The Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Babies and Toddlers

Apr 21

Olive oil has been cherished for centuries — not just in Mediterranean kitchens, but also in natural parenting traditions. From the first spoonfuls of real food to baby’s earliest developmental milestones, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can be a gentle, nourishing addition to your little one’s diet.

Let’s explore why this golden oil is so much more than just a cooking fat — and how to choose the very best for your baby’s developing body and brain.

Why Olive Oil is a Baby-Friendly Superfat

When you’re introducing solids or building up baby’s nutrient stores, you want every bite to count. That’s where extra virgin olive oil shines.

Brain + Nervous System Development
EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats — specifically oleic acid — which is essential for developing myelin (the protective coating around nerve fibers). Baby’s brain is over 60% fat, and healthy fats are key to growth, focus, and cognitive development.
Vitamin E + Polyphenols
EVOO is a natural source of antioxidants, especially Vitamin E, which protects cells, supports skin integrity, and reduces inflammation — even in tiny developing bodies. The polyphenols in EVOO help strengthen immunity and reduce oxidative stress.
Supports Gut and Immune Health
EVOO’s anti-inflammatory compounds support the gut lining and digestive function. It may gently ease constipation and reduce inflammation in the GI tract.
Iron Absorption Booster
Pairing EVOO with iron-rich foods (like meat, lentils, or egg yolk) enhances the absorption of non-heme iron — crucial for oxygen transport and energy production in growing babies.

When Can Babies Have Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

You can begin introducing EVOO at around 6 months of age, when baby starts solids.

Start with small amounts:

Mix 1–2 tsp into mashed veggies or soups
Drizzle over cooked squash or sweet potato
Stir into purees or serve on sourdough toast strips (baby-led weaning)

Always choose cold-pressed, high-quality EVOO, and avoid using it for high-heat frying — keep it raw or lightly warmed for maximum nutrient retention.

Why Cold-Pressed and Single-Origin Oils Are Best

Cold-Pressed means no heat was used to extract the oil — preserving fragile antioxidants, fatty acids, and natural flavors.
Single-Origin ensures the olives were grown, harvested, and pressed in one location, improving traceability and freshness.
Extra Virgin is the purest form — with no chemical refining, a low acidity level (under 0.8%), and a vibrant, nutrient-dense profile.

Avoid “light” or “pure” olive oils — these are refined and stripped of many beneficial compounds.

Is Organic Olive Oil Important for Babies?

Short answer: Yes — especially if you're buying internationally.

Here’s why organic matters:

No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers — gentler on your baby's liver and kidneys
Higher polyphenol content — fewer chemical residues mean more antioxidants survive
Sustainable farming — supports biodiversity and cleaner soil in olive-growing regions

But even some non-organic oils from Europe (like Greece and Italy) often have strict farming standards and low residue levels. Look for certification labels like PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or COOC (California Olive Oil Council) for added assurance.

The Most Nutrient-Dense Olive Oil? Straight from a Volcano.

Yes, really.

Cantina del Vesuvio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is grown in volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Here’s why that matters:

Volcanic minerals supercharge the olives with rare trace elements like magnesium, potassium, and silica — which support bone, nerve, and immune development
Certified organic with no synthetic pesticides or herbicides
Low acidity and early harvest ensure high levels of polyphenols and vibrant flavor

This oil is rich, peppery, and packed with antioxidants — perfect for drizzling over roasted veggies or mixing into baby-friendly soups. It’s a rare gem for families who want the highest-quality EVOO for growing bodies.

Where to find: Available through Cantina del Vesuvio’s official website and boutique wine & food shops.

Top 10 Best Cold-Pressed, Single-Origin Olive Oils for Families

Here’s a list of the top 10 extra virgin olive oils known for exceptional quality, flavor, and purity. These can all be purchased online or in stores like Whole Foods, Costco, Amazon, and Thrive Market.

1. Kosterina Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greece)

Origin: Southern Greece
Why it's great: Robust, peppery, early-harvest Koroneiki olives, rich in polyphenols
Where to buy: Kosterina.com, Amazon
Price: ~$29 for 375ml

2. Ellora Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greece)

Origin: Crete (PDO certified)
Why it’s great: Single-origin, high-quality, and traceable with QR code
Where to buy: Costco, Amazon
Price: ~$24 for 250ml

3. Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil (California)

Origin: California
Why it’s great: Low acidity, balanced flavor, award-winning
Where to buy: Thrive Market, Whole Foods
Price: ~$20 for 500ml

4. Lucini Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy)

Origin: Tuscany
Why it’s great: Handpicked, smooth, mild for baby’s taste
Where to buy: Whole Foods, Amazon
Price: ~$18 for 500ml

5. PJ KABOS Family Reserve Olive Oil (Greece)

Origin: Small batch, family farmed
Why it’s great: Smooth, nutrient-dense, high in antioxidants
Where to buy: Thrive Market, OliveOil.com
Price: ~$28 for 500ml

6. Virgeen Italian Polyphenol-Rich EVOO (Italy)

Origin: Italy
Why it’s great: Ultra-rich in antioxidants, hand-harvested and cold-pressed
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: ~$45 for 500ml

7. Terra Delyssa Organic EVOO (Tunisia)

Origin: Tunisia
Why it’s great: 100% organic, light, and fruity flavor
Where to buy: Costco, Amazon
Price: ~$15 for 1 liter

8. Pompeian Organic EVOO (USA)

Origin: California
Why it’s great: USDA Organic, affordable, widely available
Where to buy: Most grocery stores
Price: ~$10 for 500ml

9. Brightland Awake Olive Oil (California)

Origin: California
Why it’s great: Bold, peppery, artisan-crafted
Where to buy: Brightland.com, Amazon
Price: ~$37 for 375ml

10. Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy)

Origin: Italy
Why it’s great: Smooth, versatile, great starter oil
Where to buy: Costco, Amazon
Price: ~$20 for 1 liter

A Drop of Olive Oil, A Spoonful of Nourishment

Extra virgin olive oil isn’t just a kitchen staple — it’s a functional, ancestral fat that supports your baby’s development in real, powerful ways. When you choose single-origin, cold-pressed oils — especially organic — you’re giving your baby more than just flavor. You’re giving them brain-building fats, gut-healing compounds, and the gift of real nourishment.

From a drizzle on sweet potato to a spoonful blended in bone broth, a little olive oil goes a long way.

So keep a bottle on hand — maybe even one grown on volcanic soil — and let this ancient food support your baby in their earliest seasons of growth.

Baby Foodtoddler food

Bianca Aude