:23:54 PM PST by alloysteel (Most people slog through life without ever knowing the wonders of true insanity.)
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To: nickcarraway

https://baconup.com/

14 oz. to a 3 gallon(!) bucket if you wish.


30 posted on 03/03/2024 2:24:01 PM PST by dynachrome (War does not determine who is right, but who is left.)
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To: Yardstick

Is it actual avocado oil, or a blend?


31 posted on 03/03/2024 2:26:13 PM PST by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

Shell Rotella.

CC


32 posted on 03/03/2024 2:28:55 PM PST by Celtic Conservative (My cats are more amusing than 200 channels worth of TV.)
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To: irishjuggler

No, it was used as soap. It was applied and then scraped off.

CC


33 posted on 03/03/2024 2:30:49 PM PST by Celtic Conservative (My cats are more amusing than 200 channels worth of TV.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Pompeian is a good Spanish evo-----comes in smooth or
robust flavors. Amazon special---$6.48 for a table-size bottle.

34 posted on 03/03/2024 2:31:04 PM PST by Liz (This then is how we should pray: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. )
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To: nickcarraway
Whenever you shop for olive oil, be sure to check the label because most are blended oils from several countries.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Country-of-origin-code-and-variety-name-of-49-olive-cultivars-studied_tbl1_6455759

Different olive oils definitely taste differently. From my point of view the best are Italian, and of all things with Californian in second place.


35 posted on 03/03/2024 2:32:24 PM PST by yefragetuwrabrumuy ("All he had was a handgun. Why did you think that was a threat?" --Rittenhouse Prosecutor)
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To: Alberta's Child

With a spritz of WD-40


36 posted on 03/03/2024 2:32:50 PM PST by bigbob ( )
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To: yefragetuwrabrumuy

I have seen EVO with 5 countries listed on the label. All trustworthy, right?


37 posted on 03/03/2024 2:37:14 PM PST by dynachrome (War does not determine who is right, but who is left.)
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To: nickcarraway

It’s the real deal, not a blend:

https://www.aldireviewer.com/simply-nature-100-pure-avocado-oil-cold-pressed/


38 posted on 03/03/2024 2:38:43 PM PST by Yardstick
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To: Yardstick

How do Germans know about avocados?


39 posted on 03/03/2024 2:48:29 PM PST by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

Roadkill squeezings.


40 posted on 03/03/2024 2:56:22 PM PST by moovova ("The NEXT election is the most important election of our lifetimes!“ LOL...)
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