Search for olive oil in a Pakistani shop and you'll see bottles marked "extra virgin", "pure", "light" and "extra light". The names sound similar, but the oils are not. Prices can be very different too, which is why many buyers type "extra light olive oil price in Pakistan" before they choose.
Here's what extra light olive oil is, why it usually costs less than extra virgin, and how to compare prices fairly.
What does "extra light" mean?
This is the most common point of confusion. "Light" and "extra light" on an olive oil label describe the flavour and colour, not the calories or the fat. The oil is pale, with a very mild taste and little of the fruity, peppery character of extra virgin.
Extra light olive oil is usually a refined olive oil, sometimes blended with a small amount of virgin oil. Refining removes much of the strong flavour and aroma, which is why the oil tastes mild.
Two things are worth remembering:
It is not extra virgin. The word "extra" here does not mean the top grade. Extra virgin and extra light are different products with different uses and different prices.
It does not have fewer calories. Olive oil of any grade has about the same calories per spoonful as other oils. "Light" refers to the taste only.
Extra light vs extra virgin: the differences
| Extra light olive oil | Extra virgin olive oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Refined, sometimes with a little virgin oil | Mechanical extraction only, no refining |
| Flavour | Very mild, neutral | Fruity, sometimes peppery or slightly bitter |
| Colour | Pale golden | Golden to green |
| Heat | Handles higher heat better | Better kept for raw use and light cooking |
| Best for | Frying, baking, everyday cooking | Salad, roti, salan, daal, dips |
| Typical price | Usually lower | Usually higher |
A rough idea of the price
Prices change with the exchange rate, import costs and harvest, so treat any figure as a starting point. Based on current listings across Pakistani shops and online stores, here is what extra light and light olive oil generally costs:
| Size | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| 500 ml | Rs. 1,600 – Rs. 2,500 |
| 1 litre | Rs. 3,000 – Rs. 4,500 |
| 3 litre tin | Rs. 8,500 – Rs. 12,000 |
| 5 litre tin | Rs. 13,000 – Rs. 18,000 |
These are indicative ranges from current market listings. Note the date you check prices, because they move.
Why extra light olive oil usually costs less
It doesn't need the same quality of olives. Because refining removes defects in flavour, producers can use olives that wouldn't qualify for extra virgin.
It's made in larger volumes. Refined oil is a bulk product, and large tins reduce the cost per litre.
It's not sold for its flavour. You're mainly paying for a neutral cooking oil made from olives, so the price reflects that.
Import costs, shipping and the dollar rate still affect the shelf price, as they do for every imported oil.
What extra light olive oil is good for
Frying. It handles higher heat than extra virgin, which makes it a more practical choice for frying and shallow-frying.
Baking. Its mild taste won't change the flavour of cakes and breads.
Everyday cooking. For sautéing and general cooking, where you don't want the oil to taste of olives.
Where it's less suited. Because it has little aroma, it won't add flavour to salads, roti or finished dishes. For that, extra virgin olive oil is the better choice.
How to compare prices fairly: price per 100 ml
Bottle sizes vary, so don't compare sticker prices. Divide the price by the volume and multiply by 100.
Example only: a 1 litre bottle at Rs. 3,000 is Rs. 300 per 100 ml, and a 3 litre tin at Rs. 8,400 is Rs. 280 per 100 ml. The tin is cheaper per millilitre, but only worth it if you'll use it up while it's still fresh.
Compare extra light with extra light. Comparing it to an extra virgin tells you nothing.
What to check on the label
The wording. "Extra light" and "light" describe flavour. Check that the label also says it is olive oil, and see whether the ingredient list names olive oil only.
The grade. "Pure olive oil" and "olive oil" usually mean a refined and virgin blend.
A date. Look for a best-before date. Even refined oil is best used while fresh.
The packaging. A tin or dark glass protects the oil better than a clear bottle in a sunny shop window.
The seller. A seller with an address and a phone number is easier to ask questions of.
How to store it
Keep the bottle closed, in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove and from direct sunlight. Use it within the period printed on the label once opened.
Where to buy, and which Musffa Food olive oil to choose
At Musffa Food we import our olive oil and pack it in Lahore. Our Zaitoon olive oil range includes both extra virgin and extra light, so you can pick the right bottle for the job.
For raw use—salad, roti, salan and daal, where the flavour comes through—choose Zaitoon Extra Virgin. It's cold-pressed, halal certified, and sold as 100% extra virgin with nothing added.
For frying, baking and everyday cooking, choose Zaitoon Extra Light. It's 1 litre for Rs. 3,680, which works out at Rs. 368 per 100 ml. That's a fair price for a refined olive oil built for heat.
You can order online from musffafood.com with delivery across Pakistan. Check the product page for delivery charges and returns.
You can also browse our pure olive oil in Pakistan collection, plus our honey and sauces ranges.
Questions before you order? Message us on WhatsApp at 0303-4642211. We're available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
FAQs
What is the price of extra light olive oil in Pakistan?
It depends on the size and brand. Across Pakistani shops and online stores, extra light typically sells in the low-to-mid thousands of rupees per litre, usually cheaper than extra virgin. Our Zaitoon Extra Light 1 litre is Rs. 3,680.
What does extra light olive oil mean?
It describes the mild flavour and pale colour, not fewer calories. It's usually refined olive oil, sometimes with a little virgin oil added.
Is extra light olive oil the same as extra virgin?
No. Extra virgin is the top grade, made without refining and with a fruity flavour. Extra light is refined, with a neutral taste.
Does extra light olive oil have fewer calories?
No. It has about the same calories as other olive oils and cooking oils.
Can I fry with extra light olive oil?
Yes. It handles higher heat better than extra virgin, which makes it a practical choice for frying and baking.
Which olive oil should I use on salad and roti?
Extra virgin, because it keeps its flavour when used raw.
Where can I buy olive oil in Lahore?
You can order Zaitoon olive oil online from musffafood.com, or mes
