Are Your Olives Really Olives? Shocking Truth About Supermarket Brine!
2025-07-21
Daily Mail
Ever reached for a can of olives, craving that salty, briny flavour? You might be in for a nasty surprise. A food expert has revealed a concerning truth about the olives sold in Singaporean supermarkets – they might not be what you think they are!
The Olive Deception
Just like with spices, where cheaper fillers are often added to bulk up products, the olive industry isn't immune to cost-cutting measures. While genuine olives are a Mediterranean delicacy, many supermarket olives are a blend of different ingredients, and sometimes, they aren’t even real olives at all!
What’s Really in That Can?
So, what are we actually consuming? Experts have highlighted several common practices:
- Lower-Quality Olives: Often, cheaper, less desirable olive varieties are used. These olives may be bruised, smaller, or simply not as flavourful as premium varieties.
- Fillers and Additives: To increase the volume and reduce costs, manufacturers often add fillers like vegetable oil, water, or even cheaper fruits like gherkins or caper berries. These fillers dilute the olive flavour and alter the texture.
- Artificial Colouring: That vibrant, deep green colour you see in many supermarket olives? It’s often achieved through artificial colouring agents.
- Preservatives: To extend shelf life, preservatives like citric acid, acetic acid (vinegar), and potassium sorbate are commonly used. While these are generally considered safe, some consumers may prefer to avoid them.
How to Spot the Difference: Become an Olive Detective!
Don't despair! You *can* still enjoy authentic olives. Here’s how to become a savvy shopper:
- Read the Label Carefully: Scrutinise the ingredient list. A good quality olive product will list “olives” as the primary ingredient, followed by brine and perhaps some herbs or spices. Beware of long lists of additives and fillers.
- Look for Origin: Olives from Greece, Spain, Italy, or Tunisia are generally considered high quality.
- Check the Colour: Naturally ripened olives have a more varied colour – a mix of greens, purples, and even blacks. Uniformly bright green olives are often a sign of artificial colouring.
- Consider Price: Authentic, high-quality olives tend to be more expensive. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Explore Specialty Stores: Delis, gourmet food stores, and Mediterranean markets often offer a wider selection of authentic, high-quality olives.
Beyond the Can: Fresh is Best
Whenever possible, opt for fresh olives from reputable vendors. These are often cured in-house and offer a far superior taste and quality compared to canned varieties.
The Takeaway
Next time you reach for a can of olives, take a moment to examine the label. You might be surprised by what you find. By becoming a more informed consumer, you can ensure you’re enjoying the real deal – delicious, authentic olives that tantalise your taste buds, not just a salty imitation.
Recommendations
Recommendations