What Is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Olive Oil and What Is the EU “Health Claim” Concerning It? | PJ Kabos Guide — Part VII
- Apr 19, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 16
PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil — Part VII
This article is Part VII of the PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil — where ancient olive-growing wisdom meets modern science, your guide to choosing, tasting, and enjoying exceptional extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oil. We hope it inspires you in your olive-oil journey.
In this article, we explain how phenolic content varies from oil to oil and from harvest to harvest — and why that matters when choosing a high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil that meets the EU Health Claim.
What is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?
A daily phenolic shot is all about the recommended consumption of a small amount of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil that studies have shown offer multiple health benefits to human beings. In essence, modern scientific reports support what the ancient Mediterranean people have always known; a "shot" of extra virgin oil each day is good for a person on many levels. Its phenolic content, which includes polyphenols and other beneficial compounds present in the oil, are indeed health-enhancing.
Phenolic Shot Video:
Watch this beautiful lady have a shot of PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Robust on a spoon before eating a delicious and hardy breakfast.
Phenolic Content
However, it all comes down to phenolic content — the powerhouse polyphenols and other compounds found in abundance in high-phenolic EVOO. These potent antioxidants not only protect the oil itself from oxidation but studies show that it also provides numerous health benefits when consumed by humans. This makes a daily phenolic shot a true ally in the quest for overall well-being.
Therefore a phenolic shot is a quick way to insure that you provide your body with the recommended amount of olive oil goodness taken either by spoon, or with a shot glass, or drizzled over your food.
But, how much high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil do you need to consume each day to reap these benefits modern studies report it imparts? Thankfully, there is an official standard: The EU Health Claim.
A Daily Phenolic Shot of EVOO & the EU "Health Claim" Concerning It
Fulfilling the EU health claim concerning olive oil and its health benefits — i.e. olive oil's contribution "to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress" — involves consuming daily a specific amount of EVOO rich in phenolic compounds including polyphenols.
After much scientific research, the EU Commission Regulation (No. 432/2012) issued this official statement:
"Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. The claim may be used only for olive oil, containing at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) per 20 g of olive oil. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil (Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012)."
It's All About the EVOO Being Used
All oils from every harvest have different specs. So you must pay attention to what is written by the producer for each yearly harvest especially when considering partaking of a phenolic shot of EVOO and the EU "health claim" concerning olive oil. Make sure the producer is transparent about the specification of the oil you are interested in eating.
Two examples of PJ Kabos high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil (PJ Kabos has more--please see our website) which clearly report the phenolic content in accordance with the EU Health Claim follow.
Example 1: PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium (FROM) Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2023/24 harvest)
So, what is the daily amount of this oil you should consume in order to fulfill the "EU Health Claim"?
The above pictured white bottle — PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium Extra Virgin Olive requires
only 20 ml, or roughly 1⅓ tablespoons to fulfill the EU health claim of EVOO for daily consumption. This modest serving packs a powerful punch of polyphenols.
Note: This is the minimum amount recommended to benefit from the EU health claim, but you may have more. Also, remember, your phenolic shot may be taken in various ways. (See Part III — How to Have a Phenolic Shot of EVOO | PJ Kabos Guide )
Specs:
Taste intensity: Medium taste (this is why it is labeled "Medium"), with approximately 450 mg/kg total phenolic content during production. An award-winning product at International extra virgin olive oil tasting competitions, so it is delicious.
Primary use: Finishing oil
Secondary use: Baking, Cooking, Daily Phenolic ‘Shot’.
Hydroxytyrosol content: 5.3 mg/20 gr
Daily amount to consume in order to fulfill the “EU Health Claim”: 20 ml or 1⅓ tablespoons (160 Calories)
Vitamin E content: 1Tbsp covering around 28% DV.
Styling and protection: Comes in a beautiful, 16.9 fl oz painted glass bottle. Perfect to protect the oil and a great gift-idea.
So, what is the daily amount of this oil you should consume in order to fulfill the "EU Health Claim"?
PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Robust (the above pictured black bottle) is called "robust" because having a higher phenolic count, it has a much more potent taste than the white bottle—the Medium. But this also means that with a smaller shot of this oil the same benefits are reaped.
But, oh, take care! Those polyphenols make their presence known with its full-bodied, hardy flavor and peppery bitterness! It is not for every palate as it is a real wake-up shot! One this author — as does the lady in the video — personally savors either as a shot or drizzled over my food. As with the "Medium," the "Robust" too has such a wonderful, clean and fresh flavor, just stronger!
Specs:
Taste intensity: Robust taste (this is why it is labeled "Robust’) with approximately 600+ mg/kg total phenolic content during production. An award-winning product at International extra virgin olive oil tasting competitions, so it is delicious.
Primary use: Vinaigrette/finishing oil and with foods that require a robust tasting extra virgin.
Secondary use: Daily Phenolic ‘Shot’.
Hydroxytyrosol content: 9 mg/20gr
Daily amount to consume in order to fulfill the “EU Health Claim”: Just 12 ml or 0.8 of a tablespoon—less than 1 tablespoon (96 Calories)
Vitamin E content: 1 Tbsp covers around 41%DV
Styling and protection: Comes in a beautiful 16.9 fl oz painted glass bottle. Perfect to protect the oil and a great gift-idea.
The Choice Is Yours!
In the world of wellness, few things rival the allure of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil. Known for its full flavor and rich aroma, this liquid gold has earned its place as a staple in kitchens around the globe.
So, go ahead, embrace the ritual of a phenolic shot each morning and unlock the full potential of your day. With PJ Kabos Family Reserve Organic Medium or Robust crossing your lips, every sip could be a step towards a healthier, happier you.
The Most Recent Harvest (2025–26)
Please note: Phenolic levels and profiles vary with each harvest.
Extremely High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 995 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 14+ mg/20 g (far above the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Secondary Use: Finishing, Vinaigrettes
Taste Intensity: Robust +
Very High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 699 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 10+ mg/20 g (well above the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot, Finishing
Secondary Use: Baking, Cooking
Taste Intensity: Robust
High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 400+ mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 7+ mg/20 g (more than meets the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Finishing & Cooking
Secondary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Taste Intensity: Medium
High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 400+ mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 5+ mg/20 g (meets the EU health claim threshold)
No Pesticides
Kosher
Primary Use: Finishing & Cooking
Secondary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Taste Intensity: Medium
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols 250-300 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 3+ mg/20 g (below the EU health claim threshold; still an excellent EVOO)
No Pesticides
Kosher
Primary Use: Cooking, Baking
Secondary Use: Finishing
Taste Intensity: Delicate
Contents
PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil
Where ancient olive-growing wisdom meets modern science, your guide to choosing, tasting, and enjoying exceptional extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oil. We hope it inspires you in your olive-oil journey.
How olive oil quality is defined — and why the difference matters for taste, health, and daily use.
Why extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oils shine in real-life cooking, from sautéing to roasting.
Your simple daily ritual for harnessing the powerful antioxidants in high-phenolic olive oil.
IV. High-Phenolic EVOO for Healthy Aging | PJ Kabos Phenolic Shot | PJ Kabos Guide (current study)
How phenolic compounds support heart, brain, metabolic, joint, and whole-body vitality across the years.
How cholesterol works — and how extra virgin olive oil supports balance and heart health.
A simple guide to the phenolic compounds in olive oil — what phenols and polyphenols are and why they contribute to olive oil’s flavor, stability, and potential health benefits.
VII. What Is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Olive Oil and What Is the EU “Health Claim” Concerning It? | PJ Kabos Guide
How phenolic content varies from oil to oil and from harvest to harvest — and how to choose an olive oil that meets the EU Health Claim.
Subscribe and stay tuned — more chapters coming soon.
Please enjoy having a look around our websites and PJ Kabos Amazon Store for more about our many high-phenolic olive oils, recipes, history, etc.
And follow along with us on Instagram for photos concerning olive oil production, our groves in Greece, articles about olive oil, family history and more.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your health and medical conditions.
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