Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

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
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-64 next last

1 posted on 03/03/2024 1:51:57 PM PST by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

I use Avocado oil for most my cooking and Wagyu Beef Tallow for my steak and fries.
Avocado is an excellent substitute. It has a high smoke point and neutral taste.


2 posted on 03/03/2024 1:54:08 PM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Free Republic's most controversial and outspoken FReeper)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Olive oil to my wife is like chocolate to me. Cost be damned!


3 posted on 03/03/2024 1:55:25 PM PST by ComputerGuy (Heavily-medicated for your protection)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

2nd on avocado oil for a high smoke point oil.


4 posted on 03/03/2024 1:56:36 PM PST by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: ComputerGuy

Agreed. When it comes to salads, there is nothing like extra virgin olive oil.


5 posted on 03/03/2024 1:57:14 PM PST by Publius
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Health wise my guess would be coconut oil.


6 posted on 03/03/2024 1:57:31 PM PST by exPBRrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

I recommend 10W40 motor oil. :-P


7 posted on 03/03/2024 2:00:49 PM PST by Alberta's Child (If something in government doesn’t make sense, you can be sure it makes dollars.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ComputerGuy

Legendary Roman Pliny the Elder famously wrote: “There are two liquids most pleasing to human bodies... inside: wine; outside: olive oil.”

(I’ve never quite understood it. Was olive oil like the iced tea or Arnold Palmer of ancient times, guzzled outside on hot days?)


8 posted on 03/03/2024 2:01:22 PM PST by irishjuggler
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: irishjuggler

In the ancient world, olive oil was currency, just as cowhides were currency.


9 posted on 03/03/2024 2:02:42 PM PST by Publius
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

They’d be able to make you an offer you couldn’t refuse…

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fgodfather%2Fimages%2Fb%2Fbf%2FVlcsnap-2010-02-24-19h44m20s65.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%2Fscale-to-width-down%2F1200%3Fcb%3D20170806100829&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=cb605e930ae693abe1dd0f39cb023a0b02a24775345d5ef2f60ed73d959c12d2&ipo=images


10 posted on 03/03/2024 2:02:50 PM PST by gov_bean_ counter (Eccl 10:2 - The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child

Or maybe 2190-TEP


11 posted on 03/03/2024 2:03:23 PM PST by Bull Snipe
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child
I suggest the 1 Kings 17:7-16 version.
12 posted on 03/03/2024 2:04:18 PM PST by Tell It Right (1st Thessalonians 5:21 -- Put everything to the test, hold fast to that which is true.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: irishjuggler

From your quote, maybe he meant applied to the skin topically.


13 posted on 03/03/2024 2:04:33 PM PST by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Publius

When it comes to Greek salads there is nothing like Minerva extra virgin olive oil and Dodoni feta.


14 posted on 03/03/2024 2:09:08 PM PST by chickenlips (Neuter your politicians)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: irishjuggler
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.
15 posted on 03/03/2024 2:10:12 PM PST by Harmless Teddy Bear ( Roses are red, Violets are blue, I love being on the government watch list, along with all of you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway
We all used the cheap cr** for years and years...then we were told we're all gonna die if we don't use olive oil....and it became the thing...like yogurt...and bean sprouts...and a steady diet of rabbit food.

Next....bugs...not just bugs...gourmet bugs...fried in EV Olive Oil.

16 posted on 03/03/2024 2:10:17 PM PST by Sacajaweau
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Possible alternatives to olive oil. Don’t know if the cost is any better though. Depends on product and area:

1. Grapeseed Oil
2. Canola Oil
3. Sunflower Oil
4. Peanut Oil
5. Avocado Oil
6. Walnut Oil
7. Flaxseed Oil
8. Sesame Oil
9. Ghee

Each has goods and bads about them. But these are the ones the site I looked at displayed.

https://www.greenchef.com/eat/ingredient-swap/olive-oil-substitutions

wy69


17 posted on 03/03/2024 2:10:59 PM PST by whitney69 (yption tunnels)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Publius

Tobacco leaves were currency in Va.


18 posted on 03/03/2024 2:11:43 PM PST by Sacajaweau
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

IF...you have the room...you all/me need to stock more up.

Beans, Tuna, Salmon, Greens, Dried Meat...etc.


19 posted on 03/03/2024 2:15:47 PM PST by Osage Orange (I miss Rush)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

That’s a very interesting idea.

Let’s take a look at the Latin original...

“Duo sunt liquores humanis corporibus gratissimi, intus vini, foris olei”

Intus
at home
within, on the inside, inside
https://latin-dictionary.net/definition/24595/intus

or
“on the inside, within
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=intus&la=la&can=intus0

Foris
1 foris, out at the doors, out of doors, abroad, without :
https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0060%3Aentry%3Dforis2&highlight=foris2

So, “intus” could very well mean taken internally, but “foris” seems to mainly mean “outdoors.” However, I suppose Pliny could be using the “without” meaning in which case your interpretation could be right!


20 posted on 03/03/2024 2:15:48 PM PST by irishjuggler
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-64 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson