Olives

snacks-processed

Olives

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.2

Rated by 11 diets

8 approve2 caution1 avoid
Is Olives Healthy?

Yes — Olives is broadly considered healthy. 8 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
145kcal
Protein
1g
Carbs
3.8g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3.2g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
1556mg

Diet Ratings

Keto9/10APPROVED

Olives contain ~1g net carbs per ounce and are high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Ideal keto food with excellent nutrient profile.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant fruit with no animal products. Naturally fermented or brined varieties are vegan. Excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats.

Paleo9/10APPROVED

Olives are whole fruits available to ancient Mediterranean populations. Cured olives acceptable; minimal processing. Excellent source of healthy fats.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Olives are fundamental to Mediterranean diet, providing healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Staple across all Mediterranean regions.

Carnivore2/10AVOID

Olives are fruit from a plant. Despite being fermented and containing fat, they remain plant-derived and are excluded from carnivore diet.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Olives are whole fruits explicitly allowed on Whole30. Natural fat source. Compliant whether pitted, brined, or plain.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Olives are low in fermentable carbohydrates and high in fat. Monash University confirms olives as low-FODMAP at standard serving sizes.

DASH4/10CAUTION

Olives provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, but are cured in brine with 300-400mg sodium per 10 olives. Acceptable as occasional garnish or small portion, but not a frequent snack.

Zone8/10APPROVED

Monounsaturated fat-rich, low glycemic, minimal carbohydrate. Excellent Zone fat source. Sodium content acceptable; portion control needed for caloric balance.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Olives contain oleocanthal (NSAID-like polyphenol), monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. Fermented varieties enhance probiotic potential. Sodium content notable but manageable.

GLP-1 Friendly5/10CAUTION

Low calorie and low carb, but fat content (3-4g per 5 olives) can worsen GLP-1 nausea. High sodium may increase bloating. Minimal protein (negligible). Work best as a small flavor accent rather than a primary food. Easy to digest but not nutrient-dense enough to justify frequent consumption.

Controversy Index

Score range: 29/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Olives

Keto 9/10
  • ~1g net carbs per oz
  • High in healthy fats
  • Excellent electrolyte source
Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food
  • No processing required
  • Healthy fats
Paleo 9/10
  • Whole fruit
  • Healthy monounsaturated fats
  • Minimal processing
  • Nutrient-dense
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Core Mediterranean staple
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Healthy fat source
  • High sodium in some preparations
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole fruit
  • Natural fat source
  • No excluded ingredients
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • High fat, low carbohydrate content
  • Minimal fructose or polyols
  • Standard serving 10-15 olives is well-tolerated
DASH 4/10
  • Very high sodium from curing brine
  • Excellent source of monounsaturated fats
  • Small portions only (3-5 olives as garnish)
Zone 8/10
  • Monounsaturated fat dominant
  • Low glycemic
  • Anti-inflammatory polyphenols
  • Calorie-dense requires portioning
  • oleocanthal (anti-inflammatory polyphenol)
  • monounsaturated fats
  • fermentation benefits
  • high sodium (rinse if concerned)
  • antioxidant content
  • Moderate fat content
  • Very low protein
  • High sodium
  • Low nutrient density per calorie
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Olives Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai