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Are You Using Fake Olive Oil?

Olive oil is one of the healthier oils around, because it’s full of nutrients and antioxidants. Using high quality ‘extra virgin’ olive oil is pretty standard on a Paleo diet. But just how good is the olive oil in your kitchen?

Apparently some olive oils are not all they seem…

Olive oil comes in different categories: ‘Extra virgin’, ‘virgin’, ‘fine virgin’, (normal) ‘olive oil’ and ‘pomace’. ‘Extra virgin’ is the label put on an oil containing less than 1% acid.

Recent research from the Olive Institute (University of California in Davis) revealed that more than half of the olive oils presently on the market are bad quality. Often, despite what they label says, it is not always ‘extra virgin’ olive oil and is sometimes mixed with cheaper oils like hazelnut oils or even soybean oil! Sometimes the oil can be made from overripe and rotting olives. This olive oil does not have any nutritional or health benefits and can even be harmful…

Olives are fruits, making it a very unique oil. Olives are drupaceous (stone fruits), like prunes and cherries. The oil is made with a simple hydraulic press, much like the one we use for fruit juices. This in contrast to the “vegetable” oils, which are made in a refinery with the use of solvents, heat and high pressure – not very natural!

Paleo Diet Primal Olive Oil Extra Virgin Fake Test Quality Label-min

Olive oil is made gently which is why it keeps the ‘extra virgin’ quality, full of antioxidants in the forms of polyphenols and sterols, and vitamins E and K. Olive oil contains large quantities of CoQ10, an antioxidant which is very effective in protecting our heart and fighting chronic inflammations.

Choosing a Good Quality Olive Oil

It’s really important to make sure the olive oil you use is good quality – and really is what it says it is only the label. There are a few ways you can get more certainty about the olive oil you buy:

  • Develop a taste for olive oil. There are course and tasting session run, which will help you get a feel for what it should taste like. This will help you identify if the oil you purchase is a good one.
  • Buy only brands that are certified by trustworthy organisations.
  • If possible, buy directly from the olive growers and producers.
  • You might have heard about the refrigerator test: when you put olive oil in the fridge, it should solidify. If it doesn’t solidify, you could be dealing with a mixture of oils. BUT! This test is not 100% trustworthy, as some very high quality olive oils will not solidify.

If you’re not happy with some olive oil that you’ve purchased – return it – and try another brand.

Understanding Olive Oil Labels

The terminology used on olive oil labels can be confusing, especially when marketing language is designed to mislead consumers. While “extra virgin” is meant to indicate the highest quality, not all oils labelled as such meet the strict standards required. In Australia, there is no mandatory regulation ensuring that olive oils meet these criteria, which is why buyer awareness is essential.

Look for certifications from reputable organisations like the Australian Olive Association or the International Olive Council. These third-party certifications confirm that the oil meets quality and authenticity benchmarks. Labels that include harvest and bottling dates are another sign of transparency and quality.

How to Store Olive Oil Correctly

Even the highest quality olive oil will degrade quickly if it’s not stored properly. Exposure to light, air and heat are the three biggest enemies of olive oil. Always store your bottle in a cool, dark place – ideally in a pantry or cupboard away from your stovetop. Choose oil that comes in dark glass bottles or tins to limit light exposure.

Once opened, try to use your olive oil within two to three months. If it starts to smell musty, greasy, or like crayons, it’s likely gone rancid. Rancid oil not only loses its nutritional value but may also contribute to oxidative stress in the body – the very opposite of what good olive oil should be doing!

The Role of Olive Oil in a Paleo Diet

Olive oil plays a vital role in a well-rounded Paleo lifestyle. Its fat profile is predominantly monounsaturated, particularly oleic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. Compared to industrial seed oils, which are high in omega-6 and often oxidised, olive oil is far more stable and anti-inflammatory.

Because it’s minimally processed, olive oil retains its polyphenols, tocopherols (vitamin E), and squalene, all of which are potent antioxidants. These compounds are associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved skin health, and stronger immunity – all important pillars of a Paleo-centric approach to wellbeing.

Cooking with Olive Oil: Myth vs. Fact

One common myth is that you shouldn’t cook with olive oil because it has a low smoke point. In reality, high-quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point between 190°C and 210°C, making it suitable for most sautéing, roasting and baking. Its rich antioxidant profile also means it’s more stable than many seed oils when heated.

