Extra virgin is unrefined olive oil that hasn't been processed. On the other hand, refined olive oil is usually a blend of virgin olive oil and refined olive oil.

Regular olive oil has been heated and filtered to remove imperfections while dulling its taste. It's more common to find blends because 100% refined olive oil isn't sold in stores.

EVOO is considered the best quality as the oil must contain a free acidity of less than 0.8%. EVOO contains fewer free fatty acids which results in a different taste.

Extra virgin oil retains more flavor from the harvested olives and is yellower in color while refined oil is more colorless with a milder flavor.

Refined oil has a higher smoke point than EVOO, but contrary to popular belief, high-quality EVOO also has a high smoke point, and even lower-quality EVOO can withstand cooking.