Istarska Bjelica 2026: Independent Olive Oil Polyphenol Analysis
How many polyphenols are in high-polyphenol Croatian olive oil?
An independent laboratory tested an October 2026 sample of Dalmatian Underdog Istarska Bjelica extra virgin olive oil and measured 599 mg/kg total phenols. The same report measured 544 mg/kg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and their derivatives.
The analysis was performed at the Food and Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These figures describe the tested sample, not every bottle or production batch.
Independent Laboratory Result: 599 mg/kg Total Phenols
Total phenols · Tested October 2026 harvest
Istarska Bjelica · Report 329-26 · Issued 3 November 2026
What Did the 2026 Olive Oil Polyphenol Test Measure?
| Laboratory parameter | Result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Total phenols | 599 mg/kg | Overall concentration reported using the laboratory's HPLC method and tyrosol-equivalent reporting. |
| Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and derivatives | 544 mg/kg | The specific group assessed by the laboratory in relation to the EU olive oil polyphenol health claim. |
| Oleacein (3,4-DHPEA-EDA) | 92.4 mg/kg | One of the phenolic secoiridoids quantified in the sample. |
| Oleocanthal (p-HPEA-EDA) | 67.6 mg/kg | Another quantified phenolic secoiridoid. |
| Total secoiridoids | 538.8 mg/kg | The sum in the detailed laboratory table. |
| Flavonoids | 27.9 mg/kg | Laboratory-reported flavonoid subtotal. |
Source: Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, report 329-26, pages 1–2. The 544 mg/kg figure is a designated group within the total phenolic measurement; it must not be added to 599 mg/kg.
Does This Olive Oil Meet the EU Polyphenol Health-Claim Threshold?
According to the laboratory's written assessment, yes, for the analysed sample. The report states that the concentration of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and their derivatives is above the threshold corresponding to 5 mg per 20 g of olive oil.
At the measured 544 mg/kg concentration, a 20 g serving contains approximately 10.88 mg of these compounds. The report identifies this as above the relevant compositional threshold.
EU-authorised wording: “Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.”
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 states that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 20 g of olive oil meeting the conditions of use.
This does not establish treatment or prevention of a disease. It does not guarantee the same composition in other batches or throughout storage. Product labelling and marketing must meet the applicable conditions for using the authorised claim.
What Are Oleocanthal and Oleacein in Olive Oil?
Oleocanthal and oleacein are naturally occurring olive oil phenolic compounds. In this tested Istarska Bjelica sample, the laboratory reported 67.6 mg/kg oleocanthal and 92.4 mg/kg oleacein.
These are analytical measurements, not claims that the olive oil can cure, prevent or treat health conditions. Polyphenol concentrations vary with cultivar, ripeness, harvest conditions, extraction and storage.
Is 599 mg/kg Considered High-Polyphenol Olive Oil?
The Poreč laboratory's interpretation places this analysed sample in the high phenolic concentration range, referencing published comparisons of extra virgin olive oil samples. The report also notes that phenol levels can decrease during storage.
The expression “high-polyphenol olive oil” describes the tested concentration; it is not a separate EU quality grade or organic certification.
Who Tested Dalmatian Underdog Istarska Bjelica Olive Oil?
Read the Original Four-Page Polyphenol Analysis Report
For transparency, the independent laboratory report provides the measured phenolic profile, its interpretation, analytical method and signatures. View the complete original document rather than relying only on highlighted numbers.
The laboratory document notes that reproduction without the laboratory's approval is prohibited except in its entirety. Do not crop or alter report pages if publishing the document.
How Does This Relate to the 2026 Sensory Analysis?
This polyphenol analysis evaluates chemical compounds. A separate independent sensory report on the October 2026 Istarska Bjelica recorded an overall 88/100 taste and aroma assessment, fruitiness 6.2/10, bitterness 5.7/10, pungency 6.3/10 and no detected sensory defects. These are different types of evidence and should not be treated as interchangeable.
About Dalmatian Underdog Organic Olive Oil from Zadar, Croatia
Dalmatian Underdog is produced by OPG Ivan Atelj in Zadar County, Dalmatia. Our olive groves are in the Nadin area. The tested sample is an October 2026 Istarska Bjelica olive oil; these results should not be attributed automatically to all Dalmatian Underdog oils.
Learn about our producer, product range and certification on the Organic Olive Oil from Croatia page.
Dalmatian Underdog — Made in Dalmatia.