Best Kalamata Olives Brands

Best Of: Foods Edition
7 min readApr 7, 2024

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As a food lover and experienced chef, I’m always on the hunt for the best tasting foods out there.

One of my absolute favorite foods is the Kalamata olive. These olives from the Kalamata region of Greece have such a rich, flavorful taste that I just can’t get enough of.

I’ve tried Kalamata olives from all sorts of brands, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on the best ones.

Whether you’re a olive lover like me or just looking to try something new, I think you’ll really enjoy these top-notch Kalamata olive brands.

Roland Foods Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives

These Roland Foods Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives are something special. As an experienced food taster, I can say that these olives are truly top-notch.

The olives are grown in Greece, which is known for producing some of the best olives in the world. They have a distinct, smoky, fruity, and salty flavor that makes them really stand out. When I tried them, I could instantly tell that they were high-quality.

The olives are freshly picked, slit, brine-cured, and packed in vinegar. This gives them a wonderful texture and ensures that they stay fresh for a long time. I love that they are pitted, as it makes them super easy to eat and include in all kinds of dishes.

Pros:

  • Authentic Greek Kalamata olives with a fantastic flavor
  • Freshly picked and packed for maximum freshness
  • Pitted for easy eating
  • Can be used in all kinds of recipes or enjoyed on their own

Cons:

  • The brine is a bit strong for my taste, but it can be easily rinsed off
  • The container can be tricky to open at first

Overall, I highly recommend these Roland Foods Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives. They are a true delight for any olive lover, and I think you’ll find them to be some of the best tasting olives you’ve ever tried.

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Mario Camacho Foods Pitted Kalamata Mediterranean Olives

As a food lover who has tried many different types of olives, I can say that the Mario Camacho Foods Pitted Kalamata Mediterranean Olives are truly delicious. These olives have a wonderful flavor that is perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, or just snacking on their own.

The olives have a nice, firm texture that is not too soft or mushy. They have a great briny taste that is nicely balanced, not too salty. I really enjoy the rich, meaty flavor of the Kalamata olives.

Pros:

  • Excellent flavor
  • Great texture
  • Good balance of saltiness

Cons:

  • The packaging could be better — I’ve had a few jars where the lid was not sealed properly, causing the liquid to drain out.

Overall, I highly recommend these Kalamata olives. They are a fantastic product at a great price. If you enjoy olives, you owe it to yourself to try these.

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Krinos Whole Kalamata Jumbo Olives

When it comes to finding the best tasting kalamata olives, I have tried a lot of different brands over the years. But the Krinos Whole Kalamata Jumbo Olives 4.4 lb are hands down my favorite.

These olives are huge and jumbo-sized, with a smooth, meaty texture that I love. They come from Greece, which is known for producing some of the best kalamata olives in the world. The olives are preserved in a mixture of wine vinegar and olive oil, which gives them a robust, tangy flavor.

Pros:

  • Jumbo-sized olives with a great texture
  • Imported from Greece for authentic flavor
  • Preserved in wine vinegar and olive oil
  • Perfect for snacking, salads, and cooking

Cons:

  • Some may find them a bit too salty for their taste
  • The large size means they don’t fit perfectly in small jars or containers

Overall, I highly recommend the Krinos Whole Kalamata Jumbo Olives 4.4 lb. They are the best tasting kalamata olives I have tried, and I always keep a jar or two in my pantry. If you love olives as much as I do, you owe it to yourself to give these a try.

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Divina Organic Sliced Kalamata Olives

As a food lover and taster, I’ve tried a lot of different olives over the years. But the Divina Organic Sliced Kalamata Olives are one of my absolute favorites. These olives have a wonderfully rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that I just can’t get enough of.

Pros:

  • The olives are sliced, which makes them easy to add to salads, pasta dishes, or even just enjoy on their own as a snack.
  • They’re organic, which means they’re grown without any harsh chemicals or pesticides.
  • The curing process really brings out the natural flavors of the olives, making them taste incredibly fresh and high-quality.

Cons:

  • They can be a bit on the salty side, so you may want to rinse them off a bit before using them.
  • The price is a little higher than some other olive brands, but in my opinion, the amazing taste is well worth it.

Overall, I highly recommend the Divina Organic Sliced Kalamata Olives to anyone who loves great-tasting, high-quality olives. They’re a real treat for the taste buds!

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Parthenon Pitted Kalamata Olives

As a food lover, I’ve tried a lot of different kinds of olives over the years. But the Parthenon Pitted Kalamata Olives are truly special. These olives come packed in a large 52.91oz jar, which is great for having on hand for snacking or using in recipes.

The olives themselves are plump and juicy, with a rich, slightly briny flavor that I find really enjoyable. They’re pitted, which makes them easy to eat on their own or to add to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. The olives are also packed in a brine made with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, which gives them a nice tang and creaminess.

Pros:

  • Large jar size is great for having on hand
  • Plump, juicy olives with a delicious flavor
  • Pitted for easy eating
  • Packed in a tasty brine

Cons:

  • Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, like cracks or dents in the jar

Overall, I really love these Parthenon Pitted Kalamata Olives. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for adding to all kinds of meals. If you’re a olive lover like me, I highly recommend giving them a try.

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Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best Kalamata olives, there are a few key things to look for. First and foremost, you want to make sure the olives are authentic Kalamata olives, not just olives labeled as “Kalamata-style.” True Kalamata olives come from the Kalamata region of Greece and have a very distinctive flavor profile.

Next, pay attention to the quality of the olives. Look for olives that are firm, plump, and glossy, with a deep purple-black color. Avoid olives that look shriveled, dull, or discolored, as that can be a sign of lower quality.

The brine the olives are packed in is also important. Ideally, the brine should be flavorful and well-balanced, without being too salty or acidic. You want the brine to complement the natural flavors of the olives, not overpower them.

Lastly, consider the brand and producer of the Kalamata olives. Reputable brands that specialize in high-quality Greek foods are generally a safe bet. Look for certifications or awards that indicate the olives are of exceptional quality.

By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the best Kalamata olives that will truly delight your taste buds.

FAQs

What makes Kalamata olives so special?

Kalamata olives are special because they come from the Kalamata region of Greece, which is known for producing some of the most flavorful and high-quality olives in the world. These olives have a unique, slightly tangy and fruity flavor that sets them apart from other types of olives.

How can I tell if Kalamata olives are fresh?

You can tell if Kalamata olives are fresh by looking for olives that are firm, plump, and glossy, with a deep purple-black color. Avoid olives that look shriveled, dull, or discolored, as that can be a sign of lower quality or older olives.

Can I use Kalamata olives for cooking, or are they best for snacking?

Kalamata olives are incredibly versatile and can be used for both cooking and snacking. Their bold, flavorful taste makes them a great addition to all sorts of dishes, from salads and pasta to pizzas and dips. But they’re also delicious on their own as a snack.

Conclusion

Kalamata olives are a truly special food that deserve a place in every food lover’s pantry.

Whether you’re tasting them for the first time or you’re a seasoned olive aficionado, I’m confident that you’ll find the best Kalamata olive brands to be an absolute delight.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and try some Kalamata olives today! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy every bite and let me know what you think. Bon appétit!

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Best Of: Foods Edition

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