How Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Its Byproducts Can Be Used To Make Healthy Snacks

Simple And Healthy Snacks Made With Olive Oil Benefits

How To Make The Most Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil In Your Snacking Choices

If you’re all about wholesome eating without compromising on flavour, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) may just become your new secret weapon. Known for its rich antioxidants, healthy fats, and versatility in cooking, Extra virgin olive oil is celebrated as a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. But have you heard about its lesser-known byproducts and their potential to create nutrient-dense snacks?

This blog dives into the science and creativity behind using the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil like Morocco Gold and olive mill byproducts to craft snacks that are not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits. You’ll learn why EVOO is a pantry must-have for snack enthusiasts, what olive mill byproducts bring to the table, and practical ways to incorporate them into your homemade treats.

Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast, a health-conscious eater, or a curious olive oil user, this guide will inspire you to look at olive oil in a whole new light.

Expert Outlines Benefits Of Using Olive Oil And Its Byproducts In Snacks

At Morocco Gold, we loved a recent Olive Oil Times article outlining how to use extra virgin olive oil and olive mill byproducts to make healthy snacks. The article summarises:

Researchers from Phenols4Health are evaluating cooking methods with extra virgin olive oil and a proprietary olive oil production byproduct to create healthy snack foods, with a focus on inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end-products in cooked food. The project aims to develop products that appeal to consumers while preventing lipid oxidation and the formation of harmful compounds, potentially leading to the creation of a start-up specializing in functional enriched foods.

Speaking to The Olive Oil Times, Ítala Marx, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Córdoba and principal investigator for Phenols4Health said:

 “Our main objective is… to understand how extra virgin olive oil rich in phenolic compounds can inhibit the formation of some compounds including advanced glycation end-products in cooked food,” Í

Advanced glycation end products are formed when protein or fat combine with sugar in the bloodstream. They contribute to increased inflammation and oxidative stress associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“Our previous results indicated that phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil can minimize lipid oxidation and in this sense, due to its high antioxidant capacity, we hope that it also inhibits the formation of these compounds,” Marx added.

The researchers’ secondary goal is to identify cooking methods that preserve polyphenols, which degrade when exposed to heat, light and oxygen.

For example, Marx said the team has been testing different cooking methods, looking at emerging alternatives such as air frying. 

“We want to understand how different cooking methods can affect not only the phenolic composition but also the inhibition of advanced glycation end-products and the reduction of lipid oxidation in cooked foods,” she added.

The project, involving scientists from the University of Córdoba in Spain and the University of Campinas in Brazil, has already developed an extra virgin olive oil-based cracker and is working on producing flour enriched with their novel byproduct.

In one formulation, the researchers prepared the crackers similarly to regular crackers, replacing sunflower oil with Picual extra virgin olive oil produced in the Tabernas Desert in the Andalusian province of Almería. They also swapped white flour for gluten-free chickpea flour.

Due to an early harvest, the natural genetics of the Picual variety and the climate of the Tabernas Desert, the researchers selected extra virgin olive oil with a very high polyphenol content of 1,500 milligrams per kilogram.

As a result, Marx said the sensory properties of the extra virgin olive oil crackers were distinct, with a pronounced bitterness and characteristic smell of fresh extra virgin olive oil. The researchers also tested cracker formulations using refined olive oil as a control.

They aim to create products that appeal to various consumers and are healthier alternatives to typical snack foods.

Additionally, the researchers produced crackers using chickpea flour enriched with their proprietary olive oil production byproduct. 

“To ensure phenolic enrichment of the crackers and propose an upcycling strategy for the byproducts of olive oil production, we are developing formulations with enriched chickpea flour, which can further contribute to the reduction of lipid oxidation, and which we hypothesize will also prevent the formation of advanced glycation end-products”, Marx said.

“ Our previous results in other foods, including fried potatoes and breaded chicken, showed that it was possible to reduce lipid oxidation using extra virgin olive oil and enrich the foods with antioxidant compounds using the olive production byproduct,” she added.

The Phenols4Health project is part of a broader trend in the Mediterranean of researchers searching for alternative uses for olive oil production byproducts.

A 2024 study identified freeze-dried olive powder, a byproduct of table olive production that retains phenolic compounds and monounsaturated fatty acids, as a healthy ingredient to enrich baked goods, seasonings and health supplements.

Separate initiatives have repurposed olive waste into an eclectic range of products from biofuel and bioplastic to building insulation, supercapacitors and animal feeds.

“My main objective is to develop new products… that are nutritional, sustainable and healthy, as well as to create new avenues and sources of revenue for olive oil producers, ” she said.

