FAQ

Kosterina EVOO and vinegars are a kitchen staple. Our EVOO (smoke point 425F+) excels at roasting, grilling, sauteing, baking, and frying, as well as drizzling, dipping, and finishing. Our balsamic vinegar adds depth to dressings, marinades, and roasted dishes. Our crushed fruit vinegars work beautifully in salad dressings, sauces, cocktails and mocktails. Browse 100+ Kosterina-crafted recipes at kosterina.com/recipes.

Kosterina products are not currently certified kosher. However, extra virgin olive oil is naturally a kosher product. If kosher certification is required for observance, we recommend consulting with your rabbi before purchasing.

Yes. You can add a personalized gift message to any order during checkout on kosterina.com. Your message will be included on the packing slip. Kosterina products also arrive in beautiful packaging that makes a memorable gift without additional wrapping. We do offer custom gift messaging for group gift orders (<25 gifts). Please reach out to us at groupgifting@kosterina.com for more information.

For large orders -- event favors, corporate gifting, or sending to multiple recipients -- please reach out to our team at grougifting@kosterina.com. Depending on the size of your order, you may be eligible for volume discounts. We are here to help!

Kosterina ships to all 50 US states. Free shipping applies to the contiguous US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). International shipping is not currently available.

At this time, Kosterina only ships to locations within the US.

All Kosterina orders ship within 1-3 business days of being placed.

Kosterina orders ship from Indiana.

Shipping is free for all orders over $75 in the US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). Orders under $75: $8.99 flat rate. Skincare-only orders under $75: $4.99 flat rate. Subscription orders under $75: $4.50 flat rate.

One of the perks of subscribing is a reduced shipping fee of $4.50 for orders under $75. Subscription orders over $75 receive free shipping.

Kosterina EVOO and vinegars are bottled in glass, so all orders are shipped in heavy corrugated cardboard boxes -- similar to a wine-shipping box -- with each bottle individually protected to prevent breakage in transit.

No need to stress -- a dented tin is a cosmetic issue only and does not affect the quality of the oil inside. Tins leave our facility in perfect condition; minor denting can occur in transit. We accept returns only in cases of severe damage or leaking. If your tin is severely damaged or leaking, contact hello@kosterina.com and we will make it right.

At Kosterina, we are committed to providing the highest quality products and ensuring your complete satisfaction. To support your wellness journey with confidence, we offer a hassle-free, 30-day satisfaction guarantee on purchases made directly through www.kosterina.com.

EVOO stands for Extra Virgin Olive Oil -- the highest recognised quality grade of olive oil, pronounced "EE-voo." Because Extra Virgin is an official quality designation, the term EVOO is the correct abbreviation. Shortening it to Olive Oil implies a different, lower-quality product altogether. When flavors (like garlic, lemon, or herbs) are infused into olive oil, it technically no longer qualifies as “extra virgin” under official standards. That’s why flavored oils are labeled as olive oil rather than EVOO.

However, it’s important to note: our flavored olive oils are still made using our premium, high-quality extra virgin olive oil as the base—not a lower-grade alternative. You get the same superior foundation, enhanced with herbs and spices.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) comes from the very first cold-press of fresh olives and must meet strict chemical standards, including a free acidity below 0.8%. Virgin olive oil comes from the second press. Pure or light olive oil is refined, stripping most antioxidants and flavor. Kosterina far exceeds the EVOO standard: our Original EVOO has 500+ mg/kg polyphenols and our Organic Everyday has 350+ mg/kg -- both significantly above the EU authorised health claim threshold.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant antioxidants found in olives, fruits, nuts, and spices. In olive oil, the key polyphenols -- oleocanthal, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein -- have been clinically shown to fight inflammation, support cardiovascular health, improve brain function, regulate blood sugar, and slow cellular ageing. Oleocanthal, which gives Kosterina EVOO its distinctive peppery throat sensation, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects comparable to a low dose of ibuprofen in peer-reviewed research. The EU authorises an official health claim for olive oils with 250+ mg/kg polyphenols. Kosterina Original EVOO has 500+ mg/kg -- well above the threshold.

"Early harvest" designates extra virgin olive oils pressed from olives picked before full ripeness -- when the fruit is still green and polyphenol content is at its peak. As olives ripen, polyphenol levels drop significantly. Harvesting early also yields less juice per olive, which is why authentic early-harvest EVOO is rarer and more expensive. Kosterina exclusively uses early-harvest Koroneiki olives, which is why our oils consistently test at 350-500+ mg/kg polyphenols -- much higher than the industry average of ~150 mg/kg.

Olive oil fraud does exist unfortunately. Some bottles labeled extra virgin have been diluted with refined or lower-grade oils that fail to meet EVOO standards for polyphenol content or acidity. Kosterina combats this with full transparency: we publish independent third-party chemical analysis results for every harvest at kosterina.com, so you can verify exactly what you are getting.

Four things to look for: (1) Opaque packaging -- glass or tin. Light degrades olive oil; avoid clear bottles. (2) A harvest date -- always buy the most recent harvest (October-January each year). (3) A named origin and olive variety -- if the label can't tell you where the olives came from, walk away. (4) Third-party test results -- Kosterina publishes independent chemical analysis for every harvest at kosterina.com. The best test is taste: great EVOO has a grassy, fruity aroma and a peppery burn at the back of the throat.

Kosterina EVOO delivers clinically studied health benefits. Its polyphenols -- particularly oleocanthal, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein -- reduce inflammation, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, and protect cells from oxidative damage. The landmark PREDIMED trial (7,447 participants, NEJM) found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with EVOO reduced cardiovascular events by approximately 30%. Regular consumption is also associated with improved cognitive function and a 29% lower risk of dementia-related death (JAMA Network Open, 2024).

Kosterina EVOO is best consumed within 3 months of opening for maximum freshness, flavor, and polyphenol potency. Polyphenols degrade with oxygen exposure, so seal the bottle tightly after each use. After 3 months, the oil remains safe to consume but will have lost some of its robust character and antioxidant content.

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place -- away from heat and direct sunlight. Never store it next to the stove or on a sunlit countertop, as heat and light accelerate oxidation and degrade polyphenols. Kosterina uses opaque glass and tin packaging specifically to protect against light. Never refrigerate olive oil. Once opened, use within 3 months for peak flavor and health benefits.

Kosterina EVOO is harvested early in the season -- October to November -- in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, when Koroneiki olives are still unripe and polyphenol content is at its peak. The oil is then shipped to the US, bottled, and available by early spring. We sell only from the current harvest to ensure maximum freshness.

Kosterina Organic Everyday EVOO (blue bottle) is fully USDA Certified Organic. Kosterina Original EVOO (white bottle) -- and all flavored olive oils, which use it as their base -- is produced using organic farming methods with no herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilisers, but is not yet certified organic. Both products are made from naturally grown Koroneiki olives in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. You will find some Original EVOO tins are already certified organic and you'll begin to see more of our "white bottle" EVOO products certified organic in the coming months.

All Kosterina extra virgin olive oils are made exclusively from early-harvest Koroneiki olives -- Greece's most prized and widely cultivated olive variety. Grown in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, Koroneiki olives naturally produce some of the highest polyphenol concentrations of any olive varietal in the world. Kosterina uses a single-origin, mono-varietal approach: one crop, one region, one harvest.

Kosterina Original EVOO has a polyphenol count of over 500+ mg/kg, and our Organic Everyday EVOO has 350+ mg/kg -- both measured by independent third-party analysis at harvest. For context, the EU authorised health claim for olive oil requires a minimum of 250 mg/kg; most supermarket EVOOs in the US contain ~150 mg/kg. Results for every harvest are published at kosterina.com. Visit the product pages to learn more!

Kosterina runs independent third-party chemical analysis immediately after every harvest using the NMR method -- the gold standard for total polyphenol measurement in olive oil. Results for every harvest year are published on each product page at kosterina.com for full transparency.

As of the most recent harvest, Kosterina Original EVOO has a free acidity of 0.17% and Kosterina Organic Everyday EVOO has a free acidity of 0.29%. To qualify as extra virgin, an olive oil must have an acidity level below 0.80%. Lower acidity indicates fresher, higher-quality oil with better flavor stability -- both Kosterina oils are well below the extra virgin threshold.

The smoke point of all Kosterina extra virgin olive oils is over 425F, making them excellent for grilling, roasting, baking, frying, and sauteing at most standard cooking temperatures. Despite the common myth, high-quality high-polyphenol EVOO is one of the most heat-stable cooking oils available -- its antioxidants resist oxidation even under heat.

High-quality EVOO should smell like fresh grass, fruit, or vegetables. Kosterina EVOO, made from Koroneiki olives, has notes of green tomato, artichoke, and banana. As a high-polyphenol EVOO, you will experience a mild peppery sensation at the back of your throat -- that distinctive sting is oleocanthal, the polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties, at work. If it makes you cough a little, that is a very good sign.

The "best by" date on Kosterina EVOO is not an expiration date -- it is a quality marker indicating when the oil is at peak freshness, flavor, and polyphenol potency. Kosterina marks our "best by" date 2.5 years from the harvest date. For best results, use within 12 months of harvest and within 3 months of opening. The harvest date is printed on every label.

Kosterina Original EVOO (white bottle) has a bold, peppery flavor and a polyphenol count of 500+ mg/kg -- best for drizzling, dipping, and finishing dishes where no heat is applied. The Organic Everyday EVOO (blue bottle) has a smoother, more neutral flavor, 350+ mg/kg polyphenols, and is USDA Certified Organic -- designed for high-heat cooking up to 425F. Simple rule: white bottle on your table, blue bottle next to your stove.

Kosterina EVOO is safe to use on skin, but we recommend our dedicated skincare line for facial and body use. Straight olive oil applied to the face can cause breakouts for some skin types. Our skincare products use optimised levels of early-harvest olive oil alongside olive-derived squalane -- a non-comedogenic lipid that mirrors the skin's natural oils -- and Lachestim, which reactivates youth proteins. The result is deep antioxidant hydration without the risk of clogged pores.

Kosterina Balsamic Vinegar is made in Modena, Italy -- the only region in the world authorised to produce authentic balsamic vinegar under a protected geographic designation (PGI). Like Champagne, the name Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is legally protected. Our balsamic is aged a minimum of 6 years in 30-year-old oak barrels.

Kosterina Balsamic Vinegar is aged a minimum of 6 years in oak barrels that are at least 30 years old. The slow ageing process concentrates flavor, deepens colour, and develops the characteristic sweet-tart complexity that distinguishes authentic aged balsamic from mass-market imitations. For context, Traditional DOP Balsamic is aged 12-25 years; Kosterina sits in the premium artisanal range.

Authentic aged balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants and acetic acid. Research links acetic acid to healthier post-meal blood sugar levels, improved digestion, and cardiovascular support. Balsamic vinegar contains no cholesterol, and is naturally low in sodium. Kosterina Balsamic Vinegar contains no added sugars, caramel, or thickeners -- just aged grape must from Modena.

No. Store Kosterina Balsamic Vinegar in a cool, dry place -- a pantry or cupboard is ideal. Refrigeration is not recommended and not necessary. Proper room-temperature storage preserves flavor and texture.

Stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, Kosterina Balsamic Vinegar is safe to consume for up to 5 years. No refrigeration required. Over time, properly stored balsamic may become slightly thicker and more concentrated -- this is natural and does not affect quality.

No -- zero added sugar. All sweetness comes naturally from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grape must through ageing and fermentation. Many commercial balsamics add caramel colouring and sugar to mimic aged balsamic flavor. Kosterina does not.

Made from White Cooked Grape Must imported from Italy and White Wine Vinegar imported from Greece. The fruit is crushed and combined with these imported ingredients in the USA.

No. Store Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegar in a cool, dry place. The natural vinegar base acts as a preservative -- no refrigeration required before or after opening. Shelf life is up to 2 years. No artificial preservatives.

Stored in a cool, dry place, Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegars are safe to consume for up to 3 years. No refrigeration required before or after opening.

The vinegar base is a natural preservative. When fresh fruit is combined with vinegar, the acidity prevents bacterial and mould growth -- no artificial preservatives needed. Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegars contain no preservatives, additives, or added sugars: just white cooked grape must (from Italy), white wine vinegar (from Greece), and real crushed fruit.

No -- zero added sugar. All sweetness comes naturally from the cooked grape must and real crushed fruit. No refined sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives.

Kosterina Crushed Fruit Vinegars are extremely versatile: add 1-2 tbsp to sparkling water for a healthy fruit drink, whisk with EVOO for an instant vinaigrette, use as a marinade for chicken or fish, stir into cocktails or mocktails, or reduce on the stovetop as a glaze. They hold up well to heat. Single-serve packets available for on-the-go use. Recipes at kosterina.com/recipes.

Yes -- Kosterina snacking olives are USDA Certified Organic, grown in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece with no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

Kosterina snacking olives can be stored at room temperature before opening. After opening, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks for best flavor. Because our olives are naturally cured and unpasteurised with no preservatives, proper refrigeration after opening is important.

Kosterina olives are naturally cured in sea salt for 6-12 months -- a traditional fermentation process that creates a probiotic-rich olive. Probiotics support gut health and are linked to a range of wellness benefits. Our olives are USDA Certified Organic, raw, unpasteurised, dry-packed, pitted, and free from preservatives or additives.

