Calories in Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin olive oil is the unrefined product of cold-pressed olives. It is a little more acidic than extra virgin olive oil, although both come from the first pressing of the olives. There is no significant difference in their calorie content.

Calories

One tbsp. of olive oil contains 119 calories. All of the calories are from fat.

Types of Fat

Twenty percent to 35 percent of your calories should come from fat, states the U.S. Department of Health and Human services. However, the department recommends against saturated fat, which makes up only 14 percent of virgin olive oil's calories. The agency recommends that fat calories come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which make up 84 percent of virgin olive oil's calories.

Considerations

Olive oil is dense in healthy fats, but adds a lot of calories to foods. Virgin olive oil is also a little more acid tasting and less fruity than extra virgin, so you may be inclined to sweeten foods made with virgin olive oil rather than extra virgin, which will add more calories.

References

• Epicurious: Food Dictionary: Olive Oil
• USDA: Agricultural Research Service Nutrient Data Laboratory
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005