Olive That!

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you want to know about our oils, balsamics, tastings, and more. Can't find your answer? We're happy to help — reach out anytime.

Tastings & In-Store Experience

1Do you offer tastings?
Yes, and it's one of our favourite parts of the experience. We offer guided tastings at both our Whitby and Markham locations. You're welcome to taste everything before you commit to a bottle. No pressure, just great oil.
2Do I need to book ahead for a tasting?
No reservation needed for our regular guided tasting experience, just walk in during store hours. Private tasting events for groups do require advance notice; contact us to arrange.
3What does the tasting experience involve?
We'll walk you through our curated olive oil and balsamic collection, explain what you're tasting, and help you understand what sets a high-quality extra virgin olive oil apart. Think of it as a short, flavour-forward education; you'll leave with a completely different understanding of olive oil.
4Is there a cost for the tasting?
There is no charge for the guided tasting experience at either location when you stop in during regular store hours.

Olive Oil Quality & Sourcing

1What makes your olive oils different from grocery store oils?
Most grocery store olive oils are blended, mass-produced, and often months or years old by the time they reach the shelf. Our oils are harvest-fresh, single-varietal, and lab-tested for polyphenol content, acidity, and peroxide levels — the markers that determine whether an oil truly qualifies as extra virgin. We source from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres so we always have oils from the most recent harvest available.
2What does "extra virgin" actually mean?
Extra virgin is the highest classification for olive oil, but the label alone doesn't guarantee quality. Legally, an EVOO must meet strict chemical standards — low free fatty acidity and low peroxide levels — and pass a sensory evaluation. Many oils labelled "extra virgin" fail one or both of these tests. All of our EVOOs are independently lab-tested and meet or exceed the international standard.
3What are polyphenols and why do they matter?
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in olive oil. Higher polyphenol content is associated with greater health benefits and a more robust, complex flavour. Our product information includes polyphenol counts so you can make an informed choice based on both taste and nutrition.
4Where do your oils come from?
We source from both hemispheres to ensure year-round access to fresh-harvest oils. Northern Hemisphere sources include Spain and Italy; Southern Hemisphere sources include Chile, Peru, and South Africa.
5How fresh are your oils?
All of our oils are from the most recent harvest available. Crush dates are always made available so you know exactly when the oil was made.

Products & What We Carry

1What types of products do you carry?
We carry 70+ artisan products including single-varietal extra virgin olive oils, fused and infused olive oils, dark balsamic vinegars, white and honey balsamics, wine vinegars, truffle oils, and globally & locally sourced gourmet pantry items.
2What's the difference between fused and infused olive oils?
Fused oils are made by crushing fresh ingredients — like citrus or chili peppers — together with the olives at the time of pressing. The flavour becomes part of the oil itself. Infused oils are made by combining a finished olive oil with natural flavours after pressing. Both are delicious; fused oils tend to have a more integrated, vibrant flavour, especially noticeable with our spicy fused oils.
3Do you carry locally sourced products?
Yes. In addition to our internationally sourced oils and vinegars, olives, tapenades and more, we carry a selection of gourmet pantry items like honeys, mustards, and jams, sourced from local Ontario producers.
4Do your products expire?
Olive oil is best consumed within 12–18 months of the crush date, and balsamic vinegars have a very long shelf life when stored properly. We recommend keeping both your oils and vinegars sealed airtight when not in use, and away from heat and direct light. Use them regularly — they're meant to be enjoyed, not saved for special occasions.

Ordering Online & Shipping

1Do you ship?
Yes, we ship to most of Canada through our online store at olivethat.ca. Browse our full product selection and place your order online. For details on rates and delivery times, see our Shipping Policy.
2Can I order online and pick up in store?
Yes — local pickup is available at our Whitby location. Select the pickup option at checkout and we'll have your order ready.
3What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards online, and e-transfer in lieu of Visa Debit. In store, we accept all major credit, and debit cards.
4Why is shipping more expensive to remote areas of Canada?
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are heavy, fragile products that require careful packaging to arrive safely. Shipping costs reflect the weight and handling requirements, and for more remote areas of Canada, carrier rates are simply higher. We do our best to keep shipping costs reasonable. See our Shipping Policy for current rates by region.

Gift Certificates

1Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes — Olive That! gift certificates are available in denominations from $25 to $200 and make a thoughtful gift for any food lover. Purchasing online generates an instant digital gift certificate that can be forwarded directly to your recipient. If you'd prefer a physical gift certificate — whether to present in person or have mailed to your recipient — purchase in store or contact us by phone or email and we'll take care of it.
2Do gift certificates expire?
Gift certificates purchased directly from Olive That! do not expire and can be used toward any product in store or online, except toward the purchase of another gift certificate.
3Can a gift certificate be used at both locations?
Yes, gift certificates are valid at both our Whitby and Markham locations, as well as online.

Locations & Parking

1Where are you located?
We have two locations:

Whitby: 20 Broadleaf Avenue, Whitby, ON L1R 0B5
Markham: 9560 Markham Road, Markham, ON L6E 0V1
2What are your hours?
Whitby:
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Monday: Closed

Markham:
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed
3Is there parking?
Yes — both locations offer free parking. The Markham store has parking in the condo lot directly in front of the store. The Whitby store also has free parking on site.
4Are your locations wheelchair accessible?
Both locations can accommodate customers with accessibility needs. We recommend calling ahead if you have any concerns and we'll make sure your visit is comfortable and easy.

Wedding Favours & Bulk Orders

1Do you offer wedding favours?
Yes — our artisan olive oils and balsamics make beautiful, memorable wedding favours. We work with couples to select products that suit their taste and budget. Learn more about wedding favours or come in for a tasting and we'll walk you through the options.
2Can we do a tasting before committing to a favour order?
Absolutely. We encourage it. Come in to either location and we'll walk you through the options most popular for favours. We want to make sure that you and your guests will enjoy and talk about these favours for a long time!
3Do you offer discounts for bulk or wedding favour orders?
We offer pricing for larger orders, and our wedding favour service goes beyond just the product. Every order includes detailed flavour labels, cello wrap, and ribbon — fully finished favours, ready to place on your tables. Reach out directly, or fill out the favour form here and we'll put together a recommendation based on your guest count.
4How far in advance should we place a favour order?
We recommend reaching out at least 6-8 weeks before your event to ensure availability and allow time for any custom arrangements.

Taste Before You Buy

Visit us in Whitby or Markham for a guided tasting experience. Taste everything, ask anything, and leave with an oil you'll love.

Visit Whitby
Visit Markham