However, for very high heat applications such as deep frying or searing, it’s best to use a more heat-stable fat like tallow or coconut oil. Save your best extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over salads, vegetables, grilled meats or as a finishing oil on cooked dishes to enjoy its full flavour and nutritional benefits.

How to Test Olive Oil at Home

While lab tests are the only way to know the exact composition of your olive oil, there are a few simple at-home tests you can try to get a feel for its quality:

  • Smell test: High-quality olive oil should smell fresh and fruity, not greasy, musty or neutral.
  • Taste test: Sip a small amount and let it coat your tongue. It should taste slightly bitter and peppery. A scratchy feeling at the back of your throat is a good sign of polyphenol content.
  • Colour test: Contrary to popular belief, colour is not a reliable indicator of quality, as it can be manipulated with chlorophyll or carotene. Don’t judge by colour alone.

Spotlight on Australian Olive Oil

Australia is home to several award-winning olive oil producers who adhere to high production standards. Brands like Cobram Estate, Red Island, and Mount Zero offer certified extra virgin olive oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and locally sourced. Buying Australian-grown oil not only supports local agriculture but also ensures fresher products with a shorter supply chain.

When possible, attend farmers markets or buy direct from small batch producers. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions about their production methods, harvest timing, and bottling practices – helping you build trust in the quality of your oil.

Using Olive Oil Beyond the Kitchen

Olive oil isn’t just for food – its natural properties make it a valuable addition to your natural skincare and wellness routines. Thanks to its emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits, it can be used as:

  • Moisturiser: A small amount can hydrate dry skin, especially on elbows and knees.
  • Makeup remover: Gently dissolves makeup while nourishing the skin.
  • Hair treatment: Use as a pre-wash conditioner to soften dry or damaged hair.
  • Carrier oil: Combine with essential oils for massage or aromatherapy blends.

When using olive oil for non-food purposes, stick to certified organic extra virgin oil to avoid applying inferior or adulterated oil to your skin.

The Bottom Line on Olive Oil

Olive oil is a cornerstone of healthy, traditional diets and remains one of the most valuable natural fats available. But not all olive oil is created equal. To reap the full health rewards, choose a reputable, certified extra virgin olive oil, store it correctly, and use it wisely in your cooking and daily routine.

If you’re going to invest in one ingredient to elevate both your meals and your health, make it a good olive oil. The benefits to your heart, brain, skin and cells are well worth the effort to choose wisely.

How do you choose a good olive oil and what do you use it for? Do you have any brands, which you’d recommend? Please share your olive oil hints and tips in the comments below!

Are Your Eggs Fake?

I was alarmed, but not surprised to read an article in the paper at the weekend about mislabelled eggs.

Apparently a NSW farmer has been fined by the Food Authority for labelling and selling “barn laid eggs” as “free range”. In this particular case it sounds as thought here has been confusion between the farm and the Food Authority over what constitutes “free range” – however, it does raise the question as to how many eggs are dishonestly labelled.

When trying to lead a healthy Paleo lifestyle, choosing good quality ingredients is essential. Without the luxury to grow and rear your own ingredients, you have to take them on good faith. If something says it is organic and free range – you should be able to trust that it is. As well as the potential for fraud at the source of the eggs – in a large store there is also the chance that the eggs could have been swapped by a previous customer.

Stamping Eggs

Many countries, including the UK, stamp their eggs. This gives the consumer confidence that they eggs they select are exactly what they get. Fortunately over the next two years similar requirements are being rolled out across Australia. This will certainly help to give back some confidence on the quality of the eggs you choose.

How To Get Good Eggs?

The closer you can get to the source, the better. Keeping hens in your garden might be a bit unrealistic if you live in the city, but try farmers markets – and speak to the farmers. Find out where your neighbours and health conscious friends get their eggs from. When you find good eggs it will be obvious; the shells will be harder and the yolks are often a far richer gold colour. Once you find a good supplier – stick with them!

What Does “Free Range” Actually Mean in Australia?

The term “free range” sounds comforting, but unfortunately, its definition can be surprisingly vague and open to interpretation. In Australia, the legal standard for free range eggs (as outlined by the ACCC) is that hens must have “meaningful and regular access to the outdoors” and be stocked at no more than 10,000 birds per hectare. However, this density is significantly higher than what many consumers imagine when they think of free roaming hens on green pasture.

Some ethical producers voluntarily limit their stocking density to 1,500 birds per hectare or less, allowing their hens to forage naturally and live a more humane life. These are the kinds of eggs most aligned with Paleo values — but they can be difficult to find unless you're actively seeking out transparent, reputable sources.

Decoding Egg Carton Labelling

To make informed decisions, it helps to know how to decode the language used on egg cartons. Here's a quick guide:

  • Cage Eggs: Produced by hens kept in small cages with no outdoor access. The least aligned with Paleo and ethical food principles.
  • Barn Laid: Hens are not caged, but still live indoors in large sheds. Better than cage, but no outdoor access.
  • Free Range: Must meet national standards, but conditions vary greatly. Look for lower stocking density on the label if disclosed.
  • Pasture Raised: This is not a regulated term, but often indicates hens raised outdoors with the ability to forage. Look for certification or farmer transparency.
  • Organic: Certified organic eggs must meet stricter standards, including outdoor access, organic feed, and no antibiotics or synthetic chemicals.

Be wary of marketing buzzwords like “farm fresh” or “natural” — these have no legal meaning and are often used to make industrially produced eggs sound healthier than they are.

How to Spot a Truly High-Quality Egg

If you’re unsure whether your eggs are truly free range or pastured, the proof is often in the egg itself. Crack it open and take a look:

  • Shell: High-quality eggs tend to have thicker, stronger shells that don't break as easily. This suggests the hens have had a healthier diet and environment.
  • Yolk: A deep orange or rich golden yolk typically indicates the hen has access to pasture and a varied diet that includes greens and insects. Pale yellow yolks usually come from hens fed a bland grain-based diet indoors.
  • Whites: A firm white that holds its shape around the yolk is another sign of freshness and quality.

It’s worth conducting your own comparison at home by buying a supermarket egg and a farmers market egg. Crack them side by side and notice the difference in texture, colour, and how they cook. You’ll likely never go back.

Why Egg Quality Matters on a Paleo Diet

Eggs are a cornerstone of many Paleo meals — they're affordable, versatile, and packed with nutrients like choline, vitamin A, B12, and high-quality protein. But the nutritional content of an egg is directly influenced by the hen’s diet and living conditions. A pastured egg is significantly higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin compared to its caged counterpart.

So while it may be tempting to choose the cheapest eggs on the shelf, investing in better quality eggs means investing in your health. It also aligns with the broader Paleo principle of respecting the food chain and choosing ethically sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Direct-to-Consumer and Local Egg Subscription Services

If you're struggling to find high-quality eggs at your local supermarket, consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or subscribing to a local egg delivery service. Many small-scale Australian farms now offer weekly or fortnightly deliveries of organic or pasture-raised eggs directly to your home or to a central pickup point.

Some farmers will even let you visit their farms or follow their social media pages, where they share photos and videos of their hens roaming freely. This kind of transparency is rare in industrial agriculture and is a great sign that the producer has nothing to hide.

Are Certified Organic Eggs Worth the Extra Cost?

While certified organic eggs are often more expensive, they offer peace of mind for those who want assurance around animal welfare, feed quality, and farming practices. Organic certification in Australia requires hens to have unrestricted outdoor access, be fed an organic diet, and never be given antibiotics or synthetic pesticides.

It also supports regenerative farming systems, which are better for the environment and local biodiversity. If your budget allows for it, organic eggs are usually the most trustworthy option on store shelves.

Eggs and the Environmental Conversation

As well as health and ethical considerations, egg sourcing also has environmental implications. Large-scale industrial egg farms often operate on monoculture grain feed, heavy chemical input, and waste run-off. Pastured and organic systems, on the other hand, contribute to soil regeneration, reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, and support local ecosystems.

By choosing better eggs, you’re not just making a better choice for your own body — you’re contributing to a food system that values sustainability, transparency, and animal welfare.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to eggs, knowledge is power. With so much greenwashing and misleading labelling in supermarkets, it’s more important than ever to question where your food comes from. Whether you buy direct from a local farmer or make a point of checking stocking densities and certifications, every step towards transparency supports a healthier food system.

