The Squeeze Bottle Scam: What They’re Not Telling You

We didn’t plan to pick a fight with half the olive oil industry—but here we are.

Because lately, something alarming is happening: more and more brands are putting olive oil in plastic squeeze bottles.

It might look cool. It might be convenient. But it’s a problem. And it’s one worth talking about—for your health and the planet.

The Health Risk: Microplastics in Your Olive Oil

Here’s the short version: plastic breaks down. And when it does, it releases microplastics—tiny particles that can leach into your food, especially when exposed to heat.

Olive oil is particularly vulnerable. It’s fatty, which means it absorbs these toxins easily. When you store it in a plastic bottle (especially in a warm kitchen), you're not just getting olive oil—you’re getting microplastics too.

Once inside your body, microplastics can disrupt hormones, inflame your gut, and even show up in places they definitely shouldn’t—like your blood, lungs, and placenta.

Is that really worth a squeeze-top?

The Environmental Cost: Billions of Plastic Bottles

Let’s zoom out. Every day, Americans throw away over 60 million plastic bottles. That’s 22 billion a year.

Many don’t get recycled. Some end up in landfills. Others break down into oceans and waterways, becoming part of the growing global microplastic crisis.

And yes—those trendy new olive oil bottles? They’re part of the problem.

Meanwhile, major grocery chains keep making it harder to recycle, while advertising campaigns make it easier to ignore the damage.

What You Can Do

At TVO, we believe in purity—from harvest to bottle.

That’s why we package our olive oil in dark glass bottles, not plastic. It protects the oil. It protects you. And it’s better for the planet.

So if you care about what you put in your body—and the kind of world you leave behind—ditch the plastic squeeze bottles.

Choose quality. Choose consciousness. Choose The Virgin Organic.