“These results allow us to think outside the box and propose the development of new, healthy, gluten-free snacks,” Marx concluded.

Key Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil-Based Snacks

Before we get creative with recipes, it’s important to understand why Extra Virgin Olive Oil is such a powerful addition to your snacks.

1. Rich in Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fats

Extra virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. According to the American Heart Association, monounsaturated fats help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while improving good cholesterol (HDL). Including EVOO in your snacks isn’t just indulgent; it’s a heart-friendly choice.

2. Packed with Antioxidants

EVOO contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that combats oxidative stress in your cells. Research even shows that these antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Whether you’re making olive oil granola or using it as a dipping sauce, EVOO delivers a health boost in every bite.

3. Supports Weight Management

While it does contain calories, studies suggest that EVOO supports satiety, meaning you’re likely to feel full longer after snacking. A tablespoon drizzle over roasted chickpeas or kale chips can keep mid-afternoon cravings at bay.

4. Digestive Health Benefits

EVOO improves gut health by promoting the production of beneficial gut bacteria. That makes it an excellent ingredient for digestion-friendly snacks like hand-rolled oats or yogurt parfaits with an olive oil twist.

What Are the Useful Byproducts of Olive Oil Mills?

Surprisingly, the health and culinary benefits of olive oil go beyond the oil itself. Olive oil mills generate byproducts that have often been underappreciated, but recent research has proven their value in innovative ways.

1. Olive Pomace

Olive pomace is what remains after extracting oil from olives, including the skin, pulp, and pit. While traditionally viewed as waste, it’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, and residual healthy fats. Usage in snack production could include incorporating dried olive pomace into cookies, crackers, or energy bars.

2. Olive Leaves

Often discarded, olive leaves contain a significant dose of oleuropein, a compound linked to reducing inflammation and blood pressure. Olive leaf powder can be used as a functional ingredient in herbal teas or mixed into smoothie bowls for added nutrients.

3. Olive Mill Wastewater

Though it may sound surprising, olive mill wastewater is gaining traction for its antioxidants and polyphenols. Researchers have explored dehydrated forms of the wastewater as a nutritional supplement for seasoning blends or marinades.

By harnessing these byproducts, the olive oil industry transforms potential waste into sustainable and health-packed ingredients.

How to Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Your Snacks

EVOO is versatile. Whether you’re baking, roasting, or drizzling, there’s no shortage of ways to integrate it into your snacks. Below, we’ve listed some creative ideas to inspire your next snacking session.

1. Olive Oil-Infused Granola Bars

Trade refined sugars for a touch of EVOO in your granola bar recipes. Not only does it add a beautiful, rich flavor, but the healthy fats ensure your homemade bars hold together perfectly. Combine rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit, and honey, then bind with EVOO before baking.

2. Kale Chips with Olive Oil and Spices

Kale chips make for a crunchy, guilt-free snack. Toss fresh kale with a tablespoon of EVOO, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices like paprika or garlic powder. Bake until crisp for a fiber-packed treat.

3. Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Bark

For a sophisticated take on chocolate snacks, melt dark chocolate, mix in EVOO for a glossy finish, and sprinkle with sea salt or roasted nuts. Break into bite-sized chunks once hardened.

4. Savory Olive Oil Popcorn

Goodbye butter, hello EVOO! Drizzle freshly popped corn with EVOO and top with grated Parmesan, nutritional yeast, or dried rosemary for a snack you’ll keep reaching for.

5. Veggie Hummus Platter

Boost your regular hummus recipe with a swirl of rich EVOO on top. Pair with colorful veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers for a snack that’s both filling and nutritious.

6. Energy Balls with a Twist

Mix EVOO, almond butter, honey, oats, chia seeds, and a touch of cinnamon to make no-bake energy balls. These portable snacks are perfect for pre-workout fuel.

7. Mediterranean-Style Olive Oil Crackers

Combine olive pomace with flour, salt, and EVOO to bake Mediterranean-style crackers. Serve with cheese or tapenade for the ultimate gourmet treat.

A Healthier Way to Snack

With its ability to enhance flavor while delivering impactful health benefits, extra virgin olive oil truly is a secret weapon for snack lovers. But it doesn’t stop at the oil itself. By uncovering the potential of olive oil byproducts like pomace and leaves, you can take both sustainability and nutrition to the next level.

Whether you’re drizzling EVOO over kale chips or incorporating olive leaf powder into your smoothies, the possibilities are endless for creating snacks that are healthy, indulgent, and innovative.