Olive oil has ranked No. 1 in food search rankings, recording 310,000 monthly searches out of over 25,000 food items. This figure surpasses the search volumes for popular foods such as chicken, gimbap, shabu-shabu, and coffee. When including separately tallied types of olive oil, such as "extra virgin olive oil," "pressed olive oil," and "cold-pressed olive oil," the total search volume approaches 400,000.

On September 18, Ahatrend, a consumer search data analysis firm, reported that after analyzing portal site search volumes for over 25,000 food and ingredient keywords, "olive oil" recorded the highest search volume among all foods and ingredients in August 2025. The search volume for "olive oil" increased by 20% compared to the previous month, by 109% compared to the same month last year, and by 260% compared to the same month in 2023, showing a clear upward trend over the past two to three years.

Trend of olive oil search volume analyzed by Ahatrend based on Naver search volume. Ahatrend

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The rise in olive oil searches can be attributed to growing interest in health and dieting. Dishes that use olive oil, such as salads, marinades, and pasta, have become more popular, and the "OleShot" (olive oil + lemon juice) drink has also seen increased popularity this year. Additionally, reports that many celebrities drink olive oil every morning for slow aging have further fueled demand.

Many people are showing interest in the Mediterranean diet, which uses olive oil in nearly every dish. Recipes for foods traditionally made with other oils, such as mayonnaise and bread, are now being shared using olive oil for health reasons. There is also a growing trend of drizzling olive oil, along with salt and pepper, on ice cream, or pairing sashimi with olive oil-based sauces instead of traditional vinegar or soy sauce, reflecting the expanding demand for olive oil.

Trends in major food search volumes analyzed by AhaTrend based on Naver search volumes. AhaTrend

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As interest in olive oil rises, the search data also reveals efforts to find healthier and higher-quality olive oil. Searches for "extra virgin olive oil," considered the highest grade, reached 78,000 in a single month, while searches for "cold-pressed olive oil," known for preserving flavor and aroma, have increased more than twelvefold compared to two years ago.

Ahatrend analyzed, "Unlike the many food trends that flare up and quickly fade, the long-term upward trend suggests that the surge in consumer searches for olive oil is likely to continue for the time being."