Professional Olive Oil Sensory Evaluation Services

Blue color olive oil panel with measurements.

Click here for a PDF copy outlining our services

We offer three types of olive oil sensory evaluation (also known as organoleptic or taste testing) -

Basic Sensory Evaluation, IOC Panel Test, and Detailed Sensory Evaluation. All sensory evaluation services are performed by a panel of scientifically trained and experienced olive oil judges. The Applied Sensory Olive Oil Taste Panel is accredited by the American Oil Chemists' Society and has been recognized by the International Olive Council (IOC). Standardized sensory evaluation protocols and procedures are used. Oils are NOT evaluated for preference.

We also offer an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Certification Seal based on governmental standards. Our certification seal signifies that the olive oil has been evaluated by an independent third-party organization and helps guide consumers in their quest for extra virgin olive oils.

If you are interested in using our seal on your packaging or marketing materials, please reach out to Anna Leachman at anna@appliedsensory.com

Olive oil grade standards are based on both sensory and chemical data. While we do not conduct chemical analysis, we do recommend several laboratories that offer this service.

Basic Sensory Evaluation

For a basic sensory evaluation, trained specialists objectively rate the intensity of olive oil sensory attributes:

Defects (fusty/muddy sediment, musty-humid-earthy, winey-vinegary-acid-sour, frostbitten olives/wet wood, rancid, others)
Overall fruit
Bitterness
Pungency

The sensory grade of the oil is determined according to the standards of California Grades of Olive Oil and the U.S. Grades of Olive Oil.

The written report includes attribute intensities and sensory grade (see sample Basic Sensory Evaluation Report).

Use the Basic Sensory Evaluation when checking to confirm olive oils meet sensory grading requirements.

Use this form when submitting olive oil samples for Basic Sensory Evaluation.

Price per sample: $150

IOC Panel Test

The IOC panel test is the same as the basic sensory evaluation, except that:

The sensory grade of the oil is determined according to the standard of the International Olive Council (IOC).

The written report includes IOC attribute intensities and sensory grades.

Use the IOC Panel Test when checking to confirm olive oils meet sensory grading requirements according to the IOC standard.

Use this form when submitting olive oil samples for the IOC Panel Test.

Price per sample: $160

Detailed Sensory Evaluation

For a detailed sensory evaluation, trained specialists objectively describe olive oils using pre-selected flavor attributes, in addition to defects, overall fruit, bitterness, and pungency. The style/intensity level of the oil is also assessed (delicate, medium, or robust). A detailed written report includes sensory grade, style/intensity, a cobweb plot, and a bar graph of attribute intensities (see sample Detailed Sensory Evaluation Report).

Use the Detailed Sensory Evaluation when specific sensory descriptors and styles are needed for marketing materials or blending decisions.

Use this form when submitting olive oil samples for Detailed Sensory Evaluation.

Price per sample: $200

Seal certification of extra virgin olive oils

Olive oils which have been evaluated by The Applied Sensory Olive Oil Taste Panel for the Basic Sensory Evaluation, the IOC Panel Test, or the Detailed Sensory Evaluation are eligible for the EVOO certification seal if the following two criteria have been met:

a) Extra Virgin sensory grade

b) Accompanying chemical analysis (see list of recommended laboratories) indicates that the oil does not exceed the limits specified by either the "California Department of Food and Agriculture - Grade and Labeling Standards for Olive Oil, Refined-Olive Oil, and Olive-Pomace Oil" or the "United States Standards for Grades of Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil," or the "IOC standard."

Usage Fee

The usage fee covers the usage of the Applied Sensory certification seal for one year. Paying the usage fee grants you the right to use

the Applied Sensory certification seal graphic or printed seals on product packaging or other marketing materials. The usage fee is

calculated based on production volume. Contact Anna Leachman at anna@appliedsensory.com for a quote.

Printed Seals

Harvest-dated certification seals come in rolls of 500 seals ($60 each) and 1000 seals ($100 each). Please include $15 for shipping and handling. Use this form (coming soon) when ordering printed seals.

Sensory Services for the Olive Oil, WINE & Food Industries

Professional Olive Oil Sensory Evaluation Services

Basic Sensory Evaluation

IOC Panel Test

Detailed Sensory Evaluation

Seal certification of extra virgin olive oils

New Clients