Consumers often assume that salad dressings are made primarily with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. In reality, most commercial dressings contain very little of it, if any. Some dressings' labels claim ‘Made with Olive Oil’, even when it represents only a tiny fraction of the ingredients. Regulations often allow this wording when olive oil is present, regardless of quantity. This misleads consumers.
Cost as a driving factor
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is more expensive than refined seed oils such as rapeseed, sunflower and canola oil. For mass-produced salad dressings, especially those sold at low prices, using Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the main ingredient would dramatically increase production costs and retail prices. To keep dressings affordable and competitive, manufacturers typically rely on cheaper refined oils and may add only a small amount of olive oil for marketing appeal.
Shelf life and stability
Commercial salad dressings containing refined oils are designed to last for several months, making them better suited for long shelf life and large-scale distribution. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a fresh, natural product, rich in antioxidants and aromatic compounds. While this makes it healthy and full of flavour, it also means it is more sensitive to light, heat and oxygen and therefore shorter storage times. FOLI Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a typical shelf life of 18 months thanks to the quality of the olives and the high level of polyphenols they contain.
How to enjoy FOLI’s classic French salad dressing
FOLI salad dressing contains Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain 50% and Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI from Italy 22% (wine vinegar, cooked grape must) as the main ingredients. We have also added extra virgin cold-pressed rapeseed oil, not as a filler for its flavour and because it is naturally rich in omega 3. Naturally emulsified and free from artificial additives, it delivers a smooth, well-rounded flavour that enhances everyday meals without overpowering them.
Drizzle over fresh salads and grain bowls, or use as a marinade for chicken, tofu or roasted vegetables. Pairs perfectly with green salads, tomato and mozzarella, grilled chicken, halloumi, quinoa bowls and crusty bread, or stir into pasta salads or lentil dishes.