Cloudy Olive Oil: How to Know If It’s Good or Bad

Cloudy olive oil isn’t usually a cause for concern. It's normal for olive oil to become cloudy due to natural sediments or exposure to cold temperatures, such as if you store it in the fridge or in a cold room.

While cloudiness doesn't necessarily indicate spoilage, it's important to distinguish between normal cloudiness and signs of oil degradation. This guide will explore common causes, how to clear cloudy olive oil, and how to check whether it's still safe to consume.

Why Is My Olive Oil Cloudy?

Some Olive Oils Contain Sediments

Filtered olive oils are clear and have a longer shelf life, but they may lose some flavour. On the other hand, unfiltered olive oils, like many extra virgin olive oils, contain natural sediments like olive pulp and skin. These tiny particles remain in the oil after extraction and can cause cloudiness.

If you shake a bottle of olive oil or agitate a bulk container, then unfiltered oil might turn cloudy. In these cases, there’s nothing to worry about because you just stirred up the sediments that have settled at the bottom. The oil is safe to consume, and any solids will settle back down naturally over time.

Cool Temperatures Can Turn Olive Oil Cloudy

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that solidify when exposed to colder temperatures, so putting your olive oil in the fridge will make it cloudy, opaque, and even form crystals. Storing your containers in a cold room can also cause cloudy bits to appear in your olive oil. You’re most likely to see this happen in winter months when temperatures hover around freezing. 

If you’re wondering if olive oil is safe to eat even if it’s cloudy, the answer is yes. This change is purely physical and doesn't indicate spoilage. Cloudy olive oil still retains its nutritional benefits. All you need to do is thaw it out before using it. 

You can clear cloudy olive oil by bringing it back to room temperature or placing the container in a heated room to speed up the process. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, however, as it will degrade the oil's quality.

It May Have Gone Rancid

If filtered olive oil still appears cloudy at room temperature, then the oil could have spoiled or gone rancid. Here’s how to make sure it’s safe to use:

• Take note of the date you first opened the bottle or container. In general, you can safely consume olive oil within a year of opening.
• Check its smell and taste. If it seems stale or unpleasant, then stay on the safe side and replace it with a fresh batch.