And as any Paleo eater knows, real food starts with real ingredients. So the next time you crack an egg into a pan, take a moment to consider the journey it’s taken — and whether it aligns with the values on your plate.

Are you suspicious about shop-bought eggs? Have you got any sources of great quality eggs? Please share in the comments below!

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How to Get Cheap Vibrams

As I explained in my previous post, I love running barefoot, in VFFs.

My Vibrams

My Vibrams – I've got a pair of pink Treksports and black Classics. So far.

When I was in America for PrimalCon & the AHS this year, I was so shocked to see how cheap Vibrams were, compared to here in Australia.  I bought two pairs, the Treksport in pink from a big outdoors store in Texas and a pair of Classics in black from another store in San Francisco.  Each pair worked out at well under $100 AUD, including taxes.  Not only were they cheaper, but the stores stocked so many different models, colours and sizes.  I should have bought more.  It takes going overseas to realise how expensive things are in this part of the world.

The bigger sports shops in Sydney seem to carry just a few models, and you can forget about getting them in exciting colours.  The bigger Rebel Performance stores sell a small selection, for upwards of $169.99 AUD, which is a lot of extra money to pay, especially for a small selection.

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Vibrams can be expensive in Australia

I bought my first pair of Vibrams on Ebay last year.  I carefully researched the model and tried an equivalent pair on in the city, to make sure I ordered exactly the right size.  I still paid about $100, so not that much of a bargain.  They arrived and I was instantly disappointed with Vibrams in general.  The toes were all the same length – meaning only my big toe would fit properly.  The top of my other toes didn’t even reach the bottom of toe section!  I initially assumed this was just how they made them, perhaps I had freaky toes, as they weren’t all the same length?  On close inspection it became apparent that the box and literature in the box was quite odd too.  It was upside down and back to front.  I think I probably spent my hard earned cash on a pair of fake Vibrams.  So my word of warning is be really careful where you buy them from.  If you buy them online, be sure they are genuine!

Luckily I wasn’t put off and after meeting so many VFF owners at PrimalCon I soon realised how they were supposed to fit and behave.  I bought my next two pairs earlier this year.  The difference is incredible!  They are an amazing fit.  Wearing them feels as close to barefoot as I’m realistically likely to get in the city centre.

Prices generally do seem to be coming down in Australia.  I found a sale today at the Adventure Mega Store in Sydney CBD selling VFF’s starting at $99, which seems to be a great deal (but I'd love to find a better price in this country).  They had by far the largest range I’ve seen in Sydney.  I also saw an indoor yoga style for the first time (with 40% discount) which looked perfect for dancing, though I’d need to see how they would compare to my existing dance footwear.  I don’t have the “Sprint” model, and think this might be a good choice for my next pair, I’m very tempted.

cheap vibrams VFF

I found a good sale on Vibrams in Sydney today…

If your toes do happen to all be exactly the same length, I could do you a great deal on a second hand pair of VFF’s.  Unworn…

Have you found any good deals on Vibrams in Australia and New Zealand?  Have you found a great stockist with lots of choice?  Have you managed to get any “real” ones shipped here at a good price?  I’d love to hear your tips in the comments below.

Where to Find Vibrams in Australia (Without Paying a Fortune)

If you’re looking for affordable Vibram FiveFingers in Australia, there are a few places to keep an eye on. Outdoor retailers like Adventure Megastore occasionally run sales, and stores such as Wild Earth and Paddy Pallin sometimes carry discounted stock or discontinued models. It's worth signing up to their newsletters so you’re notified of flash sales.

Another option is to check overseas stores that ship to Australia. While postage and customs may add to the price, you can sometimes still get a better deal—especially if the Australian dollar is strong. Just make sure to buy from authorised retailers to avoid fakes.

Vibram shoes are growing in popularity in the barefoot and Paleo communities, and more Australian stockists are beginning to carry them. Whether you're after a pair for running, hiking, yoga or everyday use, doing a bit of research and price-checking can save you a significant amount.

Let me know in the comments if you've found a local bargain or discovered a stockist with a wide range of VFFs — let's help fellow barefoot fans find the best deals!

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