For over two decades, California Olive Ranch has stood as a pioneer in the domestic production of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Rooted in innovation and driven by a philosophy of radical transparency, the company has not only expanded to become the largest producer of domestic olives for EVOO in the United States but also consistently challenged conventional practices within the industry. Today, California Olive Ranch adds another major milestone to its legacy by becoming the first retail brand to receive the Seed Oil Free Certified™ Seal across its entire portfolio of products, including dressings, marinades, flavored oils, and avocado blend cooking oils.
The Seed Oil Free Certified™ designation serves as a third-party confirmation that California Olive Ranch’s products are completely free from adulteration with seed oils such as canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oil—oils often used as cheaper fillers in premium oil products. This certification ensures the company’s offerings meet the highest standards for purity and authenticity.
“We pride ourselves on going above and beyond by proudly disclosing place-of-origin, harvest season, and quality testing results on every bottle of our cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” said Mary Mori, Vice President of Product & Quality at California Olive Ranch. “Seed Oil Free Certification guarantees that customers who choose to avoid seed oils can confidently enjoy all our Extra Virgin Olive Oils, avocado blends, and vinaigrettes. It reflects our core value of radical transparency to continually verify all our products meet the highest standards of purity.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Quality
Since its founding, California Olive Ranch has remained steadfast in its mission to raise the bar for olive oil quality in the U.S. What began as a simple goal—to produce premium, domestically grown olive oil—has transformed into a full-fledged movement that promotes transparency, sustainability, and authenticity.
The company has been at the forefront of numerous industry advancements, including introducing cold-pressed production at scale, pioneering modern mechanical harvesting techniques, and promoting rigorous third-party testing to ensure that its products meet and exceed international standards for EVOO. These efforts are backed by a comprehensive quality assurance program that monitors every step of the production process—from orchard to bottle.
By adding Seed Oil Free Certification to its list of achievements, California Olive Ranch not only reaffirms its commitment to clean-label products but also distinguishes itself as a brand that empowers consumers to make informed dietary choices.
What Is the Seed Oil Free Certified™ Seal?
The Seed Oil Free Certified™ Seal is a relatively new but increasingly important label in the health-conscious food marketplace. Managed by the Seed Oil Free Alliance, this certification provides third-party verification that a product contains no seed oil derivatives or contaminants.
According to Jonathan Rubin, CEO and founder of the Seed Oil Free Alliance, California Olive Ranch was a natural fit for this certification initiative.
“The Seed Oil Free Certified Seal offers verified assurance in a market where premium oils—especially extra virgin olive and avocado oils—are being sought out by consumers for their incredible flavor, health benefits, and heat stability,” Rubin said. “California Olive Ranch has led the industry in innovation, sustainability, and quality assurance for decades. This dedication to what they call ‘Radical Transparency’ is why California Olive Ranch makes a perfect partner for Seed Oil Free Certification.”
The certification process involves rigorous testing and auditing protocols. Every product that bears the Seed Oil Free Certified™ Seal has undergone lab analysis to confirm purity, along with third-party audits of the company’s supply chain and formulation practices. These audits are conducted under globally accepted standards, including those set by the International Olive Council (IOC), Codex Alimentarius, and the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).
Reformulating for a Higher Standard
In order to meet the certification’s stringent requirements, California Olive Ranch undertook the reformulation of specific dressings and sauces. In some cases, trace amounts of seed oils were identified in the carrier oils used in formulations. These were eliminated and replaced with alternatives such as MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, which is typically derived from coconut or palm and is favored for its health benefits and stability.
This reformulation wasn’t merely a compliance exercise—it was a conscious, value-driven decision. California Olive Ranch viewed the process as an opportunity to improve its offerings and further demonstrate its commitment to consumer well-being.
“Every formulation decision we make is rooted in our core values,” said Mori. “If there’s an opportunity to be more transparent or provide a cleaner product, we take it—no matter how challenging it may be.”
Championing Clean Labels in a Crowded Marketplace
The clean-label movement, driven by increased consumer demand for transparency and ingredient integrity, has forced food and beverage manufacturers to rethink how they approach product development. Shoppers are now more likely than ever to read labels, research sourcing practices, and seek out certifications that support their lifestyle choices—whether those choices are rooted in dietary preferences, health needs, or environmental concerns.
California Olive Ranch has long recognized this shift and has embraced a fully transparent model that offers clear, accessible information on every product label. Each bottle of EVOO lists the harvest season, the place of origin, and links to test results that confirm its grade and purity.
This approach not only builds trust but also encourages consumers to become educated participants in their food choices—rather than passive buyers.
Where to Find Certified Products
Consumers looking to incorporate Seed Oil Free Certified products into their lifestyle can find California Olive Ranch and Lucini Italia products carrying the seal both online and in grocery stores nationwide. Additionally, the full list of certified items
