How polyphenols are measured

Two methods. Very different numbers.

The same olive oil can read one number by one method and nearly triple by another — here's why, and which one we trust.

The evidence, side by side

Measured, not estimated.

The identical high-phenolic olive oil, measured two ways — and labeled for what each number is actually worth.

HPLCThe gold standard

Separates and measures each polyphenol directly — the only method recognized by the International Olive Council (COI/T.20/Doc.29).

612 mg/kg

Confirmed by two independent, accredited labs within 4% — 612 mg/kg (PharmaGnose, Greece) and 635 mg/kg (Modern Olives, California).

NMRA predictive estimate

Infers a total from spectra instead of measuring compounds. Not recognized by the IOC, and can read 2–3× higher.

1,713 mg/kg

Same oil. Different math.

Same oil · same scale

HPLC · measured
612 mg/kg
635 · 2nd lab
NMR · estimated
1,713 mg/kg

See the certificates →

Why we lead with HPLC

The conservative number, every time.

A polyphenol figure is only as trustworthy as the method behind it. Here is why we build our label on HPLC — and publish NMR only for comparison.

01

It measures compounds directly

HPLC physically separates and quantifies each polyphenol — hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleocanthal, oleacein — so the number reflects molecules actually in the bottle.

02

It's the recognized method

The International Olive Council recognizes HPLC (COI/T.20/Doc.29) as the official method for measuring olive-oil biophenols — the standard accredited labs follow.

03

NMR is predictive

NMR infers totals from spectra and can read 2–3× higher for the same oil. It is useful for research — not for a number you put on a label.

04

So we publish both — and lead with the verified one

Transparency means showing the conservative, accredited number rather than the flattering one. We report NMR alongside — but our promise is the HPLC figure.

An analogy

Like Manuka honey's MGO rating.

Serious Manuka honey is graded by MGO — the actual compound measured — not a vague “activity” score, because buyers learned to trust the specific number over the marketing one.

High-phenolic olive oil is the same: ask for the HPLC number, by the IOC method, from an accredited lab.

THE NUMBER YOU CAN TRUST

Proof you can read yourself.

Phenolia Daily is built on the HPLC number — the conservative, accredited figure — with every batch certificate published for you to read. Three Greek polyphenol sources, no oil to sip, zero calories.

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