In a market filled with countless olive oil options, Graza has quickly earned a reputation for bringing something genuinely different to the table. With its distinctive squeeze bottle packaging and harvest-specific oils, Graza offers home cooks a practical way to enjoy high-quality extra virgin olive oil for both cooking and finishing dishes.
What makes Graza olive oil different
Founded in 2022 by Andrew Benin, Graza set out to solve common problems in the olive oil industry: confusing terminology, intimidating packaging, and questionable freshness. The company sources its olives directly from mills in Spain and bottles the oil in user-friendly squeeze containers—a simple yet revolutionary departure from traditional glass bottles.
Graza operates on a direct-to-consumer model, allowing them to deliver fresher products at competitive prices. This approach cuts out middlemen who often store oils for extended periods before they reach consumers, potentially diminishing quality.
Perhaps most distinctive is Graza’s decision to separate its products by purpose rather than by region or olive variety. Their “Sizzle” oil is designed specifically for cooking, while “Drizzle” is crafted as a finishing oil, making selection straightforward for home cooks.
The Picual olive variety
Graza exclusively uses Picual olives from Spain, a variety known for:
- High polyphenol content (antioxidants)
- Excellent stability and shelf life
- Robust flavor profile with peppery notes
- Adaptability for both early and late harvest applications
This single-variety approach allows Graza to maintain consistency while differentiating their products through harvest timing rather than olive type.
Graza’s olive oil varieties explained
Drizzle: The finishing touch
Graza’s “Drizzle” is an early-harvest extra virgin olive oil with a bright green color and robust flavor profile. Harvested when olives are still partially green in October and November, this oil contains higher levels of polyphenols and a more assertive, peppery taste.
The flavor notes include:
- Grassy, herbaceous undertones
- A peppery finish that may cause a slight tickle in your throat
- Bright, fruity qualities
Drizzle works best as a finishing oil—add it to completed dishes like soups, salads, toast, ice cream, or grilled vegetables to impart its distinctive flavor.
Sizzle: Your cooking companion
The “Sizzle” variety is pressed from olives harvested later in the season (December and January) when they’ve ripened fully. This creates a milder flavor profile with:
- Subtle buttery notes
- Less bitterness
- A higher smoke point suitable for cooking
Sizzle is ideal for sautéing, roasting, and frying where its quality enhances food without overwhelming other flavors.
This two-oil approach simplifies the olive oil experience—no need to remember which regional variety works best for which purpose.
Product specifications
| Feature | Graza “Drizzle” | Graza “Sizzle” |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Size | 500ml | 750ml |
| Harvest Time | October-November (Early) | December-January (Late) |
| Olive Ripeness | Partially green | Fully ripened |
| Color | Vibrant green | Golden yellow |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, peppery, grassy | Mild, buttery, subtle |
| Best Used For | Finishing dishes | Cooking applications |
| Polyphenol Content | Higher | Moderate |
| Price | $20/500ml | $20/750ml |
Production process
Graza’s commitment to quality begins in the grove and continues through bottling:
- Harvest: Olives are hand-harvested at specific times to achieve desired flavor profiles
- Processing: Within 24 hours of harvest, olives are cold-pressed at temperatures below 80°F
- Filtration: Minimal filtering preserves beneficial compounds while removing sediment
- Bottling: Immediately packaged in light-blocking squeeze bottles to preserve freshness
- Distribution: Direct shipping minimizes time in warehouses and exposure to quality-diminishing conditions
This careful process preserves the natural characteristics of the olives while ensuring maximum freshness when the product reaches consumers.
Health benefits of high-quality olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil like Graza stands apart from refined oils due to its minimal processing, which preserves beneficial compounds. Research consistently shows that quality olive oil offers several health advantages:
- Heart health: Monounsaturated fats help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by reducing LDL (“bad” cholesterol) while preserving HDL (“good” cholesterol)
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Contains oleocanthal, a natural compound with effects similar to ibuprofen, potentially reducing chronic inflammation
- Antioxidant protection: Polyphenols combat oxidative stress and cellular damage
- Brain health: Studies suggest regular consumption may support cognitive function and reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Digestive benefits: May promote gut health by supporting beneficial gut bacteria and improving nutrient absorption
Early-harvest oils like Drizzle contain up to 30% more polyphenols than late-harvest varieties, making them particularly beneficial for health-conscious consumers.
How to use Graza in your kitchen
Cooking with Sizzle
The squeeze bottle format makes Graza’s Sizzle particularly convenient for cooking applications:
- Pan-frying eggs or sautéing vegetables
- Roasting potatoes, chicken, or other proteins
- Base for homemade salad dressings
- Making simple pasta dishes
The mild flavor complements rather than competes with other ingredients, while still offering better taste than refined cooking oils.
Finishing with Drizzle
Drizzle truly shines when used raw:
- Dress salads or raw vegetables
- Finish soups just before serving
- Drizzle over pizza or flatbread
- Add a finishing touch to grilled meats
- Enhance ripe tomatoes with a sprinkle of flaky salt
- Create a simple dip with a swirl in yogurt or hummus
The key is using Drizzle after cooking—heat diminishes its complex flavors and health-promoting compounds.
Simple recipes showcasing Graza oils
Drizzle tomato toast
- Toasted sourdough bread
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- Sliced heirloom tomatoes
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh basil leaves
- Generous drizzle of Graza Drizzle
Sizzle roasted vegetables
- Mixed vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts)
- 2 tablespoons Graza Sizzle
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs
- Roast at 425°F until caramelized
Two-oil pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water
- Sauté garlic in Graza Sizzle
- Toss cooked pasta with sautéed garlic
- Finish with Graza Drizzle, lemon zest, and Parmesan
Storage tips
Despite the convenient packaging, olive oil remains sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. To maintain freshness:
- Store bottles away from the stove
- Keep in a cool, dark cabinet
- Use within 3-4 months of opening for optimal flavor
- Don’t refrigerate (can cause cloudiness, though this doesn’t affect quality)
Sustainability practices
Graza emphasizes sustainability throughout their production chain:
- Packaging: Their squeeze bottles use 77% less plastic than traditional glass bottles with plastic pourers
- Farming: Partner farms practice sustainable agriculture with minimal pesticide use
- Transportation: Direct shipping reduces the carbon footprint associated with multiple distribution points
- Waste reduction: The squeeze bottle design helps consumers use every drop, reducing waste
Price comparison and value proposition
Graza positions itself in the premium olive oil category with prices that reflect its quality:
- Drizzle: Typically $20 for a 500ml bottle
- Sizzle: Around $20 for a 750ml bottle
- Duo pack: Often available at a slight discount
While not the least expensive option, Graza costs less than many premium Italian or Greek oils of similar quality. The value comes from:
- Direct sourcing from Spain
- Harvest-specific production
- Practical packaging that reduces waste
- Freshness guarantees
For many home cooks, the clear purpose (cooking vs. finishing) and the convenient packaging justify the price point.
Comparison with competitors
| Feature | Graza | Traditional Premium Brands | Grocery Store Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Squeeze bottle | Glass bottle | Glass/plastic bottle |
| Freshness Guarantee | Harvest-dated | Often undated | Rarely dated |
| Purpose Clarity | Clear cooking/finishing distinction | Regional/varietal focus | Limited distinction |
| Price Point | Mid-premium ($20-25) | High-premium ($25-40+) | Budget ($8-15) |
| Availability | DTC + select retailers | Specialty stores | Widely available |
| Transparency | High (source identified) | Variable | Low |
| Polyphenol Focus | Emphasized | Sometimes highlighted | Rarely mentioned |
Customer reviews and expert opinions
Since its launch, Graza has garnered positive attention from both everyday users and culinary experts:
- Food publications like Bon Appétit and Food & Wine have featured the brand favorably
- Customer reviews consistently mention the fresh taste and convenient packaging
- Many note that the squeeze bottle design encourages more liberal (and enjoyable) use of quality olive oil
Professional chef Alex Raij notes: “Graza has simplified the olive oil decision for home cooks while maintaining the quality standards professionals expect. The squeeze bottle is genuinely innovative for everyday cooking.”
Olive oil expert Nancy Harmon Jenkins comments: “Their focus on harvest timing rather than just regional varieties shows a sophisticated understanding of what makes olive oil special.”
Where to buy Graza olive oil
Graza maintains a primarily direct-to-consumer approach:
- The official website (graza.co) offers individual bottles and subscription options
- Select specialty food retailers now carry the brand
- Some online marketplaces also feature Graza products
First-time buyers often benefit from promotional offers on the company website, including bundle discounts and subscription savings.
Graza is not currently available at major retailers like Costco or Walmart, maintaining their focus on direct sales and specialty stores.
Conclusion
Graza has successfully reimagined how we buy, store, and use olive oil in everyday cooking. By focusing on purpose rather than provenance and prioritizing freshness and accessibility, they’ve created products that fit seamlessly into modern home cooking.
Whether you’re looking to elevate simple dishes with a finishing oil or want a higher-quality base for everyday cooking, Graza offers a straightforward solution in playful, practical packaging. The brand demonstrates that quality olive oil doesn’t need to be confusing or pretentious—sometimes the best innovations are the ones that simply make good food more accessible.
FAQs
What’s special about Graza olive oil?
Graza stands out for its harvest-specific approach (separating cooking and finishing oils), convenient squeeze bottle packaging, direct-to-consumer freshness, and transparent sourcing from Spanish Picual olives.
Who owns Graza olive oil?
Graza was founded by Andrew Benin in 2022. The company remains independently owned and operated.
What’s the difference between Graza Sizzle and Drizzle?
Drizzle is an early-harvest oil with a bold, peppery flavor ideal for finishing dishes. Sizzle is a late-harvest oil with a milder flavor and higher smoke point designed for cooking.
How long is Graza olive oil good for?
Unopened bottles maintain quality for 18-24 months. Once opened, Graza recommends using their oils within 3-4 months for optimal flavor.
Is Graza a single source oil?
Yes, Graza sources all their olives from specific farms in Spain that grow the Picual variety, making it a single-origin product.
Where is Graza olive oil located?
The company is based in the United States, but all their olive oil is produced in Spain from Spanish-grown olives.
What should I avoid when buying olive oil?
Avoid oils without harvest dates, those in clear bottles (light damages oil), products labeled “pure” or “light” (which indicate refining), and extremely inexpensive options that may be adulterated.
Does olive oil expire?
Yes, olive oil doesn’t improve with age. Quality diminishes over time, with most extra virgin olive oils best used within 18-24 months of harvest and 3-4 months after opening.
Is expensive olive oil worth it?
Quality olive oil offers better flavor and higher polyphenol content than cheaper alternatives. The value depends on your cooking habits and taste preferences, but Graza aims to provide premium quality at a more accessible price point.
What olive oil do chefs use?
Many professional chefs use different oils for different purposes—typically a high-quality finishing oil (like Drizzle) and a more economical cooking oil. Graza’s two-oil system mirrors this professional approach.