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10 Best Olives UK

Olives have been a well-loved food for thousands of years, long before supermarkets, delis, and martinis came into play. With a profound history within Mediterranean cuisine, they come in a vast and exciting range of sizes, colours, flavours, and presentations - many of which the average Brit has only become familiar with in the last decade or so.


Savoury, succulent, and a little salty, there's nothing quite like the humble olive for your meze platter, aperitif, or puttanesca. But with so many options, you'll want to be sure you're choosing the right one. Cue our buying guide, complete with our top ten recommendations for the best olives to buy in the UK, available at popular online stores such as Amazon, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose. Ramekins at the ready!

Last updated 02/02/2025

Quick List - Top Olives

1

Real Olive Co.

Wild Garlic & Basil Olives
Wild Garlic & Basil Olives

Fresh, Organic Green Olives With Wild Garlic and Basil

2

Waitrose & Partners

No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives
No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives

A Stone-in Sicilian Speciality

3

Unearthed

Olives With Provolone
Olives With Provolone

Pitted Green and Black Olives With Provolone Cheese and Mixed Herbs

4

Gaea

Pitted Kalamata Olives
Pitted Kalamata Olives

Natural, Plump and Full Of Flavour

5

Real Olive Co.

Kasbah Olives
Kasbah Olives

Sustainably Produced With Top-Quality Organic Olives

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Olives in the UK - Buying Guide

First things first, this section will look at the various types of olives available and some of the most important practical aspects like salt content and container type. This guide is here to help you find the most delicious olives possible, so let's get started!

1

Go For an Olive Variety That Appeals to Your Palate

There are more than a thousand olive varieties grown across six continents. This section will focus on the most popular varieties and their characteristics, so you can choose the type that most appeals to your palate or occasion.

If You Like a Fresh, Grassy Taste - Go Green

If You Like a Fresh, Grassy Taste - Go Green

Of all the green varieties that exist, there are a few that are immensely popular, such as the manzanilla olive, which is often referred to as simply the "green olive". Originating in Seville, Spain, its hue can range from light straw green to yellow-green and is deliciously plump and meaty.


Another popular green variety is the Halkidiki olive which is large, oval and pale green and grows exclusively in Greece's Halkidiki region. Usually processed through brine curing, they have a firmer texture and softer flavour with a slight tartness and peppery finish. Halkidiki olives are perfect for stuffing with dried tomatoes, cheese, or almonds.


Nocellara olives have a grassy green colour due to being harvested early, a creamy, buttery taste and a fleshy texture. Also known as Castelvetrano olives, Nocellara olives are divine with extra virgin olive oil, popped in a martini or served as part of a classic aperitif.

Black Olives Are Ripened Before Harvesting for a Rich Taste

Black Olives Are Ripened Before Harvesting for a Rich Taste

The colour of an olive depends on when it's been picked and preserved. Green olives are unripe, while black olives are ripened before being harvested. This means black olives taste richer and less bitter than their green counterparts and often contain more oil.


Kalamata olives, although they have a dark brown colour, are a type of black olive. Originating in Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece, they have a smooth, meaty texture and taste wonderful in Greek or Mediterranean dishes.


Another popular olive variety is the Hojiblanca olive, which comes from Andalucia in Spain. These can actually come in the form of black and green olives (but mostly black) and are often used for making exquisite olive oil. They have a good flavour balance between sharp and salty with a lingering aftertaste of almonds.

2

Naked or Combined With Other Ingredients? Decide How You Like Your Olives

Olives come in many forms, whether dry, preserved, or combined with other tasty ingredients. Read on to ponder the styles of products available, so you can pick one to suit your tastes.

Brine or Vinegar Is Used to Keep Olives Stored for a Long Time

Brine or Vinegar Is Used to Keep Olives Stored for a Long Time

Almost all olives that come in jars are preserved in brine, vinegar, or a combination of acidity regulators such as lactic and citric acid and olive oil. Brine pickles the olives giving them a salty, moreish taste whilst also increasing their shelf-life.


Pickling is a very similar process to curing, and olives must be cured whether in water, brine or vinegar to take away the bitter taste they start with. Olives that come in a preserving liquid can last for up to a year, which is much longer than dry or ready-to-eat packaged varieties.

Dry-Cured Olives Are Slightly Saltier With a More Intense Flavour

Dry-Cured Olives Are Slightly Saltier With a More Intense Flavour

Dry-cured olives are a little rarer to find than those in brine. They are certainly just as tasty, with a more intense and often saltier flavour. During the curing process, they are rubbed with salt and air-dried for around a month to remove any moisture and bitterness, resulting in a full, rich flavour.


Whether in a jar, pot or pouch, dried olives are a little easier to serve and eat, as the container isn't full of liquid. However, cured olives can be softer and may not last as long as those in brine or vinegar.

Like Your Olives With Meat, Cheese or Anchovies? It's Time to Get Stuffed!

Like Your Olives With Meat, Cheese or Anchovies? It's Time to Get Stuffed!

Stuffed olives may look a little unusual to the uninitiated but are truly one of the most delicious things on this planet. Whether stuffed with pimento, whole cloves of garlic, anchovies, or almonds, they make a slightly more substantial addition to a meze or platter of nibbles.


The great thing about stuffed olives is that there are lots of options, so you can choose the one that you find the most mouthwatering. From meat, fish, or cheese to various vegetables and nuts, there's something for every diet.

Treat Yourself With a Snack Pack of Olives Combined With Cold Pressed Oils, Herbs, Cheese or Tomatoes

Treat Yourself With a Snack Pack of Olives Combined With Cold Pressed Oils, Herbs, Cheese or Tomatoes

Looking for some ready-made nibbles for a get-together or just want a low effort, delicious snack that still tastes luxurious? Well, you'll probably want to choose olives that are mixed with other ingredients like cheese, tomatoes or peppers, or blended with oil, herbs, and spices for a subtle flavour boost.


Opt for olives in cold-pressed sunflower or extra virgin olive oil, which are high in nutrients, potent antioxidants and taste divine. Or, choose a pack with interesting combinations of herbs and spices for Mediterranean or North African flavours that work excellently in a meze.

3

Pitted Olives Are Easier to Handle but Olives With Stones Often Have More Flavour

Pitted Olives Are Easier to Handle but Olives With Stones Often Have More Flavour

Many people have don't have a preference between pitted and stone-in olives, but there is quite a difference. While pitted olives are much easier to handle, quicker to pop in your mouth, and make much less mess on your countertop, the pitting process could be affecting the flavour.


After being picked, olives are soaked in brine to develop flavour and remove bitterness. But once they've been pitted, they're returned to the brine to be packed. This allows the brine to seep into the inside of the olive, turning it mushy, fleshy and increasing the absorption of salt. 


If you have time or don't mind fishing out the stones as you nibble, it's generally better to opt for stone-in olives. That said, if you're picking up a pot for a quick snack on the go, it makes sense to go for the easy, pitted option.

4

Be Sure to Check the Nutritional Information, Especially the Salt Content

Be Sure to Check the Nutritional Information, Especially the Salt Content

It's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on food packets before buying, looking particularly at calories, fat, salt, and sugar content. However, when it comes to olives it's especially important to check how much salt they contain, as this savoury fruit can often be guilty of having high sodium content.


Olives are generally full of healthy fats and are high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. But bear in mind that adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day, so be sure to practice portion control to maintain a good balance when enjoying your delicious snack.

5

Choose Carefully if You're Vegan or on a Gluten-Free Diet

Choose Carefully if You're Vegan or on a Gluten-Free Diet

Most plain olives are vegan and gluten-free by default, as they usually only contain things like salt, vinegar, oil, or preservatives which is great for those on a plant-based or gluten-free diet. That said, it's a good idea to check the packaging as olives come in a range of combinations, often including cheese, anchovies, or chorizo.


Vegetarians will also want to be careful when selecting olives mixed with cheese, as some of the popular cheeses that work well with olives contain rennet. Manchego and provolone both contain rennet, although some companies use vegetarian rennet. Just make sure this is clarified on the packaging.

6

Consider the Container for Convenience and Quality

Consider the Container for Convenience and Quality

Another common container for olives is plastic, which can come in the form of a pot, carton, or pouch. Polypropylene plastic pots are food safe and the most widely recycled plastic, which makes polypropylene a relatively sustainable choice, and it's lightweight enough to carry in your bag.


If you're on a budget or looking to stock your cupboard with tasty staples, consider canned olives. Usually a lot cheaper than olives in a pot or jar, canned olives can be kept for a long time, which means you always have a delicious appetiser to hand! That said, they may not have resealable lids, and the process of curing and canning can sometimes mean the olives are a little softer.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Olives in the UK

Now that we've considered all the factors that go into choosing olives, it's time to look at our top ten faves. Featuring piquant picks from Waitrose, Fragata, and Real Olive Co., we're sure you'll find a nom-worthy nibble!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Real Olive Co.

Wild Garlic & Basil Olives

Real Olive Co. Wild Garlic & Basil Olives 1

Fresh, Organic Green Olives With Wild Garlic and Basil

2

Waitrose & Partners

No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives

Waitrose & Partners No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives 1

A Stone-in Sicilian Speciality

3

Unearthed

Olives With Provolone

Unearthed Olives With Provolone 1

Pitted Green and Black Olives With Provolone Cheese and Mixed Herbs

4

Gaea

Pitted Kalamata Olives

Gaea Pitted Kalamata Olives 1

Natural, Plump and Full Of Flavour

5

Real Olive Co.

Kasbah Olives

Real Olive Co. Kasbah Olives 1

Sustainably Produced With Top-Quality Organic Olives

6

Tesco

Finest Pitted Halkidiki Olives

Tesco Finest Pitted Halkidiki Olives 1

Hand Picked in Greece With a Mellow Flavour and a Subtle Zing

7

Cypressa

Kalamata Olives

Cypressa Kalamata Olives 1

Highly Rated and Flavourful Whole Greek Olives

8

Fragata

Marinated Stoneless Olives With Sea Salt

Fragata Marinated Stoneless Olives With Sea Salt 1

Marinated, Mellow and Perfect For Sharing

9

Waitrose

Stuffed Green Olives With Anchovy Puree

Waitrose Stuffed Green Olives With Anchovy Puree 1

Succulent, Intensely Savoury and Delicious in a Salad

10

Crespo

Pitted Dry Black Olives

Crespo Pitted Dry Black Olives 1

Strong, Salty and Bitter, in the Best Possible Way

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Real Olive Co.
Wild Garlic & Basil Olives

Wild Garlic & Basil Olives 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£3.35
High Mid
Reference price
£3.35
High Mid

Fresh, Organic Green Olives With Wild Garlic and Basil

In at number one, these exceptional Wild Garlic & Basil Olives by Real Olive Co. are picked on the shores of the Mediterranean by trusted growers. Certified organic, Real Olive Co. also make their products as part of the Sustainable Soils Alliance. 


These fresh, pitted green olives are then marinated in cold-pressed sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, wild garlic, and plenty of basil to make this gorgeous creation. Seriously delicious olives from a company that really cares, it doesn't get much better than this!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Waitrose & Partners
No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives

No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£2.75
Mid
Reference price
£2.75
Mid

A Stone-in Sicilian Speciality

Originating from Sicily, these No.1 Italian Nocellara Olives have a distinct green colour, meaty texture and mild, buttery flavour. They are picked young and cured using the Castelvetrano method, which gives these olives a satisfyingly firm texture.


Whole olives aren't quite as convenient as the pitted variety, but we can assure you it's worth the effort as the stones contribute to their delicious savoury flavour. Waitrose's range of olives are usually of a high standard, and this jar certainly doesn't disappoint.

No.3

Unearthed
Olives With Provolone

Olives With Provolone 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£3.50
High Mid
Reference price
£3.50
High Mid

Pitted Green and Black Olives With Provolone Cheese and Mixed Herbs

For a ready-made aperitif to take to a party or share with guests, the Olives With Provolone by Unearthed are fabulous. Unearthed source high-quality foods from around the world and share their culturally rich discoveries with us here in the UK.


Vibrant and full-bodied, these mixed olives are combined with Provolone cheese from Southern Italy and blended with parsley, basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, and sage. Some lemon oil is also added for a hint of zest. Belissimo!

No.4

Gaea
Pitted Kalamata Olives

Reference price
£2.49
Mid

Natural, Plump and Full Of Flavour

If you're putting together a Greek salad or you just want a jar of olives to remind you of holidays, these Pitted Kalamata Olives by Gaea are an excellent choice. This jar also contains sea salt, a marker of quality compared to many other products that use simple table salt.


Plump and fleshy, they're great for meze finger food, appetisers or to just be eaten straight from the jar! As well as being described as exquisite and aromatic in the reviews, these olives are also rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.

No.5

Real Olive Co.
Kasbah Olives

Kasbah Olives 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£3.35
High Mid
Reference price
£3.35
High Mid

Sustainably Produced With Top-Quality Organic Olives

One of two products made by Real Olive Co. on our list, these Kasbah Olives are simply divine. Organic and produced with the Sustainable Soils Alliance, these olives are both a tasty and earth-friendly choice.


There are lots of flavour combinations in the range, but this warming North African inspired blend is one of the best. Featuring kalamata and green olives combined with herbs and spices and a dash of fragrant rosewater, the result is delightfully aromatic.

No.6

Tesco
Finest Pitted Halkidiki Olives

Finest Pitted Halkidiki Olives 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£2.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£2.00
Low Mid

Hand Picked in Greece With a Mellow Flavour and a Subtle Zing

These Pitted Halkidiki Olives by Tesco Finest are large, green and oval with a mellow flavour and a kick of a zing. Brine-cured with a firm texture, these Halkidiki Olives provide a soft, full flavour and a slight tartness with a hint of pepper.


If you're an olive lover who wants something a bit different from the usual black or green varieties, you'll love Halkidiki olives. They're also ideal for serving with a vodka martini in a chilled cocktail glass.

No.7

Cypressa
Kalamata Olives

Reference price
£1.85
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.85
Low Mid

Highly Rated and Flavourful Whole Greek Olives

These Kalamata Olives by Cypressa come in rather humble packaging without much information about the brand or production, but their glowing reviews say it all! Described as having a wine-like flavour and tasting just like the olives found in Greece, these are the real deal.


Bursting with flavour, these kalamata olives strike the perfect balance without being too salty or strong and go excellently with nibbles, salads, pasta or traditional Greek dishes. That said, as they're in a jar and served whole, they aren't the best choice for a snack on the go. But you can't really argue with this bargainous price!

No.8

Fragata
Marinated Stoneless Olives With Sea Salt

Reference price
£2.00
Low Mid

Marinated, Mellow and Perfect For Sharing

Most olives come in a jar, tub, or can, but we were interested to see that tasty olives can also be found in a super snackable pouch. These Marinated Stoneless Olives With Sea Salt by Fragata are perfect for sharing, carrying in a bag or enjoying at a picnic.


Made with Andalucian Hojiblanca olives combined with olive oil and sea salt, they have a perfect balance between sharp, salty and sweet, but might not be as flavoursome as some of the stone-in choices in brine. Still, a handy little snack pack to take with you on the go!

No.9

Waitrose
Stuffed Green Olives With Anchovy Puree

Stuffed Green Olives With Anchovy Puree 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£1.00
Low
Reference price
£1.00
Low

Succulent, Intensely Savoury and Delicious in a Salad

Green olives and anchovies are a delicious combo, and this offering from Waitrose is not only succulent but cheap too. These Stuffed Green Olives are cured for an intensely savoury flavour, and being packed in a can makes them very affordable.


Filled with anchovy puree and preserved in brine, these olives make the perfect aperitif, nibbles, or addition to a salad. The only downside to canned olives is that once the lid is removed, it's best to eat them in one go - but as the can is small, this shouldn't be too much of a problem!

No.10

Crespo
Pitted Dry Black Olives

Pitted Dry Black Olives 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£2.00
Low Mid

Strong, Salty and Bitter, in the Best Possible Way

Tender with a strong, full flavour, these Pitted Dry Black Olives are salty and slightly bitter, just how olives should be. Pitted and packaged dry without brine, the savoury taste is more intense, and the lack of liquid makes them cleaner and easier to scoop out of the jar.


Crespo has several excellent products in their range, but these Dry Black Olives are one of the best as they genuinely taste like olives you'd find in the Mediterranean. Our only criticism is that they contain E202 as a preservative due to the lack of brine.

Summary

And that brings us to the end of our tempting guide on the best olives to buy online. Whether you like your olives bare or tossed with olive oil, herbs, or cheese, you're sure to have found an aperitif to pique your appetite!


Author: Melanie Mac

Top 5 Olives

No. 1: Real Olive Co.Wild Garlic & Basil Olives

No. 2: Waitrose & PartnersNo.1 Italian Nocellara Olives

No. 3: UnearthedOlives With Provolone

No. 4: GaeaPitted Kalamata Olives

No. 5: Real Olive Co.Kasbah Olives

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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