Kosterina snacking olives are designed to be completely fuss-free: dry-packed (no messy brine to drain), pitted (no pit, no waste), and pre-seasoned with fresh herbs and spices (no extra seasoning needed). Eat straight from the jar, toss into salads, or add to a charcuterie board.

Our dark olives are the Kalamata variety, available in Greek Herb and Spicy flavors. Our green olives are the Konservolia variety, available in a Coriander & Pink Pepper flavor. All olives are grown and naturally cured in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece -- the same region that produces our EVOO.

Olive oil is rich in vitamins E and K, and its polyphenols -- particularly hydroxytyrosol -- are powerful antioxidants that protect skin cells from UV-induced damage and inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Research published in 2024 found that oleocanthal and oleacein, both present in high-polyphenol EVOO, significantly reduced wrinkle count in study participants. Kosterina's early-harvest olive oil has an exceptionally high concentration of these active compounds.

Straight olive oil applied to the face can be comedogenic for some skin types -- meaning it may clog pores and cause breakouts. Kosterina skincare products use olive oil at optimised concentrations, combined with olive-derived squalane and targeted actives, to deliver the antioxidant benefits of olive oil while ensuring fast absorption and a finish suitable for all skin types.

Straight olive oil can be comedogenic for some skin types. Kosterina skincare products are dermatologist-tested and formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients -- including olive-derived squalane rather than straight olive oil -- so they are designed not to cause breakouts or clogged pores. Suitable for normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types.

Kosterina skincare is built on the same early-harvest, 500+ mg/kg polyphenol EVOO that defines our food products -- one of the most antioxidant-rich base ingredients available in beauty. We pair it with olive-derived squalane (non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing) and Lachestim, a clinically studied active that reactivates youth proteins and increases collagen synthesis. The result: deep hydration, antioxidant protection, and visibly firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Our skincare packaging is made with recyclable glass bottles, paper cartons, and/or sustainable PP (polypropylene) recyclable plastic -- all compatible with standard curbside recycling.

For Kosterina, clean beauty means formulating without ingredients known to be harmful or unnecessary. Our skincare products contain no parabens, emulsifiers, petrolatum, paraffin, phthalates, toluene, triclosan, triclocarban, formaldehyde, aluminium powder, or animal by-products. Every ingredient in our formulas is there for a reason.

Lachestim is a premium oil extracted from Pistacia Lentiscus -- a tree native to the Greek island of Chios. It is clinically known to reactivate youth proteins in skin cells, improve supporting fibre density, increase collagen synthesis, and boost cellular antioxidant activity that improves DNA protection. Lachestim helps skin look firmer, smoother, and more youthful and is one of the hero active ingredients in Kosterina skincare.

Olive-derived squalane is a botanical lipid extracted from olive oil. It closely mirrors the skin's own natural lipids, making it exceptionally biocompatible and well-tolerated -- even by sensitive and acne-prone skin. Squalane is non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing, and rich in antioxidants that protect the skin barrier and fight free-radical damage. Kosterina uses plant-derived squalane (not shark-derived) in our skincare formulations.

Our signature scent is an all-natural herb and spice essential oil blend with notes of lemon, rosemary, and lavender -- designed to evoke the Mediterranean seaside. No synthetic fragrances. Full scent profile: Cardamom Oil, Lemon Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Lavender Spike Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Lavender Oil, Vetiver Oil, Patchouli Essential Oil, Spanish Marjoram Oil, Matricaria Oil, and Peppermint Oil.

Serums are lightweight, water-based concentrates designed to target specific skin concerns -- like hyperpigmentation or fine lines -- and are applied before moisturiser. Face oils are richer, oil-based formulas that nourish the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and deliver fat-soluble antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E. For best results: apply serum first (thinner texture), then face oil on top to seal in the actives.

No. Kosterina skincare products are 100% cruelty-free. We do not test on animals at any stage of development or production.

Several ingredients in our skincare products are certified organic. Our products are not certified fully organic, but are formulated with clean, natural, and sustainably sourced ingredients -- free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, and harmful additives.

If you have eczema or any specific skin condition, we recommend consulting with your dermatologist before introducing new skincare products. While we cannot make medical claims, many customers with eczema-prone skin have shared positive experiences with Kosterina skincare -- you can read their reviews at kosterina.com. Our formulas are free from common irritants and are dermatologist